MOTAT

[corsairarm]

Has anyone got any updated photos of the aircraft particularly of the shifting from one hangar to the new one or getting the flying boats into the new building. I would say that would be very interesting to watch.

[pjw4118]

Nothing has moved into the new hangar yet . Our latest briefing was that the existing hangared a/c will be pushed back into the new part while repairs and lighting are done to the old building. When thats done they will return pretty much back to their previous places . Once the Solent is repainted and the Sunderland repaired they will go into the new hangar and the other a/c put around them. Target for completion of the move is late summer 2012.
The displays will also be revamped over a five year period with the BCA being upgraded over the next couple of months.

[corsairarm]

Will the site still be reopened in September?
Also, excuse my ignorance, but what is the BCA?
As I visited Airforce World last week I have downloaded some photos that Ron Wilson may be interested in so please let him know they are here.




I hope they are of help to him.

Cheers

[Dave Homewood]

BCA is the New Zealand Bomber Command Association, which Peter is the secretary and right hand man of.

[Tony]

What Avenger is that?
27 or 39?

[Dave Homewood]

That would be NZ2504 (which is displayed as NZ2521). It is at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand.

[Deleted]

I hope that current and former Wigram staff will forgive my asking this, was 2504 comprehensively restored before going on display? Some of the tubing looks decidedly rusty and personally I don't feel it gels with the pristine condition of the rest of the aircraft exterior

[obiwan27]

Hi Zac,

Paul Harrison (tbf2504), is probably best qualified to answer your question but as far as I recall the restoration was largely confined to the external appearance of the aircraft (Hence my involvement in 'the painstripping crew' back in the day)and restoring the cockpit area.

Along with this were getting the engine running and hydraulic systems in working order but if anything did not require doing it was left as 'original'.

If the wings were left unfolded, people would be none the wiser. I think the Air Force Museum has a constrained budget at the best of times and would have done the best possible within the constraints of the time.

Once the decsion was made to instal the turret after the repaint in target tug colours, then again it came down to a largely cosmetic job as far as I know. Others more well acquainted with the project will no doubt be able to provide more info.

In service back in the day I'm not sure how pristine the aircraft would have been in those areas in any case. Bearing in mind that the aircraft was outside in the elments as a gate guardian all those years it has stood up pretty well.

[baz62]

Like Ken (Obiwan) I was on the initial team and he is correct the restoration, including the second one which installed the turret and repainted her in WW2 markings as NZ2521 was in the main an external restoration. The aircraft was never taken apart to any major degree, which may have to happen in the future. I recall in 1980 finding super-phosphate from the top dressing trials in 1949 in the tailcone where the tailhook used to reside.
The rust visible is surface only but like all corrosion if left untreated will get worse. I do know (and I'm sure Barf will confirm this) that the aircraft are inspected and defects recorded if found. The wing fold area that has been photographed is a time capsule in itself having never been touched apart from replacing the hydraulic hoses (which kept on blowing when we tried to fold the wings!! Eventually cured that issue!) and replacing o-rings in some valves.
The white vertical handle is used to manually unlock the wings to fold them if the hydraulics aren't being used.. We did this before the hydraulics were operational and was quite spectacular as the wing swung down under its own weight. You wouldn't want to be in the way!
The two hoses which kept on blowing are visible on the right taped together. I recall the hoses were pressure tested before installation an were ok in a straight line but when installed as seen here with a pronounced curve then they blew.

[Tony]

Is MoTaT's One NZ2527?
If I recall this was the one from a Rotorua playground?

[corsairarm]

Yes it is from the Rotorua playground. I posted the photos in the hope that it may help MoTaT in the restoration of this area. I must say I didn't notice the rust when I took the photos due to the lighting in the hangar. It is certainly not conducive to taking photos, especially with my camera

[Deleted]

Thanks guys, I didn't want to cause any offense to the restoration team, just wanted to ask Much appreciated.

[pjw4118]

Lancaster Back on Its Wheels

After over two decades on stands, NX665 is back on its wheels





The aircraft will be moved back while repairs to the original hangars are carried out and new display areas constructed.



The new hangar is really huge. Note the scale against the person on the left. The aircraft are temporarily positioned for cleaning.



Outside a major effort is on to get the Solent and Sunderland ready for indoors.



Reopening is due mid September and the offer for forum members to help with aircraft polishing may be taken up.

[ErrolC]

Jun 18, 2011 17:37:22 GMT 12 pjw4118 said:

Lancaster Back on Its Wheels

After over two decades on stands, NX665 is back on its wheels
<snip>

Reopening is due mid September and the offer for forum members to help with aircraft polishing may be taken up.

Thanks for the update. Polishing sounds like my skill level!

[corsair67]

Dave, maybe you can arrange the next WoNZ forum gathering as a spit and polish afternoon at MoTaT?

[Dave Homewood]

That is a good idea. Do you want to arrange something Peter, and set a time and day for volunteers to come along and muck in? Whether or not I can make it along is another thing, but feel free to make use of the enthuisatic labour force you can muster here Peter.

The PlaneTalk Forum have regular meet ups at Old Warden where they have become the regular volunteer force who clean and polish all the lovely old aircraft in the Shuttleworth Collection and other private collections on that airfield.

[Deleted]

That is an awesome idea! Hopefully it will coincide wih days off for me so I can attend.

[Tony]

Jun 20, 2011 21:29:23 GMT 12 @zacyates said:

That is an awesome idea! Hopefully it will coincide wih days off for me so I can attend.

Ditto
If I am off, I am certainly interested

[alanw]

If you could do it any day, other than Sundays
I'll be there!!! ;D ;D ;D

[flyjoe180]

I am not adverse to sanding, painting, washing or polishing for a good cause. Just have to align the planets and stars.