F4U-1 CORSAIR UPDATE by Phil Buckley, Editor and photographer
The Classic Jets Fighter Museum restoration of the F4U-1 Corsair Buno Bu.02270 at Parafield Airport in northern Adelaide, Australia is making progress since our last visit. We reported here – http://warbirdsnews.com/warbird-restorations/birdcage-corsair-downunder-restoration-update.html on the last inspection of the restoration.
Down Under Aviation News visited in late November 2018 to observe and get first hand reports on the progress. This Australian based example is one of only 2 early model birdcage styled canopy surviving worldwide and is the world’s oldest Corsair, so has significance status in the warbird domain.
Since our last report, we have noted more wing work and fuselage work has been undertaken. Down Under Aviation News spoke with museum owner Bob Jarrett, who gave us a detailed rundown on the project.
Bob says at the moment, “Progress is slow, as usual, on the many small odd jobs to do. We are ssembling a wiring loom to service the various L.E.D. lights throughout the airframe”.
Discussing the power plant at the front engine, the mighty P&W R2800, Bob stated “is awaiting fitting but not for some time yet. The propeller blades are cleaned up and stored awaiting painting”.
Mr Jarrett discussed the wings updates, “The starboard inner wing to fuselage fairings are close to final fabrication and fitting. We have had a few problems fitting all the landing flaps to match up, but we’ll get there in the end. The starboard outer wing has been prepared for ceconite covering but now the weather is hot where beforehand it was too cold, all in the timing again I guess”.
The port wing is attached to the aircraft at the moment and is waiting further metal work.
The main landing gear and fairings are all installed and is waiting for their final coat of paint. Bob pointed out that “We are currently fitting out the wheel well plumbing “.
The cockpit section has remained the same with the full fit out to be one of the last things to be ticked off.
The team of local Adelaide volunteers are truly passionate about their restoration rebuild and are craftsmen with skills being well used. We wish Bob and his team good luck in making more progress and we will come back in a few months for another update.
Down Under Aviation News 