1992-1996
The mortal remains of TA805 arrived at the Airframe Assemblies works, Sandown, Isle of Wright in early 1992. Having previously been in storage in Sussex. The dormant period continued for another 3 years or so until the current owners acquired the aircraft. Work to return her to flying condition started in early 1996.
July 1997
The period up until July 1997 being taken up with the manufacture of the many pieces that make up a Spitfire fuselage. These small pieces being made up into sub-assemblies such as fuselage Frame 9.
1997
Also along with the new build items, as much original material as possible was removed from the remains, for incorporation into the rebuild. These photos show the all important Frame 5 being dismantled and the almost complete assembly following rebuild.
August 1997
With the kit of parts ready, assembly in the build fixture commenced in August 1997. Shown here is the basic structure being assembled in the jig.
November 1997
New skins started being cut in and drilled off in November 1997. The photos shows the new skinning, along with the original skins which were used as checking patterns to ensure that the structure was true.
July 1998
Skinning work continued, resulting in the completed fuselage out of the build fixture in July 1998
May 2000
With the basic fuselage finished, the next major task was the building of the wings. This following a similar pattern, with many months being spent making components and sub-assemblies prior to the start of the build. This task not made any easier with the need to move the whole of Airframe Assemblies to a larger premises in May 2000. The new “works” being located on the other side of town, with ‘805 turning a few heads as she made the trip! She arrived safe and was carefully unloaded.
2000-2001
Along with the wing build, the bare fuselage was kitted out with various items of plumbing/systems and cockpit instruments during this period.
2001-2002
In parallel with the wing work, another major sub-assembly being built of the fin.
The photo shows the completed wing leading edge “D-Boxes” with ribs attached.
February 2002
Restoration of the cockpit internal details and instrument panels is complete.
June 2002
The fuselage of TA805 departs Airframe Assemblies on June 26, 2002. Initially to Sedlescombe in Sussex, prior to ARCO at Duxford for fitting of engine and final assembly.
March 2003
The wings and final stages of assembly are undertaken. Skinning, fitting of gun covers and access doors are complete. Wing tips are under construction.
