Work continues on Trident G-ARPO
Aug 7th, 2010 | By admin | Category: Featured articles, Project News
Seven members of the Save The Trident team, including a new member, met at Durham Tees Valley on 5th August 2010 for another day of work on G-ARPO.
We had a lot to get through in the day, and a lot was achieved by the time it came to leave. Internally, more work was carried out on the cockpit by fitting restored panels and instruments that Neil has been working on to check they all fit and look right. The cockpit is really starting to look close to complete again and gives everyone a buzz at what has been achieved so far.
A lot of wiring was also stripped from the cockpit and cabin to clear space. The scrap money we make from these wires helps with our running costs, so it’s very worthwhile.
Externally, Julian and Phil spent the day working on the inboard flaps. They had become very stuck in their place after 27 years of not moving. One was eventually lowered completely, and the other is almost done – it’ll take a little bit more coaxing next time we visit. These will be removed before the wings are cut.
Evergreen delivered 200 pallets for us during the day, which we have begun placing roughly where they will need to be in order to support the wings when cut next month.
Later, the rear engine bay doors were dropped. Next time we visit we will spend time cutting out most of the redundant s-duct, metal piping and firewall. This will make the aircraft a lot lighter for the move.
See below for some photos of the day. We made a lot of progress, but we are still in desperate need of donations to help top up the fund so that we can afford the move up to Sunderland. Move date is getting very close!
Finally, we welcomed the latest member of our team on the visit. Allen McLaughlin is a cameraman for the BBC and came along to film some of the action and interviews with team members. Keep an eye on the site for some clips soon!
Yesterday, I got as close as was safe to my old RAF Middleton St George spotting position; and I noticed a rather sad looking DH121. I started work as an aerodynamicist for HSA Hatfield in 1969, then switched to flight simulation – same company. So I kind-of completed the circle. Incidentally, not far away, I noticed some old ladies circa 1979 which still move (very well) – I’m talking about the Falcons of the FRADU. I trust that you are in touch with Salisbury Hall (DH Museum) for drawings etc… Lots of hard work in front of you. Best Wishes.