Butterfly Bomb Restoration

**skull181** · 16th June 2012, 09:16 PM

Here is my "Butterfly Bomb" for restoration.

The last two pictures shows how much work is needed.

The first two pictures show the parts cleaned and repainted.

A new "Body", again repainted with the spindle arm, type 41 fuze and Gaine.

I couldn't do it, but BOCN'S SG500 Dave Birkin has done it for me.

Cheers Dave!

More pictures soon.

**skull181** · 16th June 2012, 09:35 PM

Some more pictures of how much work was needed.

First Picture shows the spindle arm attached the 41 fuze.

Third picture shows the wings dis-assembled.

Second picture shows them cleaned, treated and painted.

Pictures Four and Five show the damage and repairs.

**APFSDST** · 16th June 2012, 09:44 PM

60% original paint vs. 100% repaint on the wings...

**skull181** · 17th June 2012, 06:45 AM

100% rust, that will eventually eat away the metal. Most of the paint was coming off on it's own with bits of rusty metal.

I wanted to keep as much Original paint as possible, but, there was no way it could be treated with out paint loss.

**SG500** · 17th June 2012, 05:53 PM

Originally Posted by APFSDST

60% original paint vs. 100% repaint on the wings...

Don't worry I know what you're thinking, it was a case of a relic set of wings that couldn't be moved at all due to the hinge line being completely rotten and stressed where the wings had impacted on opening or doing a total overhall and making the wings work. We're back to the same old problem of restore or leave and there is no single answer that keeps everyone happy.
Dave.

**skull181** · 17th June 2012, 08:15 PM

Originally Posted by SG500

Don't worry I know what you're thinking, it was a case of a relic set of wings that couldn't be moved at all due to the hinge line being completely rotten and stressed where the wings had impacted on opening or doing a total overhall and making the wings work. We're back to the same old problem of restore or leave and there is no single answer that keeps everyone happy.
Dave.

I'm happy and that's all that matters.

**skull181** · 18th June 2012, 02:16 PM

Finally finished, all parts were cleaned, treated put back together again.

Some parts where stuck together with rust and had to be replaced (springs).

Superb craftmanship from Dave SG500.

Look how the yellow colour blends in with natural greenery of the garden.

To think this is what it would have looked like over seventy years ago,
Hanging from a tree, landing in hedges, fields and gardens.

**butterfly** · 18th June 2012, 06:01 PM

Love the pics Skull181 - looks great set amongst the vegetation - well done

regards Kev

**SG500** · 18th June 2012, 06:15 PM

Thanks, I love the photos of it in the undergrowth. Will have to try the same.

Dave.

**skull181** · 19th June 2012, 02:27 PM

Originally Posted by SG500

Thanks, I love the photos of it in the undergrowth. Will have to try the same.

Dave.

I took it into work and put it in a tree, and asked people to have a look and see what was in the tree...???

Most people couldn't see it, the bright yellow paint easily blended in with the different shades of greens on the leaves.

I'm still buzzing over it.