I use a fine twine as a basis……and then build up a thin layer of Metallic. I smooth it with my finger and then use a sharp side of a file to make multiple grooves – it is very hard and resistant…..Paul Cole (another Hurri nut) has done stuff too.

Early Dunlop grips used a thermoset bakelite covering which (I think) was created on a wax proof backing and then wrapped around the grip and sealed with a hot iron. Later grips put down a thin, fine (I mean Egyptian cotton fine) fabric first and then the thermoset type covering on top.
Many in service repairs (particularly later Spit grips where the tubes in the left hand side (as seen by pilot) move/flex and break the covering have string wrapped around and then secured in place with some kind of varnish (or for modern use painted on resin).
The best replica covering I have ever seen has been done by Roy Bonser.

Up to the Tornado GRI, Dunlop still used the same grip finish.

I am getting looks here…like why don’t you sell yours!!! History is priceless IMO!!
Thanx for the link Eddie…amused me!

cool listening to the auction live!!

I respect your experience and view point. I lost my cousin to the IRA and feel like crap everytime we lose a serviceman or woman.

The Griffin Trust website is very old and not been updated for ages.
I cannot believe that so much heritage effort is likely to go to waste at Hooton.

I do not fall for politician lies at all. I did not come down with the last snowfall!
Do you not think that by removing IEDs in that village they are only saving their own lives? Does it not have a benefit to the locals too?
Peace keeping is more and more a soldier’s role nowadays….true they are trained to kill.
Granted it is a nightmare and telling who are the bad guys is difficult but what else would you do? Just bring our guys home and leave them to it?
Should we just turn our back on them? Leave them to the Taliban coming back with their oppression? Do I have a solution? Nope. Wish I did.

Sorry but we will have to agree to disagree.

I must be in a minority but, whilst I understand the wish to get them home out of harm’s way, I feel they are doing a very good job and saving lives.

It is also brilliant to see how important helicopters are to them.

I have said this before, but if you get the chance, go to the Church at Parham and see where they are buried…..it is an amazingly tranquil setting.

It was a joy to watch them. I don’t believe in league tables of pilots. Sometimes a pilot fits an aircraft or a routine in a way that stands out….they make it their own….that was Ray and the Spitfire…..a bit like Ayrton Senna in a McLaren, Stefan Karowski in the Bearcat, Brian May and the ‘Red Special’, Bob Hoover and the Shrike Commander,