Work slowed down while we waited for decisions from the owners. They’ve changed their minds on the wings, so we’ll have to build up another set, this time with the Baron STOL with the 5370 gross, no tip fuel. We should have the wings finished in about 2 months.  In the meantime, we’re plugging away on the fuselage, and starting on the engine.

It’s been a busy week. Bob found time to take a picture…

Dan gives the parts a coat of primer. You can see some progress on the reconstruction.

Today we are repairing the structure

We’re still stripping it down and cataloging parts.

The crew has been busy.

She doesn’t look very happy.  The salvage crew from down-under didn’t do much to prevent corrosion, and the spreader bars stayed in the land of Oz. But it’s nothing a little Corrosion-X, TLC and a Sealand Aviation makeover won’t fix. We’ll keep you posted.

There’s always that moment of anticipation before you open the container. You never know exactly what will be inside.  Dirk Septer, John Caswell and our resident genius Bob Kobzey captured the moment on film.  You can see their pictures on Neil Aird’s Beaver Tails. Go to:http://www.dhc-2.com/id157.htm  and http://www.dhc-2.com/Current%20Blog.htm

The truck with the container finally arrived Thursday.  We had a crane standing by to gently take the container off the truck.

For a brief time the plane was back in the air. This time it was a smooth landing.

The container with the Aussie Beaver will be arriving at our airport hangar tomorrow morning. Thursday, January 6, 2010.

It’s been a long slow trip, and we’re looking forward to getting started. We’ll post pictures of our progress.

We haven’t heard if the Cessna 185 has arrived in Australia.  One of our crew has been down there since before Christmas. We’re hoping that he doesn’t get too bored lying around on the beaches and travelling around the Outback while he’s waiting for the plane. If he does get bored, we have a few more volunteers waiting to go.