SAAF Museum gets new wings
[caption id="attachment_41073" align="alignright" width="405"] SOARING SUCCESS: Peter Williams, 90, is working on the Spitfire replica. Picture: FREDLIN ADRIAAN[/caption]
A LIFE-SIZED World War 2 fighter plane replica is being pieced together as part of a long-term upgrade project by the Port Elizabeth SA Air Force Museum, which aims to make it one of the best in the country.
The Supermarine Spitfire, dubbed the fighter aircraft of the war, is being built as part of a project adopted by the SA Air Force, retired military staff, volunteers and flying enthusiasts.
The Spitfire Replica Project, which started in 2009, will be the only display of its kind in South Africa and, according to museum staff, will be the main attraction.
Ninety-year-old Peter Williams – who has been volunteering at the museum for 24 years – has made it his goal to finish the project and has devoted countless hours to making it a reality.
"I moved to Port Elizabeth in 1981 after working in an aircraft factory repairing the Wellington Bombers during World War 2. I was based in Yorkshire [England] and after the war decided to move to South Africa for some sun," an energetic Williams said.
"I have always had a passion for aviation and due to an injury was not able to join the Air Force during the war. I did the next best thing: repair the aircraft that were used."
The Spitfire, which was mounted with machine guns, was designed by Britain's Royal Air Force during World War 2 to specifically attack enemy planes, particularly bombers and reconnaissance aircraft.
Williams – who is grateful to the sponsors who assisted with material supplies – said the Spitfire aircraft was his pet project and once complete would be cited as the main attraction.
"I really want to finish this before I pass on so that I can see the end result.
"There is still work that needs to be done, such as putting the wings on the plane, fitting some of the panels and then the paint work.
"At the end of the day we will be the only museum in the country to have a life-size replica fighter plane from the war."
The plane is fitted with flight controls and gauges which were sourced from various Air Force bases around the country.
SA Air Force spokesman and museum curator Captain Mark Kelbrick said the Spitfire project was running concurrently with the restoration of an Airspeed Oxford, a Puma helicopter and a Cessna – the only aircraft owned by the ANC's armed wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe.
"There is lots of history and heritage here and we want to make it available to everyone to come and view. The expansion is a long-term project and will eventually see the entire museum expanded.
"We will have one hall with several fixed-wing aircraft, and a joint hangar for the helicopter display and for other restoration projects. [Visitors] can also chat to the veterans working on the planes."
Kelbrick said that due to the Spitfire being a unique and well-known aircraft, it would be the main attraction.
"Another attraction currently being built is a former South African Air Force Buccaneer flight simulator."
Kelbrick said much of the expansion would be completed by the end of October. - Gareth Wilson
