Windsor (CH2A) Lancaster Restoration

[Rhino-9-3]

Yeah it does get quite cold in there, luckily we have a nice heater though that helps warm it up a bit.

Today, after 3 long weeks, we finally were able to remove the horzintal stabilizers.

Horizontal stabilizer before removal. Once upbolted inside the fuelage the scafolding with slings across it were used as supports while each side was pulled out from inside the fueslage.


Interior of the fueslage with the stabilizers removed.


Outside of the fuelage with stabilzers gone.




And lastly one of our crew today. (Good thing cameras have timers, or I wouldn't be in any pictures )

[b29flteng]

Nice touch with the Canadian flag in one photo! I'm glad to see some younger folks doing the work, keep it up.

[Rhino-9-3]

We've actually got quite a few younger guys on the crew, right now I'm the youngest (17).

[b29flteng]

We've actually got quite a few younger guys on the crew, right now I'm the youngest (17).

I learned a lot when I was your age from the pre-WWII through the early 70s type aviation folks, now I'm trying to pass that knowlege on.

[Rhino-9-3]

Here are a few more pictures of the fueslage with the tail removed (these are from a few weeks ago). It's been quite hecktick around with the construction crews working on the hanger floor.

Also, the horizontal stabilizers were shipped up to Aero Structural Inc. in Kitchener, ON on April 29 where they will undergo a 26-week restoration to airwothy condition.





And one of the wing tip.

[APG85]

Fantastic project!!!! Thanks for the updates!

[radar76]

Umm I probably missed it in the thread but is the plan still to make her Airworthy???

[Rhino-9-3]

Umm I probably missed it in the thread but is the plan still to make her Airworthy???

Yes, everything is being done to current aviation standards and will be fully certified (airworthy) once completed. Whether or not she ever leaves the ground will depend on the city of Windsor, and whether we have the funds to do it.

[Rhino-9-3]

The CH2A Mosquito group had a nice find in their storage area last night. They came across and old package that was donated to us several years ago. It consisted of various parts from a wrecked Lancaster out west (including rear and front turret parts, as well as several other misc. parts).







Once we get a chance to go through everything, we'll be able to tell what all is there and hopefully which aircraft they are from.

Also, we have an update article in the latest issue of AirshowStuff Magazine. It can be viewed here:
http://magazine.airshowstuff.com/issues.html

[Rhino-9-3]

A few pictures of our new shop from today.








Another new piece for the wingtip, first attempt making one of these inspection panel anchor nut rings.

[Rhino-9-3]

Some pictures of the progress on the horizontal stabilizers by the guys up at Aerostructural. They've got one nearly completed and have started removing the skins on the other one. We should have both of them back down here in another month or two.

[Lightjug]

Thanks for the update, great project to follow.

[b29flteng]

What size/standard are the rivets? American standard or is there a European/British standard rivet? I've never worked on anything besides American standard.

[Richard Woods]

This is great stuff to follow. This has got to be one of the best threads ever.

Regards,

Rich

[peter]

My Dad and I went to see Lanc FM212 today for the first time since she was removed from the park and placed into the "shoebox" before coming to the airport. We were very impressed by the workmanship going into her repair and restoration. Roger showed us the repairs and some before and afters of the wingtips and they are really coming along. If you ever get the chance to see the project in person you will be suitably impressed!