WA591 - Forward Fuselage
Initially thought to be in good condition, closer examination in 2003 showed evidence of significant corrosion. This was rectified by volunteers at RAF Brize Norton who over an extended period carried out significant repairs including the replacement of the forward cockpit floor and returned the fuselage to the Yatesbury fully paint stripped and reprimed with anticorrosive paint.
September, 2007
Some significant progress has taken place restoring the hydraulic systems of the forward fuselage. A number of other smaller components have also been re-installed such as the rudder controls and work is progressing on fitting the teleflex for the cockpit control runs. The photos in the section below include some posted out of sequence showing progress on the reconstruction of the internal hydraulics and control runs. Rear Cockpit, Aug 2007 |
 Rear cockpit hydraulics, Aug 2008 |
 Cockpit hydraulics, Aug 2008 |
 Paul Coates - Aug 2007 |
 Yatesbury - Jan 2006 |
 Yatesbury - Jan 2006 |
 Yatesbury - Jan 2006 |
July 10th, 2007
Work is now almost ready to begin on the reassembly of the forward fuselage. A dedicated work area has been established with a partially stripped front fuselage alongside as a reference during the rebuild. A significant number of components have been reconditioned with the engine throttle controls and retractable footstep assemblies ready to re-install.November 30th, 2003:
The work required in replacing the cockpit floor was quite extensive as it required the removal and in some cases replacement of a significant part of the structure aroud the nose undercarriage and battery bay. Overall however the primary structure is in remarkably good condition given its age and the years it spent outside. RAF Brize Norton, November 2003 |  RAF Brize Norton, November 2003 |
 What came out, November 2003 |
 New cockpit floor |
 New Sidewalls |  August 2002 at RAF Brize Norton |
 In the rollover stand at RAF Brize Norton |  Being dismantled in December 2001. |
 Great view of forward fuselage. |
 The nosewheel bay and battery compartment. |
 The rollover stand really improves access to forward fuselage. |
 Refurbished Rudder Control Boxes |