Interview with Gaz 4-12-09

Gaz – how did you get involved with the Guppy :

I have been volunteering at Bruntingthorpe since the begining of the year, just helping out where I could. I just happened to ask, one of the curators at the museum, about the long term plans for the Guppy. When he told me that there was nobody to look, specifically, after her, an idea started to form. I got in touch with a few friends who, as well as being keen aviation enthusiasts, were from an engineering/mechanical background. As soon as they said that they could spare a few hours a month I approached the owner of the aircraft and asked if I could take it on. His answer was short and sweet "Yes, definitely!"

What sort of condition was she in when you started?

All of these years exposed to the elements has taken it's toll on the paintwork and there are a couple of areas of damage, she has several punture wounds along her belly which we think we can repair ourselves, but, towards the rear of the aircraft, is a huge hole which was caused by the wind blowing her round and causing her to collide with another exhibit. and the radome was damaged in an accident a few years ago and a fibreglass repair was carried out. The interior is in reasonable nick but needs a bit of a clean up

What have you done so far?

Originally, the plan was just to do a cosmetic restoration and, to this point, that's pretty much all we have been doing. We assessed the radome damage - after our search for a new one proved fruitless we have started to repair the damaged one properly. The team have already made a start on the prop tips, cleaning, sanding and painting the flourescent orange stripes. We have also tested the electrical systems and, remarkably, they still work!

So what are the plans for the future?

We have stated to look at a more complete restoration, she'll never fly again, I'll say that now before anyone asks, but I have a lead on some ground running T-56's which would complete the aircraft and, if we can persuade the airfield owner, allow us to perform static runs. There’s the small matter of the structural damage to repair then. This, obviously, punctured the fuselage but, more seriously, broke or bent several of the ribbing sections. This is a massive job to repair and one that, sadly, none of my team are qualified to do. The owner has said that he will cover the cost of the repair so we remain hopeful. We shall, ultimately, re-paint the current livery but that’s a way off at the moment

Where are you with your plans?

After demonstrating that we are serious about restoring the old girl, we have been promised our own pan at Bruntingthorpe so we should have room to get the cherry pickers in so we can start painting her in anger. We will need new nose gear before we can move her though - the current one is seized and beyond repair, so if you know anyone with a spare 707 nose leg, let me know! Aside from all that, we are having great fun, learning as we go, all about this wonderful aircraft.

So how can people help?

If you look at the restoration page on the website that tells you how you can help – time or materials is the most important. My e-mail address is on the site or you can post questions on the forum,

Thanks Gaz and good luck with the project