De Havilland Chipmunk

G-RNVR/WB657 “Spirit of Hill Street”

WB657 was transported to the Somerset Aeroplane HQ for her paint job back into her original Royal Navy service livery. The first stage of the project saw the arrival of the wings following fresh fabric but still in need of the final dope coats. This was carried out by The Somerset aeroplane company prior to the paint work starting. Also included in this were the fabric elements of the empennage sections and the smaller metallic ancillaries belonging to the aeroplane. Stage 2 saw the arrival of the fuselage, undercarriage legs, cowlings and fairings along with the seats. The final stage of the painting was completed at Yeovilton which included the painstaking job of stenciling and final detailing before the aeroplane was put on show for the unveiling ceremony to thank the sponsors of the rebuild programme.