December was a productive month around the Y2K restoration hangar. Much progress was realized on the tail section and our fundraising activities were especially gratifying as a large number of our ‘TOUCHE” limited edition prints were sold. So far most of the prints have been purchased by supporters here on Vancouver Island although we have had many requests for shipping information from across Canada. Complete details are available on our Spitfire Print page. If you would like to purchase a copy of “TOUCHE” check it out, you could own a piece of aviation history with 12 Canadian Spitfire signatures and support a Spitfire restoration at the same time.

Meet the museums new curator Lorraine Angly; from left to right, Capt John Lowe, museum chairman, Tom Quibell, volunteer, Lorraine Angly, second from right, and Bonn Svensson, the Spitfire projects's AME. Welcome aboard Lorraine.

Most of all the tail section metal has been cut, fitted, drilled and holes dimpled ready for the rivet gun. As of last week, most of the pieces had been riveted to the tail frames and the finished product is impressive. We require some internal parts that are on order before we can rivet the assembly shut. The attached pictures can tell the story much better then the writer.

Fabrication almost complete, panels are in place and riveting has been started.	The rivet gun in operation -- make a mistake here and you start over. The rivet gun in the wrong hands spells trouble for any restoration project.
Riveting requires two good people and both must be on the same page. The rivet gun operator and the bucker: a good team can guarantee a quality job.	One side almost done, all panels are completed and ready to close up the frames.
	Getting ready for the next phase, examining the horizontal stabilizer, deciding what is salvageable and what has to be fabricated.
	Three tail wheel struts to choose from. Bonn will inspect all three and use the example that is in the best shape. The tail wheel should be installed soon.

We have started to prepare for the next fabrication phase. The horizontal stabilizer is scheduled for rebuild next. The steel has been ordered and received to complete the assembly jig. Our parts inventory has been scrutinized and all necessary parts have been brought down from our parts lofts and are now ready for our engineer to inspect for condition. He will determine what can be salvaged and what has to be fabricated. It is estimated that the entire tail section, not withstanding the fabric covered control surfaces, should be completed by the end of February.

We are open most Saturdays from 10-3 for tours. If you want to see a Spitfire under construction and meet the restoration team please drop in.

Until next time -- thank you for your time and support.

Happy New Year!
from The Spitfire Volunteers