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| In early April 2008 work started
on removal of the covers for the main gearbox and transmission. Accumulations of
dirt and birds' nests were removed to allow full checks on the condition
of the deck and surrounding structures. |
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| Initially it was thought that the tail cone
should be separated from the main fuselage to allow work on both
sections to be carried out more easily. The tail rotor drive shaft,
control cables and wiring harnesses were disconnected appropriately but
the idea was abandoned when it was realised that, in the absence of
suitable substantial cradles, the stability of
both sections would be seriously compromised after separation. |
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| Later in April 2008 the tail
rotor transmission drive shaft sections and the intermediate gearbox were
removed, followed by the tail rotor head itself (above left). On 17th May 2008, after
removal of remaining control rods and electric cabling, the hinged tail rotor
pylon was detached from the tail cone and placed in a small,
locally-built, cradle (above right). |
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| It was known that there was
corrosion in the transmission deck, so equipment surrounding
the main gearbox (above left) was dismantled to allow better
access. The worst corrosion was found (above
right) below the mounting plate of the tail rotor drive shaft brake assembly, where the deck and cabin roof
were penetrated. |
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| Initial inspection of the cabin (above
left), in
April 2008, showed that the original furnishings and fittings were still
in place and in good condition. First glances indicated that the
interior airframe was sound, but when ceiling trim panels were removed
it was clear that serious corrosion (above right) had taken hold, perhaps because of
restricted ventilation. The many affected areas will be cleaned,
treated, primed and repainted. |
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| The main instrument panel
appeared to be in good condition (above
left), with a full set of instruments. However, closer
examination showed that there were a lot of patches of light corrosion in
the panel so, because it was also intended to clean and check each
instrument, it was decided, in July 2008, that the panel would be removed,
stripped, treated for corrosion and re-painted (above
right). |
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| Restoration Index |
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Next Page
(page 3) |