Good news folks, conservation work on our Queen’s Flight
Wessex is now complete. Before showing you the rest of the stages, photographed
by our Restoration Manager Rod Holloway throughout the project, we must first
say a huge thank you to AgustaWestland who provided the materials, manpower and
expertise. And now to those photos...
After the paint stripping was completed on the aircraft
(which is where I left the story last time) the work on the corrosion begun in
earnest. Any faulty rivets etc. were treated or replaced and the affected areas
of filiform corrosion were removed; the surface then being filled to maintain
an even finish ready for re-spraying.
After this corrosion work was completed, the next step was
to prepare XV733 for a new lick of paint. This entailed covering the aircraft, covering
it some more, and then applying primer to the surface.
After some precise masking tape placement, the experts from
AguestaWestland begun spraying the aircraft with it’s original colours and livery.
This consisted of both base coat layers and lacquer to bring the finish up to
standard.
And that is your lot! If you want to see the finished
product you are just going to have to come down to the Museum and see the
final product for yourself. Only joking, here we go!
We must once again say a big thank you to the AgustaWestland
chaps who did the work for us. Long live the Queen!
