Still waiting!!

Little Swanson number 3 was due on Sunday, but as you might expect with someone who shares my genetics, he or she is a wee bit late! Abi was 8 days past her due date, and Matthew came the day after his date, so we're not too concerned by going  a little over with this one too. The biggest hardship is with the weather; the first two were both born in Tummel Bridge, where the weather wasn't quite so much of a chore as it is here! This afternoon saw the temperatures hitting 99 degF (37 degC) so Heather is understandably keen to not be pregnant anymore! We will keep you all posted when he or she makes a grand appearance!

Hopefully the last pregnant Heather picture!

Life in the hangar is carrying on as usual. The summer months see quite a few people disappearing from the hangar for a week or two at a time, taking vacation time to visit friends and family, time to help with some of the many "Vacation Bible School" programmes run by churches across the States through the summer, or making "deputation" trips to share about what they are doing with supporters and at their home churches.
The 206 project has still been moving on though, and the last few weeks have seen me focussing on more of the painting related jobs. I have had good opportunity to spend some time in the paint booth painting the many small parts that have been removed from the plane over the last few months. Painting is one of those things that is 25% science, and 75% art, so once Josh had spent a bit of time going over the theory of it all, the best way to learn is just to do it! It is also one of those things that is incredibly satisfying when it all works out, so the last couple of weeks have been good fun for me!

Painting the 206's engine cowls

Wire brushing one of the rivet heads!

With painting, one of the key things to getting a good finish is to start with a good base. We are now coming close to getting the fuselage rolled into the paint booth for painting, so this week has seen me spend quite a bit of time "detailing" in preparation for paint. The majority of the old paint was stripped with a chemical stripper a few weeks ago, but there are still little flecks of paint stuck in nooks and cranny's and around every rivet head on the surface of the plane. My job this week has been to spray thinners onto every rivet head  and rub it all down with a wire brush! I have to admit I am starting to go a bit cross eyed focusing on one rivet at a time, sitting a few inches from the side of the plane, but it has to be done, and it is a good job for someone who is hoping at any minute to drop everything and rush home for the birth!!


Thanks for all your prayers for the safe arrival of the baby - we will let you know when it comes!!