Galileo Restoration Update - February 2013

[bbailey861]

Someone over on the HobbyTalk forum mentioned the Ship of Theseus paradox. I never knew it had that name until now. You learn something new every day.

At any rate, since most of the Galileo's metal parts (framework, nacelles, wing/pylon structures) are still intact, the old girl is probably still more than 50 percent original if you go by weight.

Certainly good enough. for me

 

[feek61]

They could easily finance the repairs the way NASA finances restoration of the old spacecraft. The old rotted and unusable scraps could be placed in acrylic and sold to fans. I would love to own a piece of the Galileo.

Yes, but the Galileo has undergone several restorations over the years. Does any of the wood from the original shuttle still exist or is it all from a prior restoration?

Yes, there is original wood framing and skin(masonite) left. The original skin was mostly the back under the impulse engine where the hatches were located. It is in too bad of condition to use but it is being saved.

 

[CaptainDave1701]

Hey Feek!....I just wanted to say thanks again for all of your TOS graphics work....Great Stuff!

 

[feek61]

^
Thanks for noticing, lol. Much appreciated!

 

[MarsWeeps]

Galileo restoration continues and we are making a great deal of progress. We have had a great deal of support from fans. Below are some highlight photos from February 2013.

Inside looking forward:

I never noticed that extra metal frame at the front left. It appears related to the movable doors. I guess that would be one reason why they couldn't attempt a smaller internal restoration, that frame would stick out like a sore thumb.

 

[feek61]

Yes, the steel frame by the door is on both side of the hatch and sticks inside as you can see a good bit. There is no question that this was meant to only be shot from the exterior, lol.

 

[mos6507]

I don't care whether it's considered a restoration or a rebuild. I am a fan of the shuttlecraft and all, don't get me wrong, but I do know that it cost a $fortune$ just to liberate this from its prior owner and it might have been a lot cheaper to just take measurements of the frame and rebuild the frame if that's all that's going to represent the original when all is said and done. So all I asked is if there were any OTHER parts of this that will be left from the original besides the frame. When it's built, you won't see the frame. The frame will be underneath the walls, and so as a historical document, it doesn't present much of an exhibit to only see recreated parts. If the landing gear or other pieces are original, then that makes a difference.

 

[CaptainDave1701]

I don't care whether it's considered a restoration or a rebuild. I am a fan of the shuttlecraft and all, don't get me wrong, but I do know that it cost a $fortune$ just to liberate this from its prior owner and it might have been a lot cheaper to just take measurements of the frame and rebuild the frame if that's all that's going to represent the original when all is said and done. So all I asked is if there were any OTHER parts of this that will be left from the original besides the frame. When it's built, you won't see the frame. The frame will be underneath the walls, and so as a historical document, it doesn't present much of an exhibit to only see recreated parts. If the landing gear or other pieces are original, then that makes a difference.

Well......As far as restorations go perhaps you can get a feel as to where we are coming from here with the information provided in the links I am providing.

http://www.sasmuseum.com/restoration/

http://www.museumofflight.org/collections/aircraft-restoration

http://www.aerodynamicaviation.com/aircraft_restoration.php

 

[MarsWeeps]

So all I asked is if there were any OTHER parts of this that will be left from the original besides the frame.

I don't know for sure, but I'm guessing that the metal frame, nacelles and the rear landing strut are probably all that's left from the original. It's possible the doors might be original too.

 

[Galileo7]

Glad to see an update! From the looks of it, they are doing a very professional job.

Agree.

 

[arch101]

So all I asked is if there were any OTHER parts of this that will be left from the original besides the frame.

I don't know for sure, but I'm guessing that the metal frame, nacelles and the rear landing strut are probably all that's left from the original. It's possible the doors might be original too.

I visited USS Constitution again after her last major restoration (which was extensive). I asked one of the Navy workmen just how much of the original ship is still here? He said very little but it's still the Constitution and where can you go to see another one?

 

[Keith1701]

So all I asked is if there were any OTHER parts of this that will be left from the original besides the frame.

I don't know for sure, but I'm guessing that the metal frame, nacelles and the rear landing strut are probably all that's left from the original. It's possible the doors might be original too.

I visited USS Constitution again after her last major restoration (which was extensive). I asked one of the Navy workmen just how much of the original ship is still here? He said very little but it's still the Constitution and where can you go to see another one?

I really like your profile picture.....Way to Go!