Time for an update on this. Since last time, our focus continued to be on clean-out of all loose fuselage parts and on building a new, more permanent frame into which the fuselage would be lifted for continued restoration work.
This is the cockpit mockup with more of the parts installed. Since last time, some of the hydraulic tubing was installed from underneath and the trim indicator was installed. I also reinforced the curved sidewalls for a better appearance and for the possible future addition of the instrument panel. Also visible are some of the copper grounding strips. The one below the trim indicator ultimately attaches to the throttle quadrant.
The frame in which the fuselage had been placed is inadequate in that it is too low for practical use and there is inadequate support to enable the removal of temporary bracing across the bomb bay. We therefore set about producing a steel tubular frame with more robust supports. Here you can see a series of pics showing the frame being assembled.
Once assembled, we set about getting the various pieces of kit ready for lifting the fuselage into the new frame.
Last Saturday, the team successfully lifted the fuselage out of the old frame into the new one. Unfortunately I wasn't present for the lift, which may have been a contributing factor to its success
The empty fuselage is a surprisingly light 700 lbs so, with the 400 or so pounds of additional rigging, the lift was easily handled with a forklift.
And you are now up to date. Now that April is upon is, our first public display events will soon be upon is so the work achieved over the winter has put us in a great position to show off our work so far.