07/15/2025
Our beloved Thunderduck, the clear standout kid favorite at Hangar Hangout Days and the Wings Over Houston 2025 Family Chalet, has been in need of a little sprucing up. So one of our members, known affectionately as Hellcat Bombzaway, stepped up to the challenge!
Safety and aesthetics have been addressed throughout the project: the anti-slip grips on both wings have been replaced and clearly marked, and all sharp edges, especially around egress points where little hands might grab, have been secured. The panels under children’s legs, once sources of pinch points and rough edges, have also been smoothed and reinforced.
The restoration includes functional upgrades as well. A missing fuel gauge instrument was located and reinstalled, and all labeling has been replaced. The hand grips were sanded down, sandblasted, and repainted to match the wing caps with the help of cadet B. Griffin.
A major visual improvement came with the removal of stained and faded upholstery, which had been previously held in place with duct tape. The new upholstery is bright and kid-friendly, securely stapled, and matched to the handle grips and wing caps. It’s also protected by a weather-resistant plastic cover, ensuring easier transport and long-term durability. On the port side, the faux exhaust—once glued on and lost—has been properly reattached using screws for permanence.
Thunderduck’s transformation is ongoing, but it’s already shaping up to be safer, more fun, and more engaging for all ages!
