LP2 SAR Hull No 316 Restoration.

[Keith Webb]

I think it's full size Hanno - they wouldn't be making such a fuss here over a scaled down version - we've seen those before.

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Keith Webb

I think it's full size Hanno - they wouldn't be making such a fuss here over a scaled down version - we've seen those before.

Keith, maybe a full size one, but still mostly a replica...

"Aircraft restorers have long subscribed to the theory that the most important component for any restoration is the aircraft data plate; anything else can be fabricated."

Ref. http://forum.keypublishing.com/showt...d-to-Australia

But like I said, interesting to see, nevertheless!

[Matt Stephenson]

Kieth and Hanno,

The FW-190 is full size, Keith you are absolutely spot on there.

Hanno, yes it is mostly replica. The owner is not making any claims that it is 100% original. For that matter, it is still a Focke Wulf FW-190. For years companies in England, the US and in New Zealand have been using surplus crated aircraft engines and components and putting them into new built Spitfire, Hurricane and Mustang air frames. Does anyone dispute that they are not a Spitfire, Hurricane or a Mustang? I would suggest that a complete original flying FW-190 exist in the same place as Unicorns and Sasquatch, and the few originals to still remain are either too valuable to risk flying or not in an air worthy condition anymore.

Personally, I believe that anyone who is willing to spend such a considerable amount of their money to not only rebuild these things, but to also put them in the air is commendable and worthy of our praise. It is not too dissimilar to what others here on this forum are attempting to do, which ultimately is to preserve history.

[Matt Stephenson]

With the weather in my part of the world reaching as high as 44 degrees Celsius in the last few weeks, and work requirements taking up more of my time than I'd like, work on the carrier itself has effectively ground to a stop. Personally, I'm not a big fan of hovering over a angle grinder or welding in that type of heat....

That said, I haven't being doing absolutely nothing on the few days that I have had off. Before Christmas I spoke with my friend with the 3D printer, who had previously assisted in reproducing some LP2 builder's plates in that medium. I approached him with an idea of making a model of the drum magazine from a Lewis Gun to sit in the ammo rack for said gun once the carrier is completed.

So after checking the relevant legislation in my state, and trying to get some sense from the issuing authority on such matters, I turned to the friendly local licencing officer, and a plan was developed. What has been produced is a scale model of the item, being in 4 pieces, and being about 5mm smaller overall than the original - hence the term scale model. It's made from 4 pieces of solid plastic that when glued together and painted will look the goods when sitting in the the rack in the back of my LP2. As such they cannot, never could and cannot be modified to carry any rounds, and will not fit onto and cannot be modified to fit onto on weapon of any type.....as I said before its a solid chunk of plastic.

Attached are some pics of the prototype in the raw form off the printer and assembled, then cleaned up, spray puttied and primed and finally with the coat of colour on. I still have a little way to go with the relevant licencing authorities in my state regarding this, however it is a work in progress. As always, constructive criticism and comments welcome.

Regards,

[lynx42]

PM sent Matt.

Regards Rick.

[colin jones]

Hi Matt, they certainly came up a lot better than the blown plastic ones that I bought. Good job.

[Matt Stephenson]

Hello all,

A recent update on the carrier restoration. Recently I've had some time available to me and some much needed cash to be able to make some progress with the restoration. So after a few weeks of work, and some very much appreciated assistance and guidance from a local fellow carrier owner I was able to have the hull stripped, sandblasted and primed in red oxide.

So what comes next? First of all I need to keep my kids out of it now that its clean and primed so that I can get it painted. Then I'll be working on all the other parts and begin to bolt things back in. Unfortunately the rubber on all the wheels has perished and is in an serviceable condition. I've already made a few enquiries about have new rubber tyres vulcanized onto the rims and so far I'm dreading what the missus will say when I tell her how much its going to cost......
Anyway, one step at a time.

I've still got no idea as to a time frame to have it finished, but that suits me just fine - it will be done when it gets done.

Enjoy the pics. As always constructive criticism and comments always welcome.

[Tim Bell]

Originally Posted by Matt Stephenson

Attached are some pics of the prototype in the raw form off the printer and assembled, then cleaned up, spray puttied and primed and finally with the coat of colour on. I still have a little way to go with the relevant licencing authorities in my state regarding this, however it is a work in progress. As always, constructive criticism and comments welcome.

Regards,

Looks a lot like a large plastic wheel to me... just needs the hole through the middle for the Axle.

Why call it a repro magazine?

Tim

[Phillip]

Matt,

A major milestone, great to see, looking forward to seeing all the bits going in.

[Tony Smith]

Originally Posted by Matt Stephenson

Before Christmas I spoke with my friend with the 3D printer, ....
I approached him with an idea of making a model of the drum magazine from a Lewis Gun ......

So after checking the relevant legislation in my state, and trying to get some sense from the issuing authority on such matters, I turned to the friendly local licencing officer, and a plan was developed.

What has been produced is ... 4 pieces of solid plastic that when glued together and painted will look the goods when sitting in the the rack in the back of my LP2. As such they cannot, never could and cannot be modified to carry any rounds, and will not fit onto and cannot be modified to fit onto on weapon of any type.....as I said before its a solid chunk of plastic.

Regards,

Excellent work, and a very detailed result, but.. Meanwhile, elsewhere in NSW: Today's Sydney Morning Herald.

[Matt Stephenson]

Hi Tony.

This is exactly the obstacle for anyone in NSW, myself included if I were to continue with these. However no such problem in other states as I understand it. The whole idea has now been dropped for exactly the reasons that found that person in the article in trouble. Until such time as the NSW firearms registry comes to their senses or we get national firearms laws more in line with less zealous states legislation then it isn't worth it.

[Mike Cecil]

Matt,

I agree with you about the attitude to firearms in NSW - their registry would have to be THE most difficult to get along with in Australia! A (long) while ago, I had the task of moving a couple of Commonwealth-owned semi-autos from Canberra to a Commonwealth facility in Vic and back again, and we were going to move them in a Comm Car. Checked with Victoria: no problem. Checked with NSW - where the offending firearms would be at most 4 hours within the state each way - and was told ONLY with a Ministerial approval which might take months to approve!

Answer: moved them by commercial courier at Commonwealth expense, which was legal in NSW.

So when I saw you were making scale replicas, it crossed my mind that you were dealing with the most draconian state of the Commonwealth when it comes to firearms, and it might not be worth the risk. Glad (for your sake) you have come to the same conclusion.

Mike