Artifact Restoration - Aichi Seiran (ailerons)

	Aichi Seiran - Ailerons

	March, 1999 Ann McCombs carefully cuts the fabric around the edges and corners of one of the ailerons from the Aichi Seiran. She must ensure that all metal surfaces are covered and that there is a good bond of the fabric with no loose parts which could rub on the hinge. 74K JPEG ©1999 Smithsonian Institution, #W1999CM0007

	March, 1999 Original fabric from the Seiran. These very fragile shreds are invaluable to the restoration specialist to ensure authenticity of the new work. The "Do Not Touch" sign on the tours should be self-evident given the nature of some of the materials on display. 104K JPEG ©1999 Smithsonian Institution, #W1999CM0006

106K JPEG ©1999 Smithsonian Institution #W1999CM0005	March, 1999 Original fabric from one of Seiran's ailerons. The round areas are put in after the fabric is put over the structure and given its initial coats of dope. Access holes are cut into the surface which will allow the assembler to sew the surface to the ribs. The hole is reinforced on the inside with a thin ring-shaped piece of plywood, and the fabric is then cut radially into many short segments which are "glued" to the wood ring with dope. Once assembly is complete, the hole is then covered over with another piece of doped fabric to keep dirt and water out while allowing access, should it be required. In other words, after doing a beautiful job of covering the control with fabric, the assembler then has to punch a hole in his or her work and cover it over with a patch!