WIX Archives

Re: Hampden

Posted by Tim Badham on Tue Oct 01, 2002 06:17:47 PM

In reply top Re: Hampden posted by Cees Broere on Tue Oct 01, 2002 02:26:07 AM

Gentlemen,
In an earlier post it was suggested it would be nice if the Hampden at Langley were to receive a coat of paint. I was over in Canada about 6 weeks ago and preparatory was already underway to do just this. The elevator had been removed for spraying and the intention is that the whole machine will very shortly receive full wartime camo.; then the exhibit will be rededicated in honour of the prime mover in its recovery. The Museum has done a fantastic job in restoring this airframe using components from various machines (including I believe parts from AN136 & 132, the remains of which they salvaged in the '80s from Mt. Tuam and near Ucluelet respectively). The structure of P5436 appeared to have been bolstered with wooden elements in some areas and I was told most skin had had to be replaced. I assume the structure isn't robust enough to hang the engines as those attached are dummies plus fibre props. , but one original engine at least is on show separately indoors on a stand. I agree it is unfortunate the machine isn't (yet) housed under cover in view of its rarity, but for shear tenacity and survival under difficult circumstances this organisation deserves considerable praise.
Tim Badham
:
Thanks David,
:
: That's great news.
:
: Speaking of recovery work. Taking this Hampden dig for ins
: tance, as far as I know nothing was reported in FlyPast. A
: s you probably have read my postings (rants) about the lac
: k of or meagre news on aviation archaeology (of which many
: projects benefit). Why is FlyPast ignoring or almost this
: important activity.
:
: Any plans on returning the aviation archeology pages in Fl
: yPast?
:
: Cheers
:
: Cees

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