IN a labor of love, a team of dedicated volunteers at Solway Aviation Museum have successfully rebuilt a SEPECAT Jaguar aircraft, adding another valuable piece to their existing fleet.
The SEPECAT Jaguar XX146 was purchased for £2,500 and transported from Essex to the museum at Carlisle Lake District Airport.
The rebuild process began with the team carefully dismantling the aircraft, taking off the tail, wings, and removing all the nuts and bolts, before individually transporting the pieces up from the south of England - with the help Lawsons Haulage Ltd bringing up the body of the plane.
While the main components of the aircraft have been successfully assembled, the team is now focused on sourcing all the smaller parts to complete the restoration - which the chairman of the Solway Aviation Museum, Dougie Kerr, says is proving quite difficult.
"We're still piecing together the insides but it can cost a lot of money for even the smallest of bolts.
"It's probably been built in the north, so we always try and bring aircraft that have some connection to the area," he said.
With an ethos of preserving aircraft with a connection to the local area, the museum aims to ensure that the Jaguar, along with its other exhibits, tell the story of aviation close to the region, with the plane more than likely being built by BAE in Preston.
The new addition fits perfectly into an incredible existing fleet including a Vulcan, Hawker Hunter, Canberra, Meteor NF. 14, Phantom, Jetstream (which is being converted into a kids' classroom), Vampire jet fighter, Chipmunk, and a Bede BD 5 - known for featuring in James Bond's Octopussy.
"The museum started as a hobby but it's turned into a big thing. We're all volunteers here, we do it for love," he said.
As a volunteer-run establishment, the museum is always on the lookout for individuals who are willing to lend a hand.
Whether an aviation enthusiast or someone simply interested in contributing, anyone is welcome to get in touch and offer their support.
You can watch the full rebuild video on Facebook here or contact the museum on 01228 573823.
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