My FE2b reproduction..

[John McKenzie]

[John McKenzie]

[John McKenzie]

The two cables which originated via a joiner , from the single pull bowden "Ratchet " lever , run along , dural'-clipped , inside the pilots plywood bathtub cowling ,and exit the latter through upper (short ) and lower ( long ) dural trumpets , which are riveted to the outside of the cowl . The complete cables curve inside these trumpets and the " Outer " (ferruled end ) is held back inside the small end of this component , whilest the inner cable passes through the small hole ,thence through the coilspringed telescopic tubes , to the attachement to the reinforced ribs of the RH shutter ( Adjustable in flight ).
These trumpet parts originaly were "Spun " over a steel buck ...As there was only one of each size to make , I elected to machine these parts from solid Duralumin billets ...Starting by machining the outer diameter and the curved inner portion ,and including the small hole .(This for Both items ).....Following this , a "special various-jobs ", disposable face plate was set up and a spiggot cut to suit the O.D. of the part machined blanks...Holding these back ,tight in the spiggot with preasure from the revolving tailstock centre ,the outer curves were machined using planned co-ordinates , and the curve eventually finished smoothe by hand method , checking to a template to give a final thickness of .063"......The drilling of rivet holes completed the job.

[John McKenzie]

[John McKenzie]

The LH rad, Shutters position is fixed by 2 of the above.At the bottom , to the frame and above , to the top pannel reinforcing angle above it ....The remainder are for attaching the upper and lower side pannels , together with the rear under pannel .The upper side pannels are fixed to the top radiator cover pannel with a 3/16"dia, " Shepherd crook " steel pin ,passing through the half-hinges at the edges of the aformentioned pannels .Where the "Bolts" pass thru' , the 22 swg ( .028" ) alluminium pannels ,they are reinforced with 18swg (Ni.pl) steel washers riveted on....(see photo)
Within the side pannels , are two access hole cover plates ..These pivot at their lower end for access , and are secured with a " Turnbutton " fixing at the top.
Unfortunately , I am a bit short of detailed photos of the above which I omitted to take at the time of manufacture , and the following are the best I have to offer ,these being taken in a bit of a rush as bits were loaded up for delivery by RAFM into their lorry .

[John McKenzie]

[John McKenzie]

[John McKenzie]

Near edge is flanged over to double thickness and the two openings for brace wires and the central hole for the filler cap are wired with 10 swg (.028") duralwire . This thus formed edge is raised above the surface leaving the inner face flush...Here it has to fit close over the rad., and fit flush against the "Angle-Frame " refered to previously ...The rear edge , along with the rear edges of the side pannels , are rolled over 3/16" dural rod , shaped to suit .
The Axil Fairing ( Shown , but detailed later ) is also of 22 swg . This incorporates a " U " channel under the axil .riveted to the streamlined main body , inside of which are a number (5 if I remember) of 1/2" thick spruce formers , to which the aluminium is wood screwed together ...Thru' these pass the FR & Rr spreader bars to the " V" Legs .
The Lower body pannels have their periferal edges doubled over by some 1.25" all round , this only being relieved of the doubling in areas where occur the small " Blisters " ,necessary to clear the heads of frame bolts .

[John McKenzie]

[John McKenzie]