Any suggestions as to how I can cut 3mx2m sheets of 0.7mm aluminium sheeting into smaller panels. I was going to use a commercial guillotine that could take these sizes but I have now been advised that it is it now not available to me. I see that commercial guillotines are about £1,000 and I cant afford to spend that on a one off item. Clearly it would be easier if I could do the cutting in my garage so that I can make sure everything fits but the thought of 2m long straight lines being cut with a hand snips fills me with dread. Don’t suggest commercial firms or schools and colleges. What I need to know is are there alternative means of cutting this type of material!!

Hi Robert

Go and find your local engineering jobbing shop. Just ask them to cut your aluminium sheet to size. Several of my local’s here in Essex have done this for me in the past for cash.

Just a thought,

Canada still is a haven for extinct or rare aircraft types, but the restoration record needs to be improved (constructive critisism
chaps).

Cheers

Cees

I think the Canadian Halifax restoration speaks volumes about what is possible with the skills. Anything is possible with the right team, facilities, and funding.

Anyone got a spare 1 1/2″ flare pistol mounting bracket? Also in need of a A.M (Spitfire) Crowbar, any help would be greatly appreciated.

Hello Austernj673

I faced the same search for a crowbar for the Hornet and Vampire myself, and being unable to find one, I am making a small batch of spitfire type crowbars shortly. I borrowed an original and made a drawing. The steel has already been bought, and these will be made in the correct 3 pieces and right sizes of material. I should have several sets of clips too.

Please send me your contact details to: [email]dcollins103@hotmail.com[/email]
and we’ll see if I can help you?

Thanks Roger,

I will check this out. I don’t think there has been an exhaustive list yet, as a couple of Hunter cockpits I can name still have their ATC/CCF histories clouded in mystery.

Shac v’s Lanc?

Just a few questions:

A/ How much would it cost to restore a Lancaster to flight under CAA rules, compared with a Shackleton? Bear in mind both would need re-sparring.

B/ Which would you rather see fly?

C/ Which would have the greater appeal on the public to assist in funding its future operation?

Hi Cirrus 6

I don’t know what they had then, but if you look on Google maps now, you can see a Phantom on the Eastern end of the main runway, and a Harrier GR3 on the South of the airfield in a dispersal. No sign of Vixens though.

One thing is for certain, taking WW2 as a reference point, that as every generation passes these events can become less real in the next generations minds.

I knew my grandad for 18 years. He had been in the RAF from 39-45. This has probably greatly influenced the period of history I am interested in. Others who may have relatives who served in the Falklands, or more recently in the Middle East would probably have a stronger interest/personal link to Harriers/Tornado’s for example.

Are these lancaster sections now at Brooklands then?