If you follow this website monthly, you know by now that each new update shows progress on our Spitfire restoration. Some will describe it as slow progress compared to other restoration projects with deep pockets, yet progress is still “progress”. The Comox Air Force Museum is a small museum with a very large restoration project. As we lack the deep pockets problem, our historic aviation project is completely dependant on local fund raising opport unities. Our teams of dedicated volunteers are always working on this very important aspect of our project. Check out our website and take a peek at our Limited Edition print that we offer.

The print was commissioned by the son of the Y2K pilot, and painted by Vancouver Island artist Gordon Pynn. It depicts an action on June 30th, 1944 when F/L Arnold “Rosy” Rosland shot down two enemy aircraft on the same sortie. Rosland’s log book entry that day reads, “Finally it happened, I spotted 4 huns below (190’s) lead attack and bagged 2. Some fun!" F/L Roseland was killed in action on July 14, 1944. You can purchase one of these fine paintings on our website and grace your den, boardroom or over your fireplace. Check it out and remember each purchase provides the Y2K restoration project with the funds that are required to keep are project going. We also have t-shirts, great hats, lapel pins, greeting cards and other Spitfire items.

Bonn Svenson and his team of volunteers have made considerable progress since our last report on the cockpit area. The canopy rails are now in place and riveted to the fuselage. Fresh metal has also been installed on the forward section of the cockpit and work has begun on the installation and re-building of the coupe top. Once this is completed Bonn will fabricate the pilots access door, we should have a picture of that next month. I’ll let the attached pictures speak for themselves. The quality of this restoration is clearly evident.

	Harold Mulder concentrating on his machine. Harold is seen here cutting the rear catch for the Spitfire pilots access door. This picture was taken March 5th and test fitted shortly after. The latch is now rivited in place. The pilots door will also soon be in place.
Port side of the Spitfire showing the new metal on the forward section of the cockpit plus the start of the re-build on the coupe top. The bullet resistant glass frame is clearly visible here as well as the frames that will eventually attach it to the fuselage. Also, you can see the new canopy rails that have now been installed aft of the pilots access.
	Starboard side of the Spitfire again showing the canopy rails that have just been fabricated and installed. The new cockpit skin is visible as well as another perspective of the work being done on the coupe top. Some planning is also being considered for paint and soon our Spitfire will carry the famous 442 Squadron RCAF Markings.

Some upcoming events we should remind you of:  The Annual Y2K Spitfire “Open house” will take place on Sunday May 22, noon till 4 p.m. Stocky Edwards, Duke Warren and Art Sagar, all famed RCAF Spitfire veterans have all confirmed their appearance at our open house plus a few other Spitfire vets have been invited, drop by.

Come and meet some incredible gentlemen that will share Spitfire history with you. They will sign aviation prints, t-shirts, hats and your autograph book if you wish. The open house is just one of two major events this year.

The Comox Air Force Base is proud to announce the Air Show date for August 7th. Mark this date in your calendar. August 7th will be the day that the Air Base will be open to the public for one of the best Air Show events in Western Canada. As this is the year of the Veteran in Canada, you could attend both events and do your part to honour Canada’s veterans and at the same time view an incredible air show event and inspect the Y2K Spitfire all at the same time. Hope to see you at these fine aviation events.

Thanks again for your time and support,
Pat Murphy and the Y2K Spitfire volunteers