The Museum of Aviation, Robins AFB, GA, has reported progress on the restoration of a WWII-era Douglas C-47 Skytrain, with recent work focusing on the aircraft’s engine. The aircraft, a combat veteran of the D-Day operations, was moved to the museum in 2024, where a long-term restoration effort began. Since then, work has been carried out in stages as teams assess and rebuild different sections of the aircraft. Click HERE to read more about it.
Recent updates show that attention has shifted to the engine, where the rear row of cylinders has now been installed. The engine itself is mounted on a refurbished steel stand that was cleaned and repainted before use. From there, it is lifted using an overhead hoist and carefully secured to the mount using a series of bolts and vibration-dampening shock absorbers. A stainless-steel baffle, acting as a firewall, has also been fitted as part of the process. Volunteers continue to play a role in the work, including a student aircraft mechanic from Middle Georgia State University.
As the rebuild moves forward, additional components are being put in place, including the ignition harness, cooling air tubes for the magnetos, and the propeller deicing line. With those sections coming together, work is now turning toward fitting the upper row of cylinders. The aircraft, which flew combat and transport missions during the war, is being restored with the aim of preserving its wartime configuration. The project is expected to continue over an extended period as work progresses across different parts of the airframe and systems. For more information and to support the Museum of Aviation, click on this link: museumofaviation.org.
