Today we share an update on our previous report on the refurbishment taking place on CA-18 Mk.21 Mustang A68-110 VH-MFT at Caboolture Qld.
We were recently on hand to photograph the removal of the fuselage from the wing structure which is a major operation for any Mustang as the wings are a one piece assembly and can be easily damaged. The team at Complete Aircraft Care at Caboolture is doing a mighty job with the refurbishment of this beautiful aircraft under the leadership of Accountable Manager and Chief Engineer Dave Kingshott.
-
- Getting ready for separation
-
- Positioning to remove Fuselage assembly from wing
-
- Fuselage being repositioned
-
- Lowered into mounting jig
A large crane was used to carefully remove the fuselage from the aircraft whilst the wings were left in place, mounted on jacks. The whole operation lasted several hours and was a nervous time for all concerned. Of course nobody wants anything to go awry at this stage of the process but it all proceeded according to plan despite the heat.
The Rolls Royce /Packard Merlin engine is expected to be the next assembly to come out of the airframe followed by the dismantling of the fuselage and Mainplane to allow for inspection and refurbishment as required.
-
- Lowering Mustang into mounting jig
-
- Mustang A68-110 being checked
-
- Separated wing and fuselage
-
- Wing and fuselage ready for dismantling
Warbirds Online will continue to monitor progress on this magnificent Mustang as she progresses through this detailed and complex rebuild back to better than new condition. This dismantling provides a great opportunity for Mustang enthusiasts to see views of the Mustang not generally available to the public and also assists model builders in getting the details correct in their projects.
Warbirds Online thanks Dave Kingshott and his team for allowing us to visit this refurbishment and our thanks also go to Noel Spalding for his assistance.
© John Parker 2017