WA591 - Latest News
19th Feb 2010:
Not new photos but three more nice images from Norm Pratlett a volunteer who is handy with a camera. I met him at Kemble in January and he sent me through some interesting shots of WA591 being reassembled.
24th January 2010:
The day after the Kemble rollout they took the aircraft apart again and started final assembly, system by system the aircraft is coming together with duplicate inspections required by CAA although with Sandy Mullen as Restoration Manager standards are no issue. They have made many minor modifications to bring critical systems up to modern day standards with all new wiring and the need to fit things like a GPS and transponder into a 1950's cockpit that started off crowded. The most trivial item can hold up progress but they are still planning for first ground runs in March and would be very keen to talk to anyone willing to help with fuel costs which will run to at least £500.00 per test flight.
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16th July 2009:
WA591 was rolled out for an open day at Kemble, externally complete there is plenty to do under the skin before a possible first flight next summer. The first flight is heavily dependant on funding and they would appreciate any help to keep the project moving forward.
 Engine Install, June 09 |  Easy does it |
 It fits! |  |
 Is it nice out? |  |
 Steady as she goes |  |
 Almost there |  The Team |
16th March 2009:
The move to Kemble really improved the working conditions with more natural light and no more leaks from Yatesburys WW2 era roof. The move took longer than expected and was quite disruptive to progress but things have now picked up again. Its current tail-dragger configuration makes it easy to move around as required to complete the work on the rear fuselage, with the center section resting on the main undercarriage and weight of the rear fuselage supported on a castoring dolly. Three more volunteers have joined up since the move, John Holder and Sid Griffiths assisted with the restoration of a Hunter, lightning and Meteor WS774 at Quedgeley while Ian Horner an ex-Halton apprentice has lost none of the skills he gained in fifteen years of aiframe fitting, they are welcome additions to the team.
The current work in progress is mainly electrical with new wiring looms to install and connect up to inverters, thermocouples and the compass control panel. The electrical work also extends to the forward fuselage, back in its rollover stand it will be fitted with the new battery tray and 24V ground power installation which is waiting approval, they are being brought up to NF14 standard and will greatly improve operation and accessibility. The delay in obtaining approval is holding up final reskinning of the forward fuselage so in the meantime work has moved onto assembly of the instrument panels initially with test instruments which have been trial fitted so that they can work out wiring routes. This has involved a great deal of work by Colin Bates who has waded through masses of modifications and counter modifications to ensure we have the correct items and fittings.
 Kemble, March 2009 |  |
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 Steady as it goes |
 Almost ready |  Arrival Kemble |  Unloading |
A vast amount of "off aircraft" work has been carried out to ensure serviceability of components and sub-assemblies restored over the years or of 'New' parts from stores. This included identifying a complete and carefully chosen windscreen assembly and nose undercarriage which are now waiting as kits ready for fitting after cleaning and inspection. The wings have returned from Coventry, cleaned and etch primed by two Delta Jets volunteers the aileron controls have been fitted. The aircraft will have MOD 1092 (Aileron Spring Tabs), an easy modification as we have suitable kits for this. A small amount of corrosion was detected on the starboard wing which has been repaired, it would have been better to replace the part but our spares from other wings proved non interchangeable.
The tailplane selected for WA591 has been stripped and etch primed. Its ready to be fitted with port and starboard elevators. The lower and upper rudders have been inspected, re-assembled and balanced ready for fitting. The ailerons have also been painted and mass balanced ready to fit. You can also see the engine exhaust units and jet pipes which have been installed and temporarily connected. It has been decided to apply a final two part bright sliver polyurethane epoxy to the control services before fitting. We hope to avoid the need to remove them again when the airframe is painted. The paint currently has a satin finish but if we decide on a gloss finish then a clear topcoat can be applied as required.