...Well... nearly! The jig that the Beaufighter has been cradled in since the very first days of its restoration has been removed from the hangar. The entire airframe as it currently stands was built around the wing spar jig - with the cockpit section and fuselage being built around or added to the machine as each has been progressed.

From early February, the jig itself was disconnected from the Beau wing stubs, which of course has meant the introduction of the undercarriage legs, and some very natty footwear for the machine. Specially adapted footplates have been grafted onto the ends of the undercart legs, each plate bearing four heavy duty industrial strength castor wheels, which are now bearing the full weight of the machine.

This interim wheel fit has been made necessary by the floor painting exercise, but has served its purpose in getting the machine to lose the jig earlier than had maybe been intended. It is only now that one can get a real impression of the Beau with its cockpit at about the correct elevation - it is VERY BIG!

While the tail section has been permanently grafted onto the fuselage, the cockpit section has only been pinned on for the time being, and will be more permamnently attached at a slightly later point.

The rudder has still to be added to the tail. We have one engine in store but have completely failed to get anywhere in our search for propellor parts. If anyone can help us track down prop hubs or prop blades - then we desparately need to hear from you.