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HOW THE SIMULATOR
WAS RESTORED
Photo courtesy of @Diezel (All Rights Reserved)
​
PART 3 Born in the USA
The initial idea for the new Simulator was to use all new computers and software, build a wooden framework and buy the inside of the flightdeck, and create another homebuilt Simulator.
Two of Johns friends who he knew from taking part in Worldflight Australia had set up
a business in Tupelo Mississippi USA buying Flightdecks and parting them out.
On talking to them it quickly became apparent that it would be far easier to buy the whole Flightdeck and ship it to the UK, and they had a nearly complete Flightdeck for sale.
It was ex All Nippon Airways JA8956 "Ohana Jumbo"
"Ohana Jumbo" seen at Tupelo before the Flightdeck was removed, looking a bit sad
as most of her lovely Pokemon scheme had been painted out.
Photo courtesy of Andy Tucker (All Rights Reserved)
As it would be very expensive to ship the Flightdeck intact it was decided it could be cut down to fit in a 20ft Shipping container. That would involve stripping everything out so that it wouldn't
catch fire when cut. The guys in the USA said they could do that but John decided that it
was more beneficial to do this himself so he knew how it went back together in the UK.
So a fun week long USA Road Trip was organised.
John seen on the Drive from Atlanta to Tupelo.
First meeting with "Ohana Jumbo". It's Huge !
Rob and Joe at their Storage Unit just off Tupelo Airport.
Inside the Flightdeck.
John peeping out of the Escape Hatch.
Looking into the Flightdeck ready to start work.
We started by removing all the Removing Plastic Trims.
We had a few large Trollies which we parcelled up the bits ready for shipping.
Removing the side cabinets, whilst John parcelled up items and all the screws.
After a fantastic week with Joe and Rob we had finished and on the Final Day Joe
invited John to go Flying in his Cirrus.
This aircraft is stationed at Tupelo after Joe flew it Solo across the Pacific !
It's as well equipped as a 747 !
Leaving the Airport we photographed many more 747's
from United Airlines waiting to be scrapped.
After the Flight John visited the Museum at the Birthplace of ELVIS Presley.
John seen on the Porch Swing at Elvis's original restored home ... it's Tiny.
On leaving John met HIS Musical Hero "Jools Holland" in the Car Park !
Elvis's House can be seen far left. What a great end to the Trip !
After we left Tom Anderson would strip out some of the bigger bits
like the Throttles, Inner Liner and finally cut it down for us.
Tom sent us photos of her all stripped out and ready to cut.
It would now be a few months until we would see her again.
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