This week has seen the fuselage as a bare skeleton for the last time. The first of the painted skin panels have arrived back from painting and will start to be rivetted on. The green panels are fitted in the cockpit area so as to reduce glare whilst the silver panels are fitted to the remainder of the fuselage to simulate the bare metal which most Spitfire structure was left in.
The detailing of the cockpit continues with the gunsight and its mounting casting being fitted. David has produced a copy of the tank for the windscreen de ice system, all being produced in house except for one fitting. This will be fitted on the right hand side of the cockpit and is quite a noticeable item. Also the wing d box leading edge is progressing towards items being painted for final assembly. The next step after this is the thick skins which cover the ribs and give this piece its strength.
