The undercarriage selector down lock continues to make progress. The dome handle requires casting along with the addition of the set lever spring and minor adjustments.

The other components have been assembled such that the lever can operate through its 3 positions, Undercarriage up, Undercarriage down and protected from up selection and in the cocked position for take-off where the undercarriage can be selected up.

The lock mechanism was introduced to prevent unintentional retraction of the undercarriage on the ground.

A recent purchase has been a set of flare tools from Stakes Ltd to produce the correct shape of lightning holes found in many of the structural items.  The dimple effect around the holes is not common on British aircraft, hence the need for this special purchase, and we suspect the original was constructed with American supplied tools.

We have also started to refurbish the pilot’s escape hatch was requires replacement Perspex.

On 2 March six of the team were able to visit the RAF Museum Cosford Sir Michael Beetham restoration centre.  The Hampden forward fuselage build giving much inspiration on what can be achieved!!!

The Team would like to thank the sender of a recently received package containing 2 BA bolts. However, there appears to be no details of the sender with the package, therefore, if the sender would like to contact the Team secretary, (details on the site) we can acknowledge their contribution to the Project.

To show our recent progress Kev has mounted the pilots instrument panel in a representative position on the cockpit support framework.

The elusive Engine Starter Panel label has now been reproduced thanks to the assistance of Screens and Graphics of Cottenham.

Components  for the pilots’ Sutton harness attachment and adjustment mechanism recently machined.  

Most recent  addition to the Throttle Box is the Brake Level, yes yellow.  The level was made using a lever loaned from Parham Tower museum as a pattern.

Also a recent visit to the Fenland Museum produced the elusive Starter Panel label plus a rudder pedal with part of the strap still attached, both will now be used as patterns for the project.

The engine starter panel is now complete apart from the instruction label which fits on the spring loaded cover.  If anyone has information on the wording on the label please let the Project Team know.  We have photographs with some detail, but not all. 

Recently obtained a section of Frame 5 from below P1 seat.  Also making progress with engine starter panel.