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Post by emron on Jun 22, 2023 13:45:30 GMT 12
Getting back to another job after almost a year, I decided to make the two missing brackets for the tail trolley. I chose some lighter metal and much easier to shape. tail_trolley_brackets by Ron Wilson, on Flickr The first of the four flotation blocks trimmed and ready for covering in fabric. Foam plastic a substitute for the original cork slabs. flotation_block_2 by Ron Wilson, on Flickr
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Post by emron on Jun 28, 2023 21:30:58 GMT 12
I took the gun carrier down to the Sunderland for a trial fit in the mount frames which we overhauled and re-fitted some years ago. It wouldn’t fit on either side correctly and I realised that a critical bracket had been bolted onto the wrong side of each. I removed both brackets. They form the stops that limit the arc of fire of the gun and once I had reversed them the carrier lined up with the port bracket only which confirms we have a port side carrier assembly. The front and rear attachment parts for the carrier were painted last time and today all attached along with a borrowed gunsight makes the assembly mostly complete. carrier_fittings by Ron Wilson, on Flickr port_gun_carrier by Ron Wilson, on Flickr
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Post by planecrazy on Jun 29, 2023 10:24:54 GMT 12
Planning on visiting this Saturday after lunch if any forumites happen to be around be great to say hello.
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MOTAT
Jun 29, 2023 12:47:08 GMT 12
via mobile
Post by corsairarm on Jun 29, 2023 12:47:08 GMT 12
If you could make it Sunday as the volunteers are there then. I'll be in the Sunderland in the morning.
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MOTAT
Jun 29, 2023 18:46:07 GMT 12
Post by planecrazy on Jun 29, 2023 18:46:07 GMT 12
If you could make it Sunday as the volunteers are there then. I'll be in the Sunderland in the morning. Thank you, sadly has to be Saturday as have other plans, all good, haven't been since 2005 when the Sunderland was still outside.
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Post by emron on Jul 2, 2023 20:42:30 GMT 12
I finished the service job on the port gun mount, sanded and re-greased the locating pin that now slides smoothly and secures the frame against the hatch sill, removed paint over-spray from the power socket for the sight and swapped it to the correct side of its backing plate. I also fitted the correct bracket. So that’s now ready to accept the carrier back again. I did the same cleaning for the starboard frame and will fit its bracket next time. This beam gun assembly was designed by Nash and Thompson along with the other gunnery equipment on the plane. It's their model FN88 and I gather built specifically for the Sunderland. They must have used some components common to US Navy and Army aircraft gun mount adapters but otherwise much more rugged construction. Here’s an extract from an official RNZAF photo that shows one in action. LbG5525-62 by Ron Wilson, on Flickr My next challenge is to make a copy of the big charging lever and chain drive that manually retracts the cocking pin and is built on to the receiver side plate. Once again, quite different to the standard handle and slider fitted to the AN-M2 gun.
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MOTAT
Jul 9, 2023 14:23:39 GMT 12
Post by corsairarm on Jul 9, 2023 14:23:39 GMT 12
flic.kr/ps/3ioru3Sorry folks Just trying to use flickr for the first time and the download hasn't worked. Back to the drawing board.
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Post by Brett on Jul 9, 2023 14:57:48 GMT 12
Here is the Flickr photo that corsairarm was trying to post. The instructions on how to post from Flickr are now slightly outdated. I'll try to update the instruction thread. 128 by Richard Cornwall, on Flickr
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MOTAT
Jul 9, 2023 16:28:37 GMT 12
Post by corsairarm on Jul 9, 2023 16:28:37 GMT 12
Thankyou Brett.
This photo was taken in March 2013 and was at the start of its outside restoration.
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Post by corsairarm on Jul 9, 2023 17:15:41 GMT 12
This photo was taken only two weeks ago. What a difference ten years makes.Notice the restored gun turret What you also notice is that there is no cumbersome stairs. These were a distraction for people wanting to take photos so new stairs were purchased that can be easily moved away and stored. They are only out when we are working inside which is every Sunday and Wednesday. Mike and I are working in the front compartment getting it ready for painting which hopefully wont be too far away. 20230621_125649 by Richard Cornwall, on Flickr Apologies about the photo quality. I tend to use my Phone now instead of my camera. Might have to go back to the camera.
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Post by emron on Jul 10, 2023 16:19:11 GMT 12
While Richard and Mike have been powering through the cleaning and paint of the bow compartment, I’ve been working down the back in the rear compartment which they’ve already finished painting, making my way forward and fitting out the equipment as I go. One of the not so soft furnishings is almost ready for riveting, the new made gun charger lever assembly for the left-hand receiver side plate of the 0.5” Browning. port_receiver_side_plate by Ron Wilson, on Flickr
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MOTAT
Jul 10, 2023 17:44:13 GMT 12
Post by baz62 on Jul 10, 2023 17:44:13 GMT 12
Great work guys and she does look fantastic in her new clothes.
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MOTAT
Jul 11, 2023 9:56:48 GMT 12
baz62 likes this
Post by davidd on Jul 11, 2023 9:56:48 GMT 12
That is a VERY big job in progress!
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Post by planecrazy on Jul 16, 2023 20:48:43 GMT 12
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MOTAT
Jul 16, 2023 21:45:25 GMT 12
Post by campbellbox on Jul 16, 2023 21:45:25 GMT 12
I like it. How did you manage it?
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Post by planecrazy on Jul 17, 2023 12:47:47 GMT 12
I like it. How did you manage it? Put my camera on a mono pod and use self timer, put it up in the air and hopefully get the framing correct, can be a bit hit and miss.
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Post by planecrazy on Jul 17, 2023 12:55:00 GMT 12
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Post by emron on Jul 19, 2023 15:57:12 GMT 12
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MOTAT
Jul 19, 2023 19:00:33 GMT 12
Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 19, 2023 19:00:33 GMT 12
The Dakota looks superb in the sunshine!
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Post by emron on Jul 19, 2023 21:07:49 GMT 12
Credit to Gabby and Max for their patience and thoroughness during the prep-work on the undercarriage, props and cowls, which has assured the pleasing finish to the new paint on these items.
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