Shackleton WR977 Work Finishes
After four months the scaffolding has now been removed from the nose and forward fuselage of our Avro Shackleton, WR977.
The bespoke scaffolding system was installed to allow teams of volunteers to work on this significant restoration and repainting project in safe conditions. This work has included:
- replacement and re-sealing of the main cockpit glazing
- in-depth cleaning and lichen removal on the upper fuselage surface
- re-sealing the upper escape hatch just behind the cockpit
- conservation of, and the painting of this area of the aircraft
During the work period, WR977 remained open as part of our open cockpit offer. The modest contributions for accessing this iconic aircraft contributed towards the cost of scaffolding hire, materials and paint/chemicals. We are also thankful to those who contributed to the Just Giving Campaign, which is now closed.
In future further restoration work will be undertaken on the remainder of the airframe. A scheme will also be evaluated to raise the aircraft nose wheels from their current position. This will involve the analysis of data from the jacking pads that were constructed underneath the aircraft and the refurbished jacks to be installed under both wings of the aircraft.