| It is not possible to find all the original metalwork for
the aircraft and it might not be airworthy today. We needed to make parts. Not all can be welded so some must be
cast in the appropriate metal. This means making patterns so
that the castings can be fabricated. The wood patterns take hours
and several operations to make.
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The original windscreen was 5/32 triplex glass and the frame
was cast aluminium made by Auster, model No. 9. This model was used
with an Aldis sight.The windscreen frame pattern has been made in wood ready for sand
casting. We tried 2x2mm laminated glass but it broke so it is now
toughened . The lettering has
been made in plastic and inset. |
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The spade grip
(click link for more information) sits at the top of the
stick. It should be cast aluminium and covered with rubber.
The tubes are hollow and wired for the gun firing controls and the blip
switch for the magnetos.
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The gun triggers are aluminium. There is
one for each gun and they are 'handed' which means you have to make
two. They are fitted in the centre of the spade grip and connect to
the guns by wires. The triggers pivot on a block which sits in the
column. Again all have to be cast. |
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The Carb inlet casting work has
started. This is a large casting and again requires both an inner
(right) and outer (left) pattern. Where it sits in the cockpit can
be seen on the far left, courtesy of David from the Brussels Museum. |
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| The throttle
and mixture controls (click link for more information) are
a complicated mix of brass and aluminium which requires casting, lathe
work and milling. Again works has started. The picture comes
courtesy of David from the Brussels Museum. |
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