Curtiss SB2C-5 Helldiver Bu.83393 is making marvelous progress as its restoration comes together at Fagen Fighters WWII Museum in Granite Falls, Minnesota. (image by Evan Fagen)
Evan Fagen, the museum’s chief pilot, relayed the following details from their workshop manager, Brandon Duel:
“Since the fuselage and center section of the wings were joined back in October, the crew at Fagen Fighters Restoration has been working hard on finishing out some structural work left on the center section. While that has been going on they have also been working on the various systems for the aircraft. The control cables are installed and will be rigged and finalized within the month. The electrical is well under way. Most of the harnesses are complete and are currently being installed in the plane. A vast majority of the hydraulic lines have been installed in the fuselage, and soon they will be moving on to the wings. Most of the major components for the aircraft have been finished and are just waiting for final assembly. With a project of this magnitude, the tasks can seem never-ending, but the experienced crew is slowly checking them off the list. The next year is going to be very exciting for Fagen Fighters Restoration as the SB2C-5 Helldiver moves closer to first flight.”