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Post by Andy Wright on Sept 11, 2011 21:44:27 GMT 12
No worries at all, Baz.
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Post by corsair67 on Sept 11, 2011 23:13:13 GMT 12
Great story and photos there, Baz - you really do look like a pig in mud in some of those shots. I guess there were no lonely, unloved Corsairs hiding in the back of the shed, were there?
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Post by Tony on Sept 12, 2011 15:08:43 GMT 12
I guess there were no lonely, unloved Corsairs hiding in the back of the shed, were there? Lonely maybe but never unloved.... Bas - great thread and enjoy re-reading it. The one thing that struck me is that your kitset looks nearly as accurate as the Airfix model
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Post by agalbraith on Sept 12, 2011 15:33:59 GMT 12
Aaaah haha yes actually the Airfix one looks easier to build too! Mind you, at the rate he is building his Avenger model there is no hope for the Auster!!!
May as well give it to me Baz....
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Post by baz62 on Sept 12, 2011 20:50:15 GMT 12
Oh funnnny.............so how much of the T7 has been put together?? Oh sorry you finished it, here's Anthony flying his T7................oh no what ARE those on his wheels. Spats? Ooooo la laaah Big thanks to Mit! You are de man!
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Post by agalbraith on Sept 12, 2011 21:25:20 GMT 12
Oh man, you guys are a laugh a minuite!!!! Mit, I cant believe you stooped to Baz's level!
Still looks better than yours, even with spats.....
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Post by baz62 on Sept 13, 2011 15:56:36 GMT 12
Just in case anyone is wondering are we deadly Auster enemies, far from it. We are all mates and it is all friendly rivalry. We want to see both our projects look the best and with a combined effort should turn out at least one good looking Auster. Ha ha.
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Post by flyjoe180 on Sept 14, 2011 18:02:55 GMT 12
So will you be putting spats on yours Baz? Fancy trousers, more weight, good for collecting hay, but you can get half a knot more out of her
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Post by baz62 on Sept 14, 2011 19:30:25 GMT 12
So will you be putting spats on yours Baz? Fancy trousers, more weight, good for collecting hay, but you can get half a knot more out of her I made Teresa laugh as I reckoned putting spats on our Auster was like a man wearing a dress! I don't know there's something that doesn't look right to me. i actually don't like Cherokees with spats either especially the 140s. I reckon they look more workman like if that's the word I'm looking for?
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Post by flyjoe180 on Sept 15, 2011 16:42:36 GMT 12
Makes sense to me, I don't like spats either. Except on the Stuka.
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Post by baz62 on Sept 20, 2011 15:04:16 GMT 12
Well a slight change in plans. I was beginning the tedious task of clearing out the garage to turn into a workshop. Then move the fuselage in and transfer the wings and the other parts to a smaller (and cheaper) storage unit. However I spied a hangar for rent/lease at Rangiora airfield and I went out there on Saturday to meet the owner. A Tiger Moth was recently restored in there so at least the owner didn't mind a workshop environment in the hangar. After some serious thinking and talking it over with Anthony and Teresa I have rented (or agreed to rather, nothing signed yet) half of this hangar: (See the join in the concrete floor heading towards the back of the hangar? Its only visible because the earthquake in February opened it up!!) Yeah I know it is hard to gauge size but the object to the extreme right is a wing stand and the top comes up to about shoulder height on me. you can easily fit 2 Cessna 172 size aircraft in so my Auster with the wings off is no problem in one half of the space. Anthony may look at joining me at some stage. I'm also looking at some Dexion shelving followed by a work bench so i can make a start. I might need some helping hands to move the Auster(yes AGAIN) if the previous helpers aren't available but I'll let you know as it won't be happening til early October. EDIT: Here you go: 15m wide x 10m deep, open door height 3.1m
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Post by Tony on Sept 22, 2011 22:13:30 GMT 12
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Post by baz62 on Sept 22, 2011 22:20:45 GMT 12
Paging Anthony Galbraith..........ha ha. Nice bit of history there thanks for posting it macfire. ;D
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Post by agalbraith on Sept 22, 2011 22:25:17 GMT 12
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Post by Dave Homewood on Sept 22, 2011 23:08:04 GMT 12
Maybe you can move your modelling bench into the hangar and the dogs can have their bedroom back?
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Post by baz62 on Sept 23, 2011 6:04:15 GMT 12
Gee theres a lot of flak over the target...........namely me! I would replywith a snappy come back but Anthony has organised a new rear canopy for my Auster. However once I have it all bets are off ha ha. Sorry Dave the modelling desk became my son's computer desk and I gave it to him when he moved out. Don't worry, Copper isn't knawing on the Skyhawk or the Avenger, they are safe and sound under our bed.
Oh and I laughed when I read this "used" description for the propeller on Ebay that Mr Galbraith so helpfully found!
"Used: An item that has been previously used. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or shop return that has been used. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections"
Ha ha cosmetic imperfections......good one! ;D
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Post by baz62 on Oct 5, 2011 14:02:50 GMT 12
Greetings all. Just a small update. Slowly started moving the Auster into my hangar (didn't think I'd be saying that!) with the biggest move (fuselage and wings) probably in a week or two. The fun bit so far has been chasing down the parts I haven't got. Not that its a huge list. So far its one strut (one of mine is U/S), right hand LONG undercarriage leg and one wing fuel tank(think I need the right one). The strut isn't too hard as you can get them made now whereas they used to be like gold or really expensive to get made. I have been chatting with another Auster owner in Australia who restored a J5F like mine but sold it and is now restoring a J2. He has a right hand leg so am waiting to hear what he wants for it and how much to get it here. Maybe a friendly Air New Zealand/Pacific Blue/Jetstar might bring it back over the Tasman for me................. ;D ;D I've also heard about a crash damaged Auster J1B which has the same tanks as mine so that's a possibility too. Anthony is up in the north Island on business and is also mining for Auster parts for both of us. Looks like he is doing alright so far as he has got me a top rear canopy (brand new) and an altimeter. I won't say what he has got hold of as i don't quite believe it myself yet!! I'll let Anthony tell the story!
I've also been buying a few tools to make life easier including an air compressor which came with an air tool kit. Some of it I wouldn't use but I'll be set for riveting once I get the right attachment. Not that there's a huge amount on an Auster, just the nose cowlings, the forward fuselage cowl (from the firewall back) and the flaps. Next on the shopping list is some shelves and a workbench. I've been eyeing stuff on Trademe but some of the prices are up there considering you can get new shelving from Supercheap for less. You couldn't make some of this stuff cheaper! Once I have myself set up I'll post some photos.
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Post by ZacYates on Oct 5, 2011 18:38:00 GMT 12
Great stuff Baz! I know i will follow this thread with much interest, especially as my own project moves ahead. Photos and updatez please :-) !
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Post by baz62 on Oct 9, 2011 10:10:37 GMT 12
Ok Saturday I'm moving the Auster (again!) hopefully for the last time. I'm gradually moving the smaller bits out to the hangar so she will be all moved in before the end of the month. I may be changing the Gypsy Major from the 130HP 1C to the military 143HP 10-2 version. Basically the engines are the same except for high compression pistons, alloy heads, bigger throat Carb to name a few changes. Same conrods (although I think there is a mod needed at the gudgeon end)crank, cylinders, crankcase. And there is no problem using it in a J5 so no paperwork wars needed. Apart from a small increase in power there is also a weight saving as those bronze cylinder heads are really heavy!! Anthony came back from his trip to the North Island and one of the items he came back with is this top rear canopy for my Auster. Its virtually new and had been put on an Auster being rebuilt but then got removed so the fabric could be replaced. So now i need some advice: Whats the best way to remove the now hardened sealant from around the edges without damaging the perspex? And what is the best way to clean the perspex? Warm soapy water? Here's some photos: It was certainly packed well! Here it is, hard to photograph something that's see through!
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Post by Bruce on Oct 9, 2011 11:15:10 GMT 12
Prepsol (wax and grease remover) is pretty good for taking old sealant off. Its safe for acrylic. Clean it with Meguiars Perspex cleaner (available at Super Cheap auto). Most glass cleaners are also OK, so long as they don't contain any ammonia.
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