Well, a tiny bit of progress was done on the Stratolina today. Because the top of the wing is so dang rotten, and is clearly going to continue to be exposed to the elements, I decided to apply some silver roof sealer to it. Now, before anyone gets all upset that I'm "ruining" this wing, it's actually just the opposite. I'm
trying to do what I can to save what's left of this clunker, while at the same time, utilize it in a fun sort of way. I figure that IF someone ever wants this wing for anything down the road, this roof sealer will strip right off of the wing, much like the existing paint will. However, in the meantime, it will help keep the sun from beating down on the aluminum so badly, while also helping keep what little rain we get, from seeping its way into all of the little seams in the upper skin surfaces.
So after spending two days of trying to get the roof sealer stirred up (don't ask.......I'm about as talented with non-aviation related things as "Tim, the Tool Man, Taylor"
), I was finally able to get it all figured out and start spreading it on the wings. It's weird stuff, as it looks brown while stirring (for a long, long time, I might add), and is brown while brushing it on. However, as it dries, it turns silver, just as I was wanting. Unfortunately, what it took for me to finally realize that, was watching it change colors on my clothes, in the areas where it splashed on me while stirring.
The stuff leaves brush marks on it, but I really don't mind. It'll all look good when I paint "Austin Acres" on the top, eventually, so that the Google Earth satellites can see it.
I only got the right wing, and part of the center section done, as there is a thunderstorm kinda-sorta threatening to come this way. So I'll get more done tomorrow, I reckon.........
Here's a view from on top of the horizontal stab of the Stratolina, looking forward. You can clearly see the road that leads up to my property at the top of the picture. So, it's pretty easy for the neighbors to see this thing from over a quarter mile away.
Also, in this picture, you can kind of get an idea of just how rotten this wing is. The fine folks at the RGV Wing of the CAF were kind enough to lay the wing upside down, and store it that way for years, so those worrysome fuel vents, rounded nacelles, and upper wing skins, are no longer an issue.
However, you can see why I'm trying to do something to help seal this thing up. The plan is to get some sheet metal and just kind of "cover up" these larger issues, followed by roof sealer. That way, IF someone wants to restore this thing at some point, there might be at least a little something left of it..........
Oh, and I have a question for you PBY experts out there...
What are these little doo-hickies that are on the top surface of the wings? Were they for winching up the depth charges or something??? Antenna hooker-uppers maybe???
So, that's all I have to report for now. I've done a little cleaning up of the cockpit section, but nothing picture-worthy. I'll post another update when there's something interesting going on.
Gary
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It's essentially just one of their tractors that they just turned around backwards and put the forklift stuff on. The original instrument panel for the tractor is even installed, but it never had the holes punched out. It's pretty neat, and is one heck of a helper around here!
I love these posts 
