Super Guppy Restoration

[Xplumberlives]

"I'll get that f*****g door open, if it f*****g kills me!"

Gregg Finch - Nov.2012

famous LAST words!


Anyone might open it!


But as for closing it, well that will be the interesting part!

[Dan4th]

I'm thinking that with Guppy sitting
on a proper slab of concrete, the
opening and closing of said door will
be far more doable

GAZ: Has DW said anything more on
that score recently??????

Danf.

[Gaz]

All down to if/when the NLG is repaired/replaced

[Dan4th]

All down to if/when the NLG is repaired/replaced

I didn't think there was
an "IF" involved...

Just keep at it as time
and weather allow

Then Gregg will get his
wish one way or t'other

Danf.

[Gaz]

After Pierre's visit, we're confident we can open it without too much trouble. I want to be certain we can close it afterwards though

In XX900 news, she's in for her respray, at last!

[Xplumberlives]

Two more EARLY Christmas presents!

[Sickbag_andy]

Gaz - I've e-mailed you about a very nice photo of the Guppy from the air at Brunty taken last week which a guy has posted on Civilian Aviation in the airline and cargo photo section, along with lots of other Brunty aerial pics (incl a nice Comet and Nimrod). Awaiting a replty as to whether I can use it on the website

[Gaz]

It is a nice shot

[Sickbag_andy]

It is a nice shot

I've been told I can use it, he's sending me a high definition one

[Gaz]

December update time:

3rd December

Neil went up today to make a start on the starboard MLG nacelle, prior to our "new" tyres arriving from America.

Before:



and after:



Most of the oily grime has gone. The whole area is, pretty much, ready for sanding. Then they'll be painted and a thin layer of grease will be applied to protect the metal. We're also going to install some 25mm mesh, to keep the birdies out


5th December

Freezing up there today, so, I headed inside.

Before and after in the hold:






Been putting the panels off, for a while, simply because they've become a bit of a grind. NEARLY done though!

Another step closer to movie nights in the guppy, as well. We got the projector hooked up to a pc and, as a proof of concept,.....



It went very well! I took this photo from way back in the cheap seats and you would still get a good view! Just need to sort out a screen and a decent sound system!

Say hi to the Olivers!!


19th December

Didn't go up last week, I was working.

It was a cold, wet day today, so, I hid in the unit and rewired our battery charger. It would only charge on the "Boost" setting. So, for the fourth time, I took it to bits. The wire to the "Min" switch setting was broken, it was quite short so it must have been pulled quite tight. I wired in an extension, reconnected the push on adapter and insulated the wire. It should work, didn't have a battery to hand to test it on though

Like I said, it's not the first time we've had issues with it. It's only a cheap one, so, I'm actually quite proud I've kept it going for as long as I have.

On a break now, until the new year.

Happy New Year, everyone!

[Xplumberlives]

Well done Gaz and TEAM, quite a productive year!

[Gaz]

Cheers mate. I reckon getting the engine nacelles refurbed and, finally, removing the rope from the cockpit are my proudest achievements for this year. We've got a RADAR coming in early January though which, I think, will top anything else!

[Dan4th]

I for one believe this is going to
be a Very Big Year for Guppy

Danf.

[Vulcan Bomber]

I've just been reading this.... Very interesting and supprising what the guppy stood upto.

http://airpigz.com/blog/2011/1/9/1965-s ... trike.html

[Sploosher]

thanks for the update, I am looking forward to seeing the Guppy under power

you guys are doing a stirling job..........

[Dan4th]

@ Vulcan Bomber::::::::::

That Guppy story is just Amazing!

Thank you for posting it

Danf.

[Gaz]

I've just been reading this.... Very interesting and supprising what the guppy stood upto.

http://airpigz.com/blog/2011/1/9/1965-s ... trike.html

I'd heard that story before and seen one of the photos, but, that's the first time I've seen SUCH a detailed article on the incident. GREAT FIND!! Thanks for posting!!

[Dan4th]

Any progress on finding a
good Popcorn Machine ?

D.

[Gaz]

Any progress on finding a
good Popcorn Machine ?

D.

Joking apart, we're debating whether to get an air-pop machine (Least H&S risk than an oily one ) or, just buying a box of bags of butterkist type stuff from the cash and carry

[Xplumberlives]

Are they available for hire?

That would save any large outlay!

[Dan4th]

The aroma of fresh-buttered pop
corn is essential to the cinematic
experience

Danf.

[Gaz]

Are they available for hire?

That would save any large outlay!

Hadn't really thought about that, mate. I'll look in to it

We were thinking, because we'd only screen to 20-30 people due to seating space, about getting something like this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Severin-117803- ... 753&sr=1-3

BUT, it would be REALLY cool to get an old style cinema machine

[Sploosher]

I think that one should do the trick, but how long does it take to make one bag full

[Gaz]

I think that one should do the trick, but how long does it take to make one bag full

Depends how big a bag you use

We're only advertising it as a "Free bag of popcorn" that could be a small coinpurse sized sack

[Xplumberlives]

BUT, it would be REALLY cool to get an old style cinema machine

Contact your mate at NASA, see what they can come up with!