|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 15, 2012 23:10:49 GMT 12
These shots were taken today by my good mate Kerry Carlyle (fockewulf) at Avspecs. The Griffon engine is now installed on Murray Miers' Spitfire.  And its stablemate:  |
|
|
|
Post by Tony on Feb 16, 2012 0:42:55 GMT 12
Pulse quickened a wee bit with those pics Dave.
If I owned the Mk.XIV, she would be getting painted as RM787 CG!
But alas...................
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 16, 2012 8:53:55 GMT 12
Can you elaborate on that colour scheme please Tony?
|
|
|
|
Post by vs on Feb 16, 2012 9:32:09 GMT 12
Can't wait to see that Spitfire flying! Any time frame?
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 16, 2012 11:52:57 GMT 12
When it's ready. Hopefully in 2012 though.
|
|
|
|
Post by Naki on Feb 16, 2012 12:40:49 GMT 12
|
|
|
|
Post by johnnyfalcon on Feb 16, 2012 15:39:12 GMT 12
That's a different model MKXIV though? NH799 has a cut down rear fuselage |
|
|
|
Post by sputnik767 on Feb 16, 2012 16:12:39 GMT 12
"That's a different model MKXIV though? NH799 has a cut down rear fuselage" It does...... but if you own a spitfire you can paint in the markings you choose..... He could even paint it as a p-40  |
|
|
|
Post by johnnyfalcon on Feb 16, 2012 16:23:32 GMT 12
I don't, so I won't...
|
|
|
|
Post by ZacYates on Feb 16, 2012 18:03:45 GMT 12
The first photo made me shiver with excitement. I know restorations are so very deceptive in this way, but....it looks so close!
I am very intrigued by which paint scheme the aircraft will wear, also. CG would go great with AL and FL-A! What history! Dave (if you know), what other Kiwis flew XIVs and would make for deserving paint options?
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 16, 2012 18:59:45 GMT 12
I don't know of any kiwis who flew cutback Mk XIVe's offhand.
|
|
|
|
Post by Radialicious on Feb 16, 2012 19:34:05 GMT 12
I was lucky enough to be shown through the Avspecs hangar just over a week ago. First up - the Mosquito is simply the most beautiful piece of machinery I have ever seen. It really has to be seen to be believed. I feel very lucky to have seen it in its current state. She is far enough down the track for much of its detail and craftsmanship to be studied and enjoyed. As she nears completion, much of that detail won't always be quite so visible.
I also saw the RR Griffon in its can prior to being fitted to the airframe. Now that it is place, you can appreciate why the Mk.XIV is such a beast. To me, the engine is much more prominent than a Merlin. It's hard to believe that it is very nearly 18 years since I last saw it fly.
|
|
|
|
Post by FlyingKiwi on Feb 16, 2012 20:07:44 GMT 12
I'm not very up to speed with all the Spitfire restorations around the place - is this one going to be staying in NZ or is it going offshore? Either way looks like it'll be a good looker when finished.
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 16, 2012 20:45:07 GMT 12
This will stay in NZ and be based at Blenheim. Murray Miers also owns the FW190 replica there.
This Spitfire is the one that Sir Tim Wallis crashed in.
|
|
|
|
Post by baz62 on Feb 16, 2012 21:08:12 GMT 12
I remember watching Mark Hanna fly the XIV and Ray fly the XVI at Wanaka. The Griffon sounds very throaty and mean compared with the Merlin's purr. I have some footage somewhere of both Spitfires starting up so i must see about getting it on Youtube to share.
Yeah The Griffon is a BIG beast for a wee Spitfire!
|
|
|
|
Post by Dave Homewood on Feb 16, 2012 21:24:19 GMT 12
Mark Hanna, not Hannah
|
|
|
|
Post by johnnyfalcon on Feb 17, 2012 7:16:39 GMT 12
I remember watching Mark Hannah fly the XIV and Ray fly the XVI at Wanaka. The Griffon sounds very throaty and mean compared with the Merlin's purr. I have some footage somewhere of both Spitfires starting up so i must see about getting it on Youtube to share. Yeah The Griffon is a BIG beast for a wee Spitfire! To me, the Griffon sounds exactly like a Merlin...under water |
|
|
|
Post by Tony on Feb 17, 2012 9:17:12 GMT 12
I don't know of any kiwis who flew cutback Mk XIVe's offhand.  RM797, EB-E with 41 Sqn. 1944-45: Flown by Colin Gray, Jimmy Thiele, Jack Henry. Also had 3 victories to it's credit while being flown by Flt Lt Tony Gaze. Was VH-XIV under rebuild in Australia but no certain of it's current status. Also; Flt Lt George Malcolmson was killed on 8th February 1945 while flying a 2 Sqn Mk.XIVe, RM805 when he ran out of fuel and crashed while trying to land at Huijbergen following a TAC/R sortie from memory. I found this site on him: Tribute to Keith Malcolmson - The Last Letters www.twosqnassoc.co.uk/pages/stories/remarkable%20people/malcolmson/malc01.htm Sorry, I realise you asked about low-back XIV's.
Hope the above info is useful to someone though |
|
|
|
Post by baz62 on Feb 17, 2012 11:41:23 GMT 12
Jeez the spelling police are everywhere! Modified.  |
|
|
|
Post by aeromedia on Feb 17, 2012 13:03:47 GMT 12
No worries Baz, keep up the good work on the Oster. |
|
