http://www.fl ypast.com
December 2018 FLYPAST 7Westland Lysander Mk.III R9125 is likely
to be the star attraction at the Michael
Beetham Conservation Centre’s open
week on November 12 to 18, at RAF
Museum Cosford.
Since June, when the aircraft was
last on public view, it has undergone
a major transformation, with the
fuselage having been re-covered in a
traditional Irish linen using original
doping techniques. The new outer skin
has already received its UV microwave
protection layer and is currently
being primed in preparation for a 161
Squadron colour scheme.
Conservation Centre manager Darren
Priday said: “During the inspection
phase, we discovered some original
fabric and we’ve taken the decision to
conserve this item and keep the original
paintwork. Once the fuselage section is
complete, work will begin on attaching
the ailerons and other fl ying controls
which have already been covered in Irish
linen; these will go through the same
doping and paint process as the fuselage.
“The metal cowlings will be resprayed
before being refi tted. Over the next
few months our team of volunteers will
be focusing their efforts on the wings.
Early next year, the undercarriage will
be refi tted as part of the rebuild phase
which is expected to take upwards of 12
months.” http://www.rafmuseum.org.ukThe Aviodrome Museum in Lelystad,
the Netherlands, has rolled out
Douglas C-54 Skymaster 42-107469 in
new, civilian colours.
The former South African Air Force
machine arrived in the country in
1997 as ZS-IPR, but has now been
repainted to represent DC-4 PH-TAR,
which made KLM’s fi rst scheduled
return fl ight from Amsterdam to New
York on May 21, 1946. The name
Rotterdam has also been
painted on the forward
fuselage.
Lelystad-based Consolidated
PBY-5A Catalina PH-PBY is leaving
Europe, having been acquired by the
US-based Collings Foundation. The
amphibian, which destroyed three
U-boats in World War Two, will be
departing for its new home following
an engine change. ROGER SOUPARTDutch DC-4 rolled out
as Catalina departs
Douglas C-54 ‘PH-TAR’ on
display at Lelystad recently.Lysander restoration
moves forward at Cosford
Seafi re arrives at UK
museum for rebuild
The fuselage of Lysander Mk.III R9125 has been re-covered at Cosford. COURTESY RAFMRazorback Thunderbolt
awaits restoration
The remains of Republic P-47D Thunderbolt 42-8089 are to be used as the basis for an
airworthy restoration at the newly designated National Museum of World War II Aviation
in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The fi ghter served with the USAAF’s 489th FG based in the
south-west Pacifi c and was recovered from Papua New Guinea.
http://www.worldwariiaviation.org NATE LEONGThe Milestones Museum in Basingstoke, Hampshire has acquired the fuselage of Supermarine
Seafi re F.46 LA564 (G-FRSX) and wings from F.XVII SX300 (G-RIPH) on temporary loan. Privately
owned and previously based at North Weald with Kennet Aviation, its loan was negotiated by
aviation historian Paul Beaver. The Seafi re will be restored to static condition at Milestones.
http://www.milestonesmuseum.org.uk RICHARD HALL