WIX Archives

Re: Twenty Tempest IIs were exported, what happened to them?

Posted by Tom on Mon Apr 08, 2002 07:19:20 PM

In reply top Re: Twenty Tempest IIs were exported, what happened to them? posted by Richard Allnutt on Mon Apr 08, 2002 04:41:04 PM

I'm sorry to spoil the party so to speak but if you ever look into the fuselage of EJ693 you will notice the distinct lack of, well, anything! The rear fuselage is almost bare and the majority of the work that Nick did wasn't to a/w standard, just static, so all this will have to come apart and be re-done. We have contacted nearly every engine builder known for a quote to get one of the Sabres running and usually get the reply of "what do you think I'm crazy!" although we hope we have found someonoe who will get one going again for us, with engine shops blowing up Merlins I'd hate to think what would happen to one of these monsters on a bench test. If you saw the state of any of the parts then you would see why this restoration is taking such a long time, the horizontal stabilizers will have to be completely re-made seeing as they have suffered from the Indian weather somewhat. The RAFM example is only being restored to static and look at how long that is taking, most of it never to be seen unfortunately seeing as it will be suspended from Hendon's roof. Sorry if this was a bit of a gripe but it gets rather sickening hearing the dreaded "how long 'till it flies", restoration can't be rushed, especially when there's only a limited labour source and many many jobs to be done.

Tom ;)

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