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The Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum Restoration
Department is tasked with preserving many of the collection’s artifacts. Activities
range from simple routine cleaning of pieces to undertaking major restoration
projects. Although none of the museum’s artifacts are ever again expected to
function as originally intended, it is our goal to reconfigure these precious
treasures to as close to original condition as possible for accurate representation.
Always on the lookout for new talent, the only prerequisite for a
volunteer restoration member is that he or she be willing to
contribute some time to the overall effort. Whereas previous experience or specialized
training are qualities in constant demand, there are no special skills required,
anyone with an interest in helping to conserve or restore these artifacts is welcome.
Scheduled sessions of instruction in the form of initial and recurring training seminars
are available to all volunteer restoration members.
If you have a desire to see these wonderful treasures preserved for
future generations, come out and contribute some time as a
volunteer member. Inquiries may be made through the reception
desk at the museum or by email to:
Restoration Manager:
Steve Groth
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Current Restoration Projects
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| What's New in Restoration! |
| 3-31-08 |
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Restoration’s Weekly Reader: 3/31/08 - This past week I received a note from our Curator (that’s Matthew) stating that the Jet Wing will be returning soon; maybe even this coming week. Apparently, the company that has been painting and fixing, cannot complete the job, so it will be up to us to clean, polish, and generally spruce up the old bird. Matthew has requested all available hands to shift their efforts in the direction of the Jet Wing in whatever capacity is needed. All other projects will take a back seat over the next few weeks, but hey, I for one, can’t wait to see what she looks like and how she’ll look in that new display.
So, let’s rally around our little tail-draggin jet and “git-er-dun”…I mean git-er-hung.
Next on the agenda, when we’re not Jet winging, I think we need to get a team of restorers to take inventory of artifacts, parts, equipment, etc. that we have sitting in Hangar 2. Before we know it, the sale will happen and we don’t want to be in a panic. If you would like to volunteer for this, let me know. If you have some ideas on how to pursue this, send them in. Maybe 3 people would be a good number to start with and will take several weekends to complete.
The painting scheme for the F-86 has been decided. We will go back to the same display colors she had when she arrived at WINGS. Basically, 4 colored stripes running across the fuselage and tail. There are photos in the Restorations area.
We have one propeller for the Adam 500 prototype located in the front yard. This summer is a good time to place it on the a/c. It will be a bit of a challenge, since there is nothing on which to attach it. Anyone willing to take this challenge? Also, all the a/c outside need a good washing and waxing.
Thanks to Matthew and the museum for springing for the water jug to quench all of our thirsts.
We have a couple of powered polishers/sanders on hand for the Jet Wing, but if you would like to bring in your own to help with the polishing, I am sure there will be enough metal to shine.
Another thing I would like to say…if anyone has a problem or any questions about restorations activities, do not hesitate to voice your concerns. Larry and Lance and I welcome your input.
Last, but not least, you all really make things tick in our little corner of Shanri-la. Your dedication and devotion to detail is inspiring. I enjoy working at my “2nd job” each week and it is truly an education to be involved.
See ya’ll Saturday.
sg |
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| 3-10-08 |
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Restoration’s Weekly Reader: 3/08/08 - Well, everyone.
I think we just hurdled another milestone. The right aileron is now back on the wing! It took several people (Mitch, John, Gary, Matt) to hold it in place (it was heavy) while Larry L and I poked and probed, trying to get the da??##%& bolt to fit in the main connection point. If I forgot somebody, I apologize…as I was stuck under the wing, and couldn’t see who was helping. Now that we know how this one is supposed to be connected, the left aileron will be a piece of cake…yeah, right.
We have a few new volunteers who have really jumped in and helped a lot. Ryan and Mike from Redstone College, and Jeff Martin. Jeff and Ryan got the aileron ready with some concerted help from Caitlyn, as she really helped us get all the parts organized so that we could put the jigsaw puzzle of counter-weights back together. Also, with a little help from Rodger B to keep us in line.
Dave M and Larry R are still working hard to assess the feasibility of getting the bomb loader back up and running. Granted, it is a tall task, and these two are up to that task.
Dave T broke in our new Marine (Mike) on the Nord, getting the engine ready for detachment from the plane. All the while, Chris C was prepping the T-33’s exhaust cover for a new paint job.
We are still waiting for the Jetwing to return, which may happen this week or next. Then, watch out – this will be a most amazing exhibit when completed. I, for one, am excited to be a part of this. Dave and Mike Smaling are going to be real busy soon.
Lance is going to perform the museum inventory over the next few weeks and he and Cy will be recording and photographing everything from the dining room china to the B-1. He needs some help, especially with a/c canopies, so be prepared to shift your priorities at a moments notice for and hour or 2.
Now, let’s get down to some business. Drinking water is something that we have to bring in by the bottle. Matt H and I have been buying it for a while now and I would like to enlist help from some of you. If there is no objection, I’d like to assign a volunteer each month to be sure that we have water for everyone to drink. There will be a list of “volunteers” on the bulletin board to assure the water is flowing each month. No, it need not be Perrier…Safeway’s generic brand is fine.
Last, but not least, a big thanks to Bob and his lovely wife, Ann for providing lunch for us all this past Saturday. Bob, you cook up a mean batch of beanie-weanies.
Thank you all for your solid efforts, we are seeing major advances with the F-86 each week. Now, get back to work. See ya’ll Saturday.
sg |
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| 1/27/07 |
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Restoration’s Weekly Reader: 1/27/07 - Restoration’s Weekly Reader: 1/27/07
Has another year gone by? It was just a blur, for me. Sorry I haven’t been very “weekly” with the Weekly Reader, and I’ll try to be better this year.
I would like to take this time to welcome some of our newest volunteers, some of whom we haven’t had the pleasure to meet yet, but hope to soon. So, welcome to: David Farquharson, Doug Labout, Phil Maimone, Travis Nemkevich, David Purpura, Scott Rothe, Casey Clark, David Dran, Ralph Wright, Gus Kunz, Chris McGlone, and Kristi Schmidt. Wow, that’s a lot of people, and I know some of you have been in already and thank you for your time. Hopefully, we’ll be seeing a lot of a lot of you (is that statement from the Dept. of Redundancy Dept?).
The last couple of weeks have been interesting, to say the least. The F-14 is now officially part of the museum’s collection. So, now we get to take care of her. With Rick S and Warren C, who are both ex-Navy and have walked around a Tomcat or two, to guide us, it will be smooth sailing.
Yesterday, Lance, Dave T, Chris and Dean moved the rest of the miscellaneous ordinance from the North side to the “Century side” of the museum in preparation for Operation Drop-Ceiling. Get it? We are dropping the drop ceiling, hence the name. Oh well. Next Saturday, we need to close the open canopies.
Mitch, Dean, Dave M, Tom (another new volunteer) continued working on the ailerons and flaps of the Sabre. It is a huge jigsaw puzzle putting this bird back together and they are fitting the pieces just right. Larry R continued taking care of his Century a/c, and Jim A and Rodger were there to offer their expertise and help. Bob is finishing the last jack-stand adapter so it can be fitted to the nose of the F-86. Speaking of the jack-stands I want to thank Harry Blout for getting them for us. Bob also purchased a milling machine which he and Lance picked up and brought in. It is now set up and ready to go. Thanks to Bob for his generosity and dedication to the restoration of these amazing aircraft.
Be aware that in the coming weeks most of our time will need to be spent moving a/c from the north side of the hangar to the south side and then move them all back to the north side throughout the month of February. Now this is going to be a jigsaw puzzle! I just noticed that the museum will be closed from Feb 12 – Mar 10. This closure does not affect us in the Restorations Dept. so please continue to come in on Saturdays as usual. I do not know how things will work on weekdays, so you may want to call Susan and ask her about the closure or keep an eye on the website. www.wingsmuseum.org
Are there any artists out there? If you would like to paint large scale mural type backgrounds let me know.
Ya’ll have a great week and we’ll see you next Saturday.
Steve |
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| 6/27/07 |
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Restoration's Weekly Reader: 6/27/07 - Yeah, I know. The Weekly Reader has not been very weekly. I have no excuse except that June is a very busy month. My green grass has turned brown, my dog barks at me because she forgot who I am, and the bill collectors are lining up for a slug-fest. But hey, I spent a week with Aluminum Overcast and (you) a great crew, Judy and I saw two really good air shows, and its not over yet.
But enough about me. Starting next week its time to get back to work. We have an F86 still waiting patiently, an M61 Vulcan Cannon that is being fitted for a new cart, a new Jet Wing to put back together, tires to fill, and much more. Sorry I won’t be in this Saturday, so I’ll see ya’ll next Saturday and we’ll make up for some lost time. Sounds like they need some help with the Space Adventures display, so if you need to do a chore, see Susan and she’ll get you going this week.
I have attached a photo from my back yard, and I think it really put a final touch to this most enjoyable month.
Is every one keeping track of Glacier Girl and her trip to Great Britain? Go to http://www.airshowbuzz.com/index.php and keep track.
See ya’ll.
Steve |
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| 7/7/07 |
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Restoration's Weekly Reader: 07/07/07 - Everyone,
We have split the F-86 again in order to clean out and install the engine shroud. Mitch has been applying chromate to wings for eventual painting. All of this being accomplished under the direction of our new F-86 Crew Chief…Matt Hensarling. Matt has been itching to take on this daunting task and I’m sure that he is up to the task.
The JetWing has been moved between the RF-84 and the T-33 for a soon-to-happen rebuilding. Dave Tomacek is the Crew Chief of this interesting new addition to the museum’s air wing. Be aware that if you stand too close to this bird, Dave will put you to work in a hurry. He carries a big whip.
Bob and Dick are just about finished with the 50’s that will replace the broomsticks in the tail of the B-52, and they look real…real.
Jeff Franta, the new Maintenance manager at WINGS wants us all (all departments) to help keep things more organized. Please note that ladders, push carts, garbage cans, and hand trucks are all located along the north side (behind the Century Series) of the museum in designated areas. If you take something from there, please return it when done for the day. If something is in the way when you arrive, please return it to its designated area. The main thrust is to clean up behind the a/c so they are presented better for patrons. Something we all agree needed to be done. There are more changes coming, so hold on to your hats.
Anyone interested in cleaning up our back office more? How about painting the walls? We are kicking the idea around. Maybe we can start in the fall when it is not so hot.
Welcome to Gary Tweed who came in the last couple of weeks and lent a big hand. He used to work on F-111’s, so hopefully, Martin won’t take him and use him all of the time.
See ya’ll
Steve |
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| 7/14/07 |
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Restoration’s Weekly Reader: 7/14/07 - We had another productive day at the Wing’s restoration workshop. Thanks to Mitch, Matt, Christie, Robin, Gary, Dave T, Dave M, Larry R, Jim W, Jim A, Chris, Paul, Steven and Joy. I hope I didn’t forget anybody. A special thanks to Bob and Lance who delivered some scrap aluminum and copper to the recycling bin and came back with a check for $1,016! That very much-needed money will be used to purchase…hmmm, nut plates? Probably buy a few other things as well. If you have needs, get in line and we’ll talk.
The F-86 is really coming along. Mitch and Matt have been chromating all the exposed surfaces and getting her ready for a final paint scheme (yet to be decided upon). I have accused Mitch of trying to paint the F-86 to resemble the Army Air Forces paint schemes; with all the “khaki green” chromate he has been spraying.
Bob and Dick have about completed the .50 machine gun barrels for the B-52 and they look like the real thing. Maybe we can install them next Saturday?
Now, it is time to bring up important business. All you “green shirts” are invited to
the tavern for an after-restoration gathering on Saturday, August 4 at 4:00. the tavern is located in Lowry at 7401 East 1st Avenue, which, I believe, is in the Lowry Town Center. The first $50.00 is on me (I’ll explain that on August 4). After that, you are on your own. So, theoretically, it would be best if hardly anybody showed up, but that wouldn’t be any fun. So, “green shirts”, come on out, bring your bomber photos, and let’s reminisce about the B-17.
Send me a yea or nay. Then I can make reservations if needed.
See ya’ll next Saturday.
Steve |
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| 7/28/07 |
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Restoration’s Weekly Reader: 7/28/07 - Restoration’s Weekly Reader: 7/28/07
Do you know why I enjoy coming to WINGS every week? Because I learn something each time I come in. The lesson I learned this week: Be sure to take my coffee mug back home each week. I sat down at my desk and picked up what I thought was my hot coffee mug, but it was the mug I left there last week. Well, let me tell you, mold does not enhance a cup of coffee. Anyway, I was glad to provide some comic relief for those who were around me.
On the lighter side, this is what happened at WINGS Restorations on Saturday:
• We moved the Jet Wing and associated parts
• Hung a picture on the wall
• Jacked the right wing of the Jet Wing, so she isn’t in a constant right turn
• Replaced more panels on the F-86
• Stepped outside to admire Dick and Bob’s .50 machine guns in the tail of the B-52
• Moved the B-58 ejection seat into the Stanley room
• Cleaned the dust off of B-18 and the J-3
• Removed the dollies from the Alexander Eaglerock and took measurements for adjusting the dihedral pitch on the wings
• Enjoyed some burnt burgers and hot dogs with some former restorers to celebrate Jim A’s birthday. Thanks to Lance for organizing and buying all the good food.
• Hung another picture on the wall
• Constructed part of the frame to support the M-61 cannon on the bomb cart
• Moved a bomb
• Performed some trigonometry with the CAD software
• Moved the Jet Wing drawings and specs into the newly opened flat files. Thanks to Jeff (I assume he removed the padlock) for providing the space to store these important documents
• Moved some empty pallets to Hangar 2
• Hung some more pictures on the wall
• Organized the parts room and office – did ya’ll know that our office is known as the Reading Room? That’s fine with me, but if anyone brings Shakespeare in to read, we may have a problem
• Had a “meeting” before closing time
• Swept the floors, moved dollies, garbage cans, carts and ladders into their designated areas.
• Oh yeah, did I say that we hung some pictures?
Anyway, that’s it in a nutplate (I mean nutshell), except to thank all who came in to help:
Lance, Larry R, Larry L., Kristi, Dave M., Dave Francis, Gary, Matt, Mitch, Dick, Bob, Jim W, Jim A., and Jose.
See ya’ll |
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| 11/10/07 |
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Restoration’s Weekly Reader: 11/10/07 - I’ll bet some of you have wondered about the significance of naming these updates “Weekly Readers”. I am sure that most you don’t care.
Well, most folks my age grew up reading Weekly Readers in school to keep us kids up with current events and help our reading skills. Anyway, Susan brought in some Weekly Readers that her mother has kept, from Susan’s childhood, and the first one she showed me was from 1963 which had a picture of a Lockheed Constellation on the cover. How appropriate, huh?
Okay, down to the nuts and bolts:
• Craig and Paul worked on the minnie Mustang and the pink pedal planes to fix them for all the kids who come in to fly.
• Paul also started preparing the F-100 drop tank for painting
• Matt, Mitch, John, Gary continued their yeoman efforts on the F86.
• Dave and Spike went to work straightening out the Jet Wing’s right side dip, and with the help of our metal artisan, Bob, they leveled the bird out.
• Dick has been working hard to create new pitot tubes for several a/c.
Let’s remember to:
1. wear safety goggles, gloves, and face masks when necessary
2. don’t use power tools alone
3. Ask for help, because we are all here for the same purpose.
4. Listen to that little voice in your head that may tell you “don’t do this”.
More to come on the subject of safety.
See ya’ll
Steve |
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| 1/12/08 |
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Restoration’s Weekly Reader: 1/12/08 - Well, now it is 2008 – do you say twenty-oh-eight or two thousand and eight? I guess it doesn’t matter but wow, the years are flying by.
Anyway, here is an update of some things that are going on:
• F-86 wing root flange hinges are being replaced with new piano hinges. The right hinge was removed on Saturday, and then we’ll get to the left hinge soon. Little, by little, the Sabre is beginning to come together. Mitch, Gary, and Matt have been tirelessly working and each week, we get a little closer to the final goal.
• Dave and Mike organized the wing removal of the Jet Wing so that she can be transported to Front Range Airport for painting. It was a chore, but they “got-er-dun”. Those two did a great job designing and building the wing rack that will be used to transport them to Front Range. Not to mention the new ramp they built for the trailer.
• We have aircraft that need some TLC. Once a month, sweeping, dusting, cleaning the canopy, airing tires, and just touching up an airplane. Anyone interested in being a crew chief? I know of a Phantom II that needs a caretaker. Anyone tuff enough to handle an F-4?
• We have Internet and we have a new laserjet printer, and we also have heat in the Reading Room, so ya’ll come on in.
sg |
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| 1/19/08 |
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Restoration’s Weekly Reader: 1/19/08 - Update: If it weren’t for the hard work and dedication performed by these guys and many others…
…we wouldn’t see results like THIS!
If you don’t know of what I am referring to, check out the wing root of the F-86.
Thank you all…now, get back to work.
sg |
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RESTORATIONS ITEMS NEEDED
We will gladly accept just about any part,
however here is a fraction of what we need:
- B-18
- Corrugated Flooring
- Any parts for a B-18
- RF-84K
- Stick grip
- Periscope assembly
- F-86H
- Stick grip
- J-73 engine
- Canopy glass (With frame if possible)
- Oxygen hoses
- F-102
- Drogue chute
- Rubber trim for radar scope
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