• Derby Aero Club & Flying School,
  • Derby Airfield,
  • Egginton,
  • DE65 6GU
  • Tel: +44 (0) 1283 733803

Latest News

Stringer cuts and fixing November 2015 - 03/11/2015

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 horizontally then grip the cut in an adjustable spanner, wiggle and break a small square of wood out.  Then finish with a square file!  The stringers are of tapering widths towards the wing tip so need butting joins.

One Whole Wing - 31/08/2015

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 the front and back spars with a central webbing lattice for the middle spars.  The die is now cast and when the wing leaves the workshop it will be one whole piece.  The next stage is covering.

Comet Racer Project Facebook Group 2015 - 15/06/2015

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 fittings plus news on build progress, information on the last Comet lost in the Sudan and much more.  We hope that this group continues to thrive and grow and that more will join to share this journey to see these iconic planes back in the air.  To find as and join just click on the Facebook logo on our website homepage.

Propeller Donation - 13/03/2015

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 which may be linked to the De Havilland Dove/Devon/Heron family of light passenger transport aircraft that I had given to me when I left British Aerospace around 25 years’ ago. It was given to me by a guy who worked in the propeller workshop as he knew my son was interested in being a pilot. We are now moving house after 32 years and rather than sell this propeller for scrap we wondered if you would be interested in it as a gift’  Many thanks to them for thinking of the Project.

Rib to Spar Brackets Manufacture - 19/02/2015

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 original material and getting the exact angles needs a combination of careful thought and brute force!

Wing Assembly Progress - 15/02/2015

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!

Wing Ribs - 25/07/2014

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.  Thanks to Peter Kirk  for keeping an eye on the youngsters’ production, and for completing the rib pairs in their absence.

 

Comet seats - 30/08/2013

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 - 30/07/2013

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 - 24/05/2013

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

Comet Racer Project Group | Aircraft Restoration | Derby Aero Club & Flying School, Derby Airfield, Egginton DE65 6GU | Telephone: +44 (0) 1283 733803

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