The dismantling of Hangar 4 has commenced with the removal of the asbestos roof & walls. It is planned to retain the wooden spans to be incorporated into a smaller version of this WW2 type building.
The clean out of Hangar 1 has started in preparation for it's refurbishment & eventual lease by our organisation. The hangar move is still planned for 2010.
Preparations & planning for our 20th anniversary in October indicate that we are going to be busy that weekend as we have received over 100 acceptances to date.
The test prop has been fitted to our number 2 engine in preparation for a low power engine run in the near future. This will be followed by a test run on the engine purchased from NZ. Tony Muller & his team have done an excellent job on the engine reassembly programme.
Our mid upper turret has been extensively rewired, repaired & tested. It is now mobile under it's own power. The perspex dome requires cleaning & fitting prior to public viewing.
Engine Start
On 4th September the engine crew successfully started the engine they have built up from parts accumulated over the years. There was lots of smoke and some backfiring but it ran. A very relieved and happy crew led by Tony Muller can now look forward to getting the other engines on line.
Car Club Visits Hangar
- Corvettes on show.
The car club, Corvettes of Geelong, recently visited the hangar for a tour then had lunch at a local pub. The club members enjoyed their visit and found much to interest them. They have chosen a picture of the hangar as their September calendar.
The hangar is a great place for a car club run. We have ample hard stand for a display as well as grassed, shady areas for a picnic. We can arrange BBQ facilities as well as putting on morning/afternoon teas at a small cost. There are other interesting local spots such as the State Rose Garden, Pt Cook RAAF Museum or Pt Cook Homestead if time was available for extra visits.
September Events
The second cockpit control panel is nearing completion. We have all the necessary instrumentation to build the panel which will be used at displays in shopping centres, etc and as a "talking point" in the hangar once the first panel is installed in the cockpit of the Liberator.
Over the past few years we have been awarded several certificates from sponsors and community groups in recognition of the work being done on the restoration. So as to properly display these certificates we have now constructed an "Honour Board" which will be on display over our celebration weekend then in the hangar.
- New cockpit instrumentation
