Y2-K Spitfire Construction - Spring Update

Chief Engineer Ken& Ralph Hull inspect
restored parts of TE294

Structure Engineer, Dean

Rudders and Elevators

Fuselage Well folks it has been a while since I have published a project update and there are lots of things to talk about. First let me say that I have just retired after 39+ years of loyal service and so I hope I can do a little better with the up-dates. However rather than listen to me, let me show you what has been happening in the hangar over the fall and winter.

Ralph Hull & project engineer Kaven

New visitors' area

Stand

Merlin Now that we have become partners with Vintage Wings of Canada we have brought in new members of the restoration team. In this picture you see Ralph Hull , of Hull Aero, reviewing some of our original parts with our new Chief Engineer, Ken  and one of our project engineers Kaven. Ralph has been part of the project since its inception in 1999. It is only now that we have joined with VWoC that he is able to commence restoration of the wings. Dean  is our new structures engineer and brings extensive knowledge and experience restoring War Birds and rather large water bombers.

Things have changed around the hangar.  To protect our visitors a viewing area has been established so visitors can observe the project in a safe and comfortable environment. We still encourage supporters to come out and see the changes that have taken place in the hangar and to the fuselage but hope that you will contact the museum prior to coming to ensure that the hangar will be open.

It may appear that we have taken several steps backwards but in fact things are moving along nicely. The rudder, horizontal stab and the elevators have been removed to make it easier to work around the fuselage as well as getting the rudder and elevators ready for skinning.

A stand has been manufactured and the Merlin has been crated and sent off to 51 Factory for a total rebuild.

Well, this is just a short update. Now that I am unemployed (pensioner) I will try and get more pictures onto the web site and keep you all up to date on the progress of Y2K.

Mike Forbes, Capt (Ret)
Y2K Project Liaison Officer

“The Y2-K Spitfire will Fly Again"