I was invited by Rob Moffat to join a working bee on the Vintage Gliding NSW Bocian 1E.

VGN members Neil Bennett, Peter Rundle and Rob Moffat were there, as well as a couple of ladies.

Neil was replacing the undercarriage bungees. This involved a couple of trial and error attempts to get the bungees to sit in the correct position, i.e. so that the leather sleeves are positioned so that chafing of the bungee splice is prevented or at least minimised.

Downward view

Upward view. Note the “splices” are actually lashed together bungee ends.

Neil using the Bungee Tensioner which is essential for the installation of the bungees. We are offered the use of this important tool when we come to working on the undercarriage.

Neil is demonstrating the twist required for bungee installation.

The rest of the day was spent rubbing back the paint job on the fuselage, first dry 120 grit, then wet 240 grit.

Hopefully our rotisserie will make these kind of jobs relatively easier.

Rob and Neil mentioned a painter they recommend, Cameron Turnbridge who is a professional and has a lot of experience with aircraft paint jobs.

A paint supplier they recommend is Concept Painting on the Central Coast.

One of the Hunter Valley Gliding Club members, Henry (Ian) Ford can supply the correct bungee cords if required.

It came as a bit of a shock when they informed me that as a member of Vintage Gliding NSW I have automatically become a syndicate member of the Bocian we were working on. Better not tell Liz that I’m now partowner of not one but two Bocians!

Rob asked me to send him details of Mike Burns Engineering Order for installing the rear instrument panel – Done.