John
Another from Scheyville.

“- the RAF in the days we had a proper air force – Cans, Vulcs, Shacks, Victors, Lightnings, Hunters, Buccs, etc.”
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– just blowlamps bar one. What about Beverleys, Hastings, Varsitys, Valettas, “Twin & Single Pins”?

In a restorationof this magnitude it is often beneficial to delay certain crucial decisions. This is not through procrastination but because solutions do occur. In the life of this project things have happened which could have moved it along a lot faster. On completion of the restoration of the centre section Robert found a complete usable one with many of the missing parts which we had made. Last year we found the correct oil coolers. Only yesterday I had photos of the latest finds in Oz. Tank bay doors, wing fillets, flaps, “beetle backs”, etc, many of which we have made.

With engines and wheels we have options. Wheels tyres & brake units will probably be replaced by something more modern, the first trial items arrive from the US next month.
Alternative arrangements have been made to fit the Hercules 216 with Hastings props., if original engines are not found. Propellers – Only this week two three blade hubs have been found which will give up clues to the manufacture of same.

So its an ever changing picture which forum members can be part of. Keep your eyes peeled, if you hear of any leads please give a call.

The finish on the aircraft is purely a primer to protect the aircraft from corrosion. Rather than have a yellow or grey finish the opportunity was taken to tint the primer to represent the RAAF colour. The match was made with the colour on some original unused flaps and wing tips that came with the project. The added “touch” was to apply roundels and serials.

And yes, it will be on “Legends” flightline next year if all goes well with our plans!

Looking at the drive it is Merlin driven.

Is there anybody out there who would like to help with TFC restorations and maintenance? Preferably with A & C.

— been appropriate to have converted the Oz spec wing to British spec rather than vice versa- or does the DAP built wing have advantages over the earlier wing

As they say on TV – “good question”.
The Oz wing is to a superior build standard throughout. Leading edge ribs pressed instead of fabricated, gun bay/fuel tank bay door metal in place of wood, aileron shrouds in metal as opposed to a mix of wood and metal, stringers extended to full span of outer wing, hiduminium 90 degree rivets as opposed to a mix of 120 degree magnesium and hiduminium rivets. Better fixing of underwing removable panels, modified landing lamp bay plus many more practical items.
Our British wing was very tired having seen lots of flying and repairs, with many rivet holes opened up from 1/8″ to 5/32″ with a 120 degree rivet making it very unsightly. When we opened it up we also found the remains of the radar aerial system still in place but with scab patches covering the apertures.
Hope it all makes sense.