Caravelle's bulkhead restoration - Part 3 of 3

Suomeksi

The segments of the cabin’s back wall panelling were found among the separate parts which came from Arlanda with the aircraft. The panels have some maintenance and inspection hatches for various equipment. The cabin crew seat which moves sideways on tracks fastened on the back wall was also found among the panels.

When the restoration and coating of the side wall interior had progressed to the rear part of the cabin, the restoration of the back wall panels could be started. In the photo the coating work has reached the rear wall, the following phase was to test-fit the wall elements into place and check their condition.

After some digging in the rear galley and the sea containers all wall panel segments were found. The last item to be found was the segment between the tracks for the cabin crew sliding seat, it is still missing in this picture. A small section of this panel, by the cabin wall, was not found and it had to be made. Some small parts of the left-hand side panelling remained missing, too.

The rear part of the overhead storage shelves was moved to the right-hand side, so a new part had to be made for covering the shelf end hole in the rear wall.

The missing parts were made of flexible building board, purchased earlier. It was protected from humidity by painting it with a suitable undercoat paint, then a suitable piece was cut into shape.

Finally the new panelling pieces were covered with vinyl coated wallpaper, resembling the original coating. Then each piece was fitted into place and fastened.

The assembly of the rear wall panelling went well. We took into account that the panelling may have to be disassembled in the spring when the ceiling coating is assembled in the middle of the aisle area.

The cabin crew seat was assembled into place and its bearings and wheels were oiled to make sure it moves smoothly. The seat frame was removed, it will be sanded and painted before final assembly in the spring.

The seat padding and cover had already been disassembled and taken to the Caravelle Helsinki Team “textile manager” to be cleaned and repaired.

Photos by Jouko Tarponen and Ismo Matinlauri.

Translation to English by Erja Reinikainen.