Thursday, December 9, 2010

Around the Hangar

We've got a number of members showing up despite the cold! It's great to see everyone, and to see all of the work getting done! Great work all, keep it up!
(Photos Thanks to Brian Strom)

(Fleming Field is snow covered, but that doesn't mean that everything shuts down!)


(Arnie Fick and Ray Miller remove inspection panels on the B-25)


(Kurt Krogmann and Dave Schouveller remove the B-25's rudder)


(The fabric has gotten old and needs to be retreated)


(Larry Utter watches intently as the main landing gear on the B-25 retracts)


(Bob Wright disassembles, inspects and greases the prop on the BT-13)


(Doug Olson removes spark plugs from the PT-22)


(Ray Miller cleans the PT-22's plugs)


(Rudy Nassif works on the PT-22's Kinner engine)


(Nate Timm works to get the B-25's tail turret operating this year)


(George Colaizy checks wiring in the motor pool)


(Bill Atchison adds insulation to the motor pool office)


(Randy Hendrikson and George follow behind with drywall)


(A clean new wall in the motor pool)

The Outside Air

Good Afternoon All,
I'm starting a new section called "The Outside Air". As opposed to our "Around the Hangar" section, it will focus on projects that are taking place outside of the MN Wing. These projects can be anything relating to what we do (i.e. Warbirds, Aviation, WWII, museums, etc.) so if you know of something interesting and would like everyone to see it, please let me know!

For this post, I have stumbled across a very neat restoration. Some of you may know of this already know about this, but for those of you who don't, I think you will find it to be a unique and interesting project! The Mosquito is a wood fuselage construction, and presents very unique problems when trying to rebuild it. Jerry Yagen's project has taken 18 years, and is taking place in New Zealand.

Check out more at www.mosquitorestoration.com!
(Photos Thanks to EAA's Facebook Page)

Blog Update - 29 November to 09 December

Good Afternoon All!
I've waited a week to post this blog update. As soon as I posted the last update, I ran across a new project that I wanted to share with everyone, but decided to wait until I had some more info about the hangar.

I'm starting a new segment called "The Outside Air". It will focus on different projects that are taking place around the world that relate to what we do in the hangar. Like "Around the Hangar" I would like to put up one project per update, so if you know of something cool in the world of warbirds, WWII, museums or aviation in general, let me know!

We've gotten a little further with the City of South St. Paul. They have approved a Conditional Use Permit that will allow us to do our events legally, as long as we get the sprinkler system in. Next steps are to agree and sign a lease, then get the bonding money going!

Bill Atchison and the Motor Pool team are taking strides to insulate the side bay of their building. A little bit of cost will save us hundreds if not thousands per year in heating costs. The effort is already making a huge difference, in heating and safety! They have a lot of work left to do, so consider spending some time helping them!

The B-25 is off of jacks, and will begin the major portion of the yearly inspection Saturday. First step will be to pull panels and covers, and then we delve in and get our hands dirty. The sooner we get the inspection done, the sooner we can start repairs and modifications. This will all take a lot of work, so if you are versed in the bomber, mechanically inclined, or just want to learn some of the details surrounding the aircraft, please stop by!

As always, there is a lot to do at the hangar... it's a little cold to start, but warms up well! Stop in any Wednesday and Saturday to see for yourself what is happening!