Nick's Conservation Corner

Nick 'Scooby' Burchett is our Conservation Manager. His role is to make our exhibits presentable before going on show. This page will show what Scooby has been up to...

Messerschmitt Bf.109E-1, werke no.6280

The current project that Scooby is working on is the restoration of the parts for Messerschmitt Bf.109E-1, werke no.6280. This aircraft was assigned to Luftwaffe squadron 6/JG27 based in Crepon, France in September 1940. On 9th September, piloted by Unteroffizier Georg Rauwolf it was among the fighters that took off at 17.30 hours to escort 400 bombers heading for London. Whilst flying at 20,000ft he was attacked by Pilot Officer H.L.Whitbread of RAF 222 squadron flying a Spitfire over Kent. Rauwolf's Me.109 was badly damaged in the attack but he was able to bale out at 10,000ft. He subsequently captured and became a prisoner of war. The aircraft crashed at Mounts Farm, Benenden.

The picture below shows various parts recovered from the crash site which will be restored to go on display shortly.

We also show below the on-going restoration of the Air Raid Siren, as well as the 'Hermann' 1000kg Bomb and a World War 2 Fuse Tester which are now completed and on show in the Museum.

Air Raid Siren

 

The two red fins are to be removed and a very good clean up and a fresh paint required. This will eventually be on display in 'Wings Bar' on the Airfield.

German 1000kg 'Hermann' Bomb

The SC 1000 (Sprengbombe Cylindrisch 1000) was a large air-dropped general-purpose thin-cased high explosive demolition bomb used by Germany during World War II. Weighing more than 1,000 kg (2,200 lb), it was nicknamed the Hermann by the Germans in reference to the portly Luftwaffe commander, Hermann Göring.

The bomb had been displayed in the  approximate colours to the original scheme, however it fallen in to poor condition and had a fair amount of rust on the main body. The picture on the right shows the finished article in place in the Museum.

British World War 2 era Fuse Tester

Although little is known about this particular item it was probably used by Bomb Disposal units to test the continuity in pyrotechnic ignition fuses.

Scooby took the fuse tester apart for restoration. The leather strap was cleaned and a leather softener/restorer was applied. The brass and plated parts were treated with the appropriate compound cleaner. The internal workings of the tester were thoroughly cleaned and dusted and there was an inspection of the wires and its insulation cover. The wooden box got a good degrease and dust followed by small repair to a couple of the joints, then a wood varnish was applied to bring it back to its best. The above picture shows the fuse tester fully restored.