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# Comet Racer Project Group

Comet Racer - The first of the aircraft to fly was registered G-ACSP, named “Black Magic” and was bought by Jim and Amy Mollison (nee Johnson) who were both independently recognised as world record holders in their own right.

## Sitemaps

- [XML Sitemap](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website.

## Posts

- [News](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/news/) - DO NOT ENTER NEWS ITEMS IN THIS SECTION. To enter new news articles you need to select 'Posts' > 'Add New' from the left menu. |
- [COMET RACER PROJECT FACEBOOK GROUP 2K MEMBERS](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2022/02/comet-racer-project-facebook-group-2k-members/) - #Much to our delight and surprise, the Comet Racer Project Facebook Group, which gives more continual updates on progress on G-ACSP "Black Magic" DH88 Comet and G-ACSR Ken Ferns replica green DH88 Comet, has now passed 2,000 members. If you are visiting this website but also wish to join the Facebook Group just search for |
- [G-ACSR Registration News](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2022/01/g-acsr-registration-news/) - #Latest exciting news about G-RCSR, Ken Ferns flying replica of the green DH88 Comet. Thanks to Mark Shortman from the CAA, who had a number of meetings on his behalf with the CAA Registrations Dept, it can be announced that they have agreed that his Comet can wear the registration of the original green Comet |
- [Comet Racer Project Update October 2021](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2021/10/comet-racer-project-update-october-2021/) - #The effect of the Pandemic has continued to be significant in the restoration to flying condition of DH88 Comet G-ACSP "Black Magic" as the Amy Johnson Workshop at Derby Aero Club remains isolated. This status is constantly being reviewed. The Facebook Group -Comet Racer Project- continues to grow and collect new and interesting information on "All |
- [New Publication - The Comet Racers Uncovered](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2021/02/new-publication-the-comet-racers-uncovered/) - # Guy Inchbald, a member of the Comet Racer Project Facebook Group, has now published his encyclopedic book of the DH88 Comet Racers with huge detail on all things Comet. It is NOT available for purchase through this site but directly from The Comet Racers Uncovered (lulu.com) "The story of the iconic winner of the |
- [Clear Nose Cone Build DH88 Comet G-RCSR /G-ACSP January 2021](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2021/01/clear-nose-cone-build-dh88-comet-g-rcsr-g-acsp-january-2021/) - #Comet Racer project supporter Tony Razell has made sets of clear nose cones for DH88 Comets both G-RCSR, the Green Comet flying replica in build by Ken Fern and G-ACSP "Black Magic" in restoration at Derby Aero Club. This is a remarkable bit of work and a most generous addition to progress in the current |
- ["Black Magic" G-ACSP DH88 Comet Restoration Summary December 2020](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2020/12/black-magic-g-acsp-dh88-comet-restoration-summary-december-2020/) - #A SUMMARY OF DH88 COMET G-ACSP “BLACK MAGIC” PROGRESS December 2020. Covid 19 has been a huge impediment for progress. Obviously the weekly working sessions at Derby have not happened since February 2020. However it is worth recapping what the current state of the restoration actually is and the progress towards restoring this iconic aircraft |
- [DH88 Comet G-RCSR First Whole Trial Assembly December 2020](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2020/12/dh88-comet-g-rcsr-first-whole-trial-assembly-december-2020/) - #Despite the Covid19 restrictions, Ken Fern has been able to continue his work on his DH88 Comet flying replica G-RCSR, his tribute to G-ACSR the Green Comet in the 1934 MacRobertson Air Race. To check all alignment he carried out a full assembly with wing, fuselage and empennage all fitted which went smoothly. For the |
- [G-RCSR News + Covid19 Update for G-ACSP DH88 Comets October 2020](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2020/10/g-rcsr-news-and-covid19-update-for-g-acsp-dh88-comets/) - #Currently work on restoring DH88 Comet G-ACSP "Black Magic" at Derby Aero Club in the Amy Johnson Workshop is suspended due to the Covid19 regulations. As part of the control regulations the airfield and engineering operations can carry on in controlled and separate spaces for staff in their own bubbles. However this cannot be done in |
- [G-RCSR DH88 Comet Leading Edges August 2020](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2020/08/g-rcsr-dh88-comet-leading-edges-august-2020/) - #Ken Fern is fitting the lower leading edge plywood to DH88 Comet G-RCSR in his workshop at the moment, so here are some pictures of the second pieces being glued on. The Amy Johnson Workshop at Derby Aero Club, where the restoration of G-ACSP "Black Magic" is taking place, remains closed due to social distancing |
- [G-RCSR (Green Comet) Flying Replica Build by Ken Fern. May / June 2020.](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2020/05/update-g-rcsr-the-green-comet-flying-replica-build-by-ken-fern/) - #A quick update on the excellent progress of Ken Fern's build of DH88 Comet G-RCSR which is being built to flying condition as close to the original de Havilland plans to celebrate (Hence the close registration) Comet G-ACSR which came 4th in the MacRobertson Air Race of 1934 and set records for flights back to |
- [Coronavirus Shut Down March 2020](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2020/04/coronavirus-shut-down-march-2020/) - #The Comet Racer Project is in shutdown as per Government instructions. Contact can still be made through the links on this website and the Facebook Group is still very active indeed, please click on the link below to visit. When things return to the new normal, the project will recommence and continue. Best Wishes to |
- [Turn Over Wing Jig G-ACSP "Black Magic"](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2020/03/turn-over-wing-jig-g-acsp-black-magic/) - #Using plans and previous experience of Ken Fern's G-RCSR DH 88 Comet, the turn over jig for the wing of "Black Magic" is being installed. |
- [Comet Racer Project 1300 plus Facebook Members March 2020](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2020/03/comet-racer-project-1300-plus-facebook-members-march-2020/) - #The Comet Racer Project on Facebook now has over 1300 members at March 2020 and you can apply for Group Membership using the normal Facebook procedure. The FB pages give more frequent updates on progress on G-ACSP "Black Magic" and G-RCSR the Green Comet replica build plus "All things DH88 Comet". |
- [Bottom Wing Surface "Black Magic" nears completion.](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2020/03/bottom-wing-surface-black-magic-nears-completion/) - #Two layers of diagonal planking have now been completed on the bottom surface of the wing of G-ACSP "Black Magic". The two layers are a mirror image of each other to give a final even surface. Each plank was thinned to the correct thickness as per DH plans, then glued and nailed to the spars |
- [G-ACSP "Black Magic" Planking Bottom Surface](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2019/05/g-acsp-black-magic-planking-bottom-surface/) - #Volunteers at The Amy Johnson Workshop at Derby Aero Club have started on the bottom surface planking for DH88 Comet "Black Magic" G-ACSP. It will be a double diagonal pattern. |
- ["Black Magic" G-ACSP nears wing planking stage!](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2019/02/black-magic-g-acsp-nears-wing-planking-stage/) - #The seemingly endless yet engaging jobs of finishing the central blocking, stringers, noggins and ribs is nearly done for "Black Magic" G-ACSP so that very soon the first layer of planking on the under surface can commence. All materials have been sourced and sliced for this, with the first planks planned for fitting soon, |
- [First Fitting of Top Planking and Undercarriage Retraction System G-RCSR](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2019/02/first-fitting-of-top-planking-and-undercarriage-retraction-system-g-rcsr/) - #Much progress to report for G-RCSR, the tribute replica DH88 Comet for G-ACSR built in flying condition to de Havilland plans. After the last reported wing turn over, some of the top planking has been done leaving space for the undercarriage retract system to be fitted and trialled. The main mechanism requires many parts, all |
- [November 2017 Wing Turn Over Day G-RCSR](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2018/07/november-2017-wing-turn-over-day-g-rcsr/) - #Some Images of the G-RCSR wing ready in the jigs for turning over. The process is very simple. A new jig is built on top of the base one. Note : The bottom surface is inverted and has the two undercarriage and engine frames fitted. The bottom surface double planking is complete. |
- [G-RCSR Progress July 2017](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2018/07/g-rcsr-progress-july-2017/) - #This July 2017 News update report covers the progress on the build of the sister project to "Black Magic" G-ACSP at Derby Aero Club, namely G-RCSR a fully flying Comet replica built as a homage to the original record setting G-ACSR the Green Comet. ( These photos from the nearby workshop) Mick Sharpe of |
- [New Aquisition - The "Galleria Comet" July 2018](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2018/07/new-aquisition-the-galleria-comet-july-2018/) - #In July 2018, the Comet Racer Project has acquired the 7/8th Scale DH88 Model that formerly was hung until 2006 in the Galleria Shopping Centre in Hatfield. Acknowledgements are due to the Galleria, the DH Museum, Sywell Aviation Museum and Derby Aero Club for ensuring its survival over the last 12 years. Many thanks to |
- [Comet Racer Project Facebook Group 900+ members](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2018/07/comet-racer-project-facebook-group-900-members/) - #As at July 2018, our Facebook Comet Racer Project Group has 900 plus members providing an active and alert community on "All Things DH88 Comet" which gives a broad theme to explore, such as the 1934 MacRobertson Air Race, with locations and events in that race, all the aircraft types of that time relevant to |
- [More Support (and Glue) from TS Resins](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2017/02/more-support-and-glue-from-ts-resins/) - #Following their first donation of glue product last year, Kevin Bardsley and Paul de Wolf of TS Resins of Mold, North Wales have popped in again with some more donations of their excellent glues. With the recent cold weather their better hardener, that will work at lower temperatures, is welcome for our use in what |
- [Update on Sister Project : G-RCSR Replica Build January 2017](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2017/01/update-on-sister-project-g-rcsr-replica-build-january-2017/) - #The third of the three original DH88 Comets built for the 1934 MacRobertson Air Race was G-ACSR (The Green Comet), which is now being built as a replica registered as G-RCSR to have as close a registration as possible. The original Comet was sold to the French Government in 1936 as F-ANPY in addition to |
- [Comet Racer Project 2016 Summary](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2017/01/comet-racer-project-2016-summary/) - #The Comet Racer Project, the restoration to flying condition of the De Havilland DH88 Comet G-ACSP "Black Magic" at Derby Aero Club, continues to progress successfully. The year has been described as the year of metalwork, remarkably for an all wood aircraft! With the completion of the whole 44ft wingspan, spars with ribs and centre |
- [New FAQs Section added.](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2016/11/new-faqs-section-added/) - #In response to many Frequently Asked Questions from our Facebook Group and Website visitors, we have started a new FAQ page. If you have any questions, please send them in and we will try to answer them. This website serves as a resource for the internet. For more frequent and immediate information on build progress |
- [Workshop Progress Update Summary October 2016](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2016/10/workshop-progress-update-summary-october-2016/) - #All the metal work for the engine and undercarriage wing assembly has now had final paint and fitting, a process that brings to an end the lengthy design, bespoke making, and installation of over 30 pieces of metal work and around 200 bolts and nuts, with an even larger number of washers. The wing to |
- [Facebook Page - 300 plus members and up to date news!](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2016/09/facebook-page-300-plus-members-and-up-to-date-news/) - #The Facebook Group Page - Comet Racer Project - continues to grow steadily with more over 300 members, providing both encouragement and information to the project. It seems that the story of the Five original Comets spreads into a variety of subjects and discoveries. The members continue to explore the history of these unique aircraft, |
- [How many Comets were there? The facts and fictions!](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2016/09/how-many-comets-were-there-the-facts-and-fictions/) - #Visitors to the Comet Workshop at Derby Aero Club and our growing Comet Racer Project Group on Facebook provide lots of information about G-ACSP "Black Magic" under restoration. From time to time we have new stories about the DH88 Comets that are a mixture of fiction and misunderstanding. So here is an attempt at the |
- [Sponsor TSResins donates much needed Glue and Hardener](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2016/04/sponsor-tsresins-donates-much-needed-glue-and-hardener/) - #Kevin Bardsley of TS Resins, General & Sales Manager, TS Resins Ltd visited the Comet Racer Project bringing a most appreciated and generous donation of two 25Kgs drums of glue and hardener. Kevin is seen here with Martin Jones of Airspeed Aviation and Derby Aero Club in the workshop. Aside from wood, Glue is the |
- [Comet Racer Project 2015 Summary](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2015/12/comet-racer-project-2015-summary/) - #As the end of 2015 draws near the Comet Racer Project Group would like to thank all their supporters, volunteers and sponsors who helped with progress this year. Many of the components are ready for great progress in 2016. In particular the huge task of completing the wing is in an exciting stage with the first |
- [Stringer cuts and fixing November 2015](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2015/11/stringer-cuts-and-fixing-november-2015/) - #Now that the whole wing and centre sections are complete, it is time to cut the locations for the fitting of the stringers that are so important to the shaping and covering of the wing. The simple technique after careful measurement, and two vertical cuts at the rib, is to score with a sharp knife |
- [One Whole Wing](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2015/08/one-whole-wing/) - #With the completion of the wing ribs joining the three spars each side, the two wings have now become one with the addition of hefty central wedges. Though the originals were cut from one whole wood block, these have been made from a strong laminate block cut to shape joining the top and bottom of |
- [Wing Ribs](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2014/07/wing-ribs/) - #Young volunteers Jodie, Michael, Robert and Jago initiated the marathon ply and spruce wing rib making (pairs 9 - 20!) just before sitting their GCSEs in June. These 'engineers in the making' have been donating their Thursday evenings all year, and are now looking forward to learning metal working skills on the project in the summer. |
- [Comet Racer Project Facebook Group 2015](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2015/06/comet-racer-project-facebook-group-2015/) - #In June our Comet Racer Group now has over 80 members who contribute very regular exchanges of information and ideas. Since the start of the group, we have added information and photos of all the 5 Comets, including findings about the supposed end of the French Cometes, information on Black Magic in Portugal, parts and |
- [Propeller Donation](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2015/03/propeller-donation/) - #Ken Fern and Peter Kirk have collected a generous gift to the Project of a DH propeller. Ken Fern was contacted by Dr and Mrs Rowe with this wonderful offer of a beautiful and generous donation to the Comet Racer Project. "The RAF Museum at Hendon has advised me to contact you regarding a propeller |
- [Rib to Spar Brackets Manufacture](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2015/02/rib-to-spar-brackets-manufacture/) - #John Badger and Martin Walters have been working on these fittings that will eventually hold engine and undercarriage to the wing. They are working off the original drawings but having to rediscover many of the manufacturing processes using their experience and skills. One issue seems to be that modern metal is less compliant than the |
- [Wing Assembly Progress](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2015/02/wing-assembly-progress/) - #The full wing assembly is now progressing using all the parts constructed so far which means other work like metal fitting and builds for engine mounts can continue. Both wings are made at the same time with a joining section in the middle. This means the full length of the workshop is needed! |
- [Comet seats](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2013/08/comet-seats/) - #We have just had another seat made to match the original we have for the project. It was made for us by Mick Sharpe from Western Coachworks in Mickleover Derby. He has made a great job of it and it is another step towards getting the cockpit completely fitted out. |
- [G-RCSR](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2013/07/g-rcsr/) - #There are now 2 Comets at Derby, Ken Fern brought his replica DH88 Comet G-RCSR to the airfield to carry on working on it alongside Black Magic. Why not visit Derby now, the only place in the world where you can see 2 DH88 Comets. |
- [Window seals for the Canopy](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2013/05/window-seals-for-the-canopy/) - #Woolies of Peterborough a major supplier of Trim and upholstery fittings for classic and vintage cars has helped us with the supply of the special sliding window seals we need for the canopy. www.woolies-trim.co.uk |
- [Rollover Jig.](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2013/05/rollover-jig/) - #David Amis has kindly supplied us with one of his rollover jigs for the fuselage so we can easily turn it over to work on. Specifically designed for the classic car restoration market these jigs can also help in the restoration of aeroplanes, have a look at http://www.rolloverjigs.com to see how these work. Thanks Dave. |
- [WELDING - Feb 2013](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2013/02/welding-feb-2013/) - #Don Yates has joined our volunteer team as resident welder. He is retired and spent over 40 years working for the railway as a welder latterly in the instructing roll so is very experienced. We are sorting out his CAA welding approval certificates , which will be a formality after seeing the quality of his |
- [WING SPARS](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2013/01/wing-spars/) - #Work is progressing well on the wings with the first main spar almost complete and our team of volunteers are working on the wing ribs in anticipation of starting to assemble the wings as soon as all the spars are finished. Once again we are grateful for the help given by all our sponsors but |
- [Frost](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2012/06/frost/) - #Frost Auto Restoration Techniques Limited Have kindly donated the sheet steel we need for the canopy window slides |
- [LAS](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2012/04/las/) - #LAS Aerospace have agreed to help with the supply of some of the materials we need for the project including sheet steel and tubes plus all the consumables like nuts and bolts etc. |
- [Metalplas](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2011/12/6th-december-2011/) - #Metalplas have kindly donated the Phosphor Bronze we need for the flap bearings. |
- [Rudder](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2011/05/rudder/) - #Roger Hinchcliffe has kindly volunteered to produce the rudder at his home workshop near Northampton and he is now well advanced. Progress was held up for a while by moving house and workshop. Very traumatic. We wish him well in his new abode. |
- [Donations](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2011/06/donations/) - #The Group is delighted to have received a generous donation from DSC (Aviation) Ltd. Only recently did Duncan Swift the proprietor of the company learn of our project. This lead to a visit to Derby and a donation came within days! DSC (Aviation) Ltd is an aviation consultancy specialising in air traffic control training, aerodrome |
- [Glue](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2011/07/glue/) - #Ken Fern has managed to persuade Dynea to provide the Aerodux glue for us. The Group is most grateful for this generous gesture. Aerodux glue was developed many years ago specifically for aircraft and it was, of course, used extensively by de Havilland most notably for the Comet’s direct descendant, the incomparable Mosquito. De Havillands’ |
- [Ken Fern](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/2011/08/ken-fern/) - #Ken Fern, who initiated the project and introduced it to the current Comet Racer Project Group, has been busy with the engine mount frames and the undercarriage support structures. Jigs have been necessary to hold the steel tubes in position for welding. Undercarriage telescoping tubes have been machined at N and B Engineering at Northampton |

## Pages

- [Home](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/) - In 1934 Geoffrey de Havilland was worried that an acknowledged aviation lead in Britain could slip away unless prompt action was taken. The England to Australia "MacRobertson" air race focused international attention and a wide range of impressive entrants was likely to be forthcoming. He decided to design and produce a highly specialised long-range twin
- [History](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/history/) - It is not intended to produce a comprehensive history of these aircraft as the subject has been well documented by others, particularly regarding Black Magic from construction up until the time of sale to Portugal. With this in mind we therefore refer you to the following publications :- "DH88 de Havilland Racing Comets" by David |
- [Sponsors](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/sponsors/) - To complete the project we do need help and sponsorship no mater how small and we gratefully acknowledge the sponsorship of the project received from the companies listed below. If you think you can help please contact us. LATEST SPONSORS 24/05/2013. Window seals. WOOLIES (I & C Woolstenholmes Ltd), Whitley Way, Northfields Industrial Estate, Market |
- [Merchandise](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/merchandise/) - The Comet Racers Uncovered by Guy Inchbald "The story of the iconic winner of the greatest air race ever at a pivotal moment in aviation history has never been fully told, those of its stablemates even less so. Only five de Havilland DH.88 Comets were ever built. With one restored to flying condition and another |
- [Contact Us](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/contact-us/) - If you have any information, want to know some information, able to offer any help or want to donate to the project please contact us using the details below: Martin Jones Tel: +44 (0) 1283 733803 Fax: +44 (0) 1283 734829 Email: derbyaeroclub@btconnect.com Ken Fern Email: ken.fern@btinternet.com Bill Morris - FAQs, Archive, History and Social |
- [Links](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/links/) - Here are list of useful links: Derby Aero Club & Flying School The Shuttleworth Collection - DH88 'Grosvenor House' Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum - Women Aviators The Ninety-Nines - Amy Johnson Science Museum - Amy Johnson Dedicated to Tom Campbell Black Sewerby Hall The Amy Johnson Herne Bay Project Milton Keynes Aviation Society |
- [The Comet Racers Uncovered - New Publication](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/news/the-comet-racers-uncovered-new-publication/) - Guy Inchbald, a member of the Comet Racer Project Facebook Group, has now published his encyclopedic book of the DH88 Comet Racers with huge detail on all things Comet. It is NOT available for purchase through this site but directly from The Comet Racers Uncovered (lulu.com) "The story of the iconic winner of the |
- ["Black Magic" G-ACSP DH 88 Comet Restoration 2020 Summary](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/restoration/black-magic-g-acsp-dh-88-comet-restoration-2020-summary/) - A SUMMARY OF DH88 COMET G-ACSP “BLACK MAGIC” PROGRESS December 2020. Covid 19 has been a huge impediment for progress. Obviously the weekly working sessions at Derby have not happened since February 2020. However it is worth recapping what the current state of the restoration actually is and the progress towards restoring this iconic aircraft |
- [Planking Preparation for Wing of "Black Magic" November 2018](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/restoration/planking-preparation-for-wing-of-black-magic-november-2018/) - The wood for "Black Magic" G-ACSP was sourced from Stones Timber, delivered by Tuffnells and after some preliminary cutting of the balks, then went to Harlows in Burton upon Trent for slicing into general planks which they did excellently. This then leaves the planks needing to be put through the thickness planner for precise sizing |
- [Nose Cone Former July 2019](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/restoration/nose-cone-former-july-2019/) - A former made of MDF is constructed by Peter Spurrs CRP volunteer working in the Amy Johnson Workshop for the fabrication of the metal nose cone of "Black Magic" G-ACSP. This has to be very accurate and made to drawings by George Armstrong CRP draughtsman. |
- [FAQ 5  :  What aircraft flew in the 1934 MacRobertson Air Race and the results?](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/faqs/faq-5-what-aircraft-flew-in-the-1934-macrobertson-air-race-and-the-results/) - These are the details of the twenty aircraft that took part in the 1934 MacRobertson Air Race and how they finished. The rules of the race were complex and involved handicapping rules that can make the results look incorrect. MacRobertson 1934 Air Race : Mildenhall to Melbourne Official Finishing Order Aircraft type Identity Race No. |
- [FAQ 4 - What happened to the French Comets F-ANPY and F-ANPZ?](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/faqs/faq-4-what-happened-to-the-french-comets-f-anpy-and-f-anpz/) - FAQ 4 : The Fate of The French dH88 Comets F-ANPY and F-ANPZ – Les Commettes After the MacRobertson Air Race of 1934, for which three dH88 Comets were built, only two more were ever produced. There was a new one for the French Government who also took the converted G-ACSR, the Green Comet. The |
- [FAQ 3 :  What DH88 Comets is the Comet Racer Project involved with?](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/faqs/faq-3-what-dh88-comets-is-the-comet-racer-project-involved-with/) - The Comet Racer Project is based at Derby Aero Club between Hilton and Eggington near Derby, Derbyshire, UK. At this location, the restoration to flying condition of G-ACSP "Black Magic" is being carried out in the Amy Johnson Workshop with the support of Airspeed Aviation. This recovered aircraft has not made any recorded flights since |
- [Planking, Painting and Cone Progress on G-RCSR Green Comet](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/news/planking-painting-and-cone-progress-on-g-rcsr-green-comet/) - This July 2017 News update report covers the progress on the build of the sister project to "Black Magic" G-ACSP at Derby Aero Club, namely G-RCSR a fully flying Comet replica built as a homage to the original record setting G-ACSR the Green Comet. These photos from the nearby workshop Mick Sharpe of |
- [Wing and Fuselage Jig Matching March 2017](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/restoration/581-2/) - The precise matching of the wing mounts to their counterparts on the fuselage is the next major step. The previously manufactured metal jig will be matched to precision drilled extensions from the fuselage hang points that, in turn, will be mounted onto the wing to place the mounting points there. This has to be very |
- [Initial Drilling Undercarriage Blocks January 2017](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/restoration/initial-drilling-undercarriage-blocks-january-2017/) - A great start to 2017 as the first drillings to the undercarriage / engine mounting blocks is started. These photographs show the large main assembly on the underside of the inverted wing resting on the aluminium blocks that carry out the three axis alignment. Not only must these balance the camber, slope and direction of |
- [Restoration](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/restoration/) - Comet Racer Project Progress Reports on Restoration jobs. |
- [FAQs](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/faqs/) - In this section Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the DH88 Comets will be addressed. If you have any further questions, please contact us. |
- [FAQ 2 :  Was DH88 Comet G-ACSP named "Black Magic" after the chocolates?](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/faqs/faq-2-was-dh88-comet-g-acsp-named-black-magic-after-the-chocolates/) - FAQ 2 : Was The DH88 Comet “Black Magic” named after the Black Magic Chocolates. No, there is absolutely no evidence at all that this iconic aircraft had the name chosen because of the chocolates or that the makers, Rowntree’s, were a sponsor. It is tempting, and seemingly obvious that this should be the case, because |
- [FAQ 1 : How many DH88 Comets were there and what other "Comets" exist?](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/faqs/faq-1-how-many-dh88-comets-were-there-and-what-other-comets-exist/) - FAQ 1 : “How many Comets were there, what happened to them and which Comets and Copies now exist?” Ancillary FAQ 1.1 : “I thought there was another DH Comet passenger jet?” Answer : the Comet Racer project at Derby Aero Club is restoring to flying condition the DH88 Comet of 1934 not the Jet Liner |
- [October 2015 Update](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/restoration/newsoctober-2015-update/) - The massive work on the whole wing continues. The complete metal work for the engine and undercarriage mountings has been completed and drilled to match position on the wing spars. Wing ribs are in place, templates prepared and the wing shaping begun. The end wingtips have been made. The cutting for over 140 notches for |
- [Workshop Update April 2016](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/restoration/workshop-update-april-2016/) - With all the ribs in place and the outer stringers complete, work has progressed onto the complex engine and undercarriage metalwork mounting to the wing in the location of the diagonal spars. The full drilling of the variety of bolts though the spars has started and all pieces are ready for fitting. After one attempt |
- [Fly Press Offset Jig Metalwork September 2016](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/restoration/fly-press-offset-jig-metalwork-september-2016/) - The tapered washer trial, to ensure that all bolt heads were flush on the elaborate and multi angled metalwork, has been changed in favour of the use of an off set jig mounted on a fly press. Though this means that each hole has to be hand pressed, it is accurate and working well. |
- [Fuselage and Wing Joining Jig Assembly August 2016](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/restoration/fuselage-and-wing-joining-jig-assembly/) - A great deal of metal work and welding has occupied the last few months with the construction of a large metal jig that will be used to marry up the fuselage and wing mounts to each other. Each Comet build is unique, so the one made up for G-RCSR, is slightly different |
- [Wings Joined](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/restoration/wings-joined/) - The two separate wings have now been joined using large central wedges made from a cut laminate block. These join the upper and lower parts of the front and back spars with a central lattice for the centre spar. The span of the wing is 44 feet (13.4 metres). |
- [Wing Assembly Starts](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/restoration/wing-assembly-starts/) - The full wing assembly is now in progress, the bringing together of all the spars and parts made so far which also enables engineering work on the metal work for engine mountings to proceed alongside. The wing is made as one whole part, both sides joined in the middle, taking up the full workshop length! |
- [Fuselage](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/restoration/fuselage/) - Work has been progressing well on the fuselage which is now basically complete. Latest work has been the completion of the top and bottom fuel tank cover on the front of the fuselage. Many of the controls have been made and fitted in the cockpit area. The new cockpit canopy has been made and is |
- [Wings](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/restoration/wings/) - Work has started on the wings and a large number of the wing ribs have been made. We have Spruce in stock and have made a start on machining it up to make the wing spars. Since the wings are 44 feet in span we have made a large jig table to help in the |
- [Tailplane & Elevators](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/restoration/tailplane-elevators/) - The tailplane and elevators have now been made to original drawings with the metal fittings in place. they have been covered in fabric and doped, at present just in the aluminum dope which provides U/V protection. The hinges and operating cranks have also been made and fitted. Click on any of the images below for |
- [Undercarriage](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/restoration/undercarriage/) - The Comet has a retracting undercarriage assembly which was quite unique for 1934. We have copies of the original drawings and the new assemblies are taking shape. New springs to the original specifications have been specially made for us by Alberta Springs from Colchester, top leg parts machined by N&B engineering and the bottom parts |
- [Engines & Propellers](https://www.cometracerproject.co.uk/restoration/engines-propellers/) - The original engines were special Gipsy Six 'R's which were racing engines built for the race and only a few were ever made and only one exists anywhere. We are using the later Gipsy Queen 30 engines which are development of the original Gipsy Six range of Aero engines. We have 3 of these engines |
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