Update 05/08/26
Work continues on the cockpit. Last week I tidied up some of the internal paint work and this week I've taken delivery of some parts and equipment.
I now have an ex RAF Oxy/Nitrogen trolley, these are ideal for mounting and moving cockpits, in fact this one actually comes from Meteor Tmk7 WL322, which is now a complete airframe and standing on her own 'legs' at RAF Coltishall. As you can see from the photo it does need some TLC so the plan is to tidy this up and sort out the wheels and tyres as a priority before I look at the best way to mount XL609.
I've also acquired a number of (mostly) Hunter cockpit parts in several boxes which I'll enjoy rummaging through over the next couple of weeks. The star find so far is a complete lower/engine start switch panel which in good condition which looks like a close fit for a later two seat Hunter.
This coming Saturday is the next Newak Aeroboot/Jumble, funds are tight after these recent purchases but I'm hoping to find a bargain or two!
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Update 26/07/26
I've been working through the many parts I've picked up in recent months and this week's project was this port side side panel which includes the undercarriage and flap controls.
I have two slightly different variations of the same panel and a number of components, so it was a case of figuring out which of the panels was the best fit for a standard Tmk7 and cleaning up the best of the components, some of which were quite heavily corroded.
I've got the panel populated now, all of the switches have been cleaned up and function as expected, both the Hydraulic Pressure and Undercarriage warning lights are now working using modern LED 'bulbs' and I hope to do the same for the undercarriage indicator once I've found the best solution for replacement bulbs. Sadly only one of the electomagnetic 'dolls eyes' I have still functions so I'll be on the look out for a some replacements for those in the coming months (it's a Dowty part, C5165 if anyone has spares they would like to donate!)
According to the pilot's notes the empty space labelled 'RADAR PRESENTATION' on my panel would be the 'Target Reject' switch or button, but I've not been able to find a part number or decent photo reference, I presume this was blanked off later in the aircraft's career. If anyone can help with that I'd love some more info or better pictures.
In other news I've made arrangements to move the ex RAF Oxygen/Ntirogen Trailer to the workshop in the next couple of weeks so the next project will be to refurb that and get the cockpit mounted - exciting times!
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75 Years Ago Today!
75 years ago today, WB188, the prototype Hawker Hunter made it's first flight with Neville Duke at the controls.
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Update 12/07/26
This week at the workshop I made a start on stripping and cleaning the control column assembly ('before' photos below) It seems to be complete and it looks like I'll be able to reuse most if not all of the components. This is the first column I've been able to get my hands on so while it's in bits I'm going to take some measurements and knock up some CAD files so I can get replacements made up if required.
All the CAD files for the project will be shared free of charge (without any kind of warranty, obviously!)
On Saturday I went over to RAF Cosford for an event ogranised by the Royal Aeronautical Society , a conference on the Hawker Hunter. This was a really interesting series of talks covering a variety of subjects from the political background at the time of the Hunter's development, through Neville Duke's speed records, the 'what if' supersonic Hunter development and some very interesting talks by former Hunter pilots from Switzerland and the UK. It was also a nice 'networking' opportunity and it was great to meet up with Ray Deacon who has kindly provided me with some of the photos of XL609 in service and also to chat with David and Amanda who own XL565, a T7 based at Bruntingthorpe which they hope to restore to running condition, I hope to visit them (and their Hunter!) soon.
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Help Wanted!
A one way van rental was my original plan but costs have doubled since a first looked a couple of months ago. To be clear I'm not expecting anyone to move it for free, just hoping to get it moved without breaking the bank.
Thanks,
Bruce
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