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Post by Dave Homewood on May 12, 2012 18:17:32 GMT 12
Those photos must be ancient, they are in black and white. ;D
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Post by McFly on May 12, 2012 19:49:07 GMT 12
Might need to adjust your monitor a bit there Dave...
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petera
Flight Lieutenant
Posts: 88
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Post by petera on May 13, 2012 9:42:30 GMT 12
Don't tell me... it's TE288. But which one of the four? PeterA
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Post by Peter Lewis on May 13, 2012 12:16:58 GMT 12
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Post by McFly on May 13, 2012 19:40:28 GMT 12
Don't tell me... it's TE288. But which one of the four? PeterA Hmmmm.... Seems like I'm outed.. . Another link to a previous thread here: rnzaf.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=Postwar&thread=12529&page=1#111356No it wont be TE288, although in terms of 'provenance' it has a 'thin but robust' linkage back to the donor moulds of the original as Peter has alluded to (perhaps a 'data plate' special) One significant departure it that it now has 'wing tips' fitted...! Hence a proper Spitfire with a true elliptical wing synonymous with the type and part of its alluring beauty Long and somewhat problematic 'restoration' though with the requirement to add about a gazillion kg's to the internal structure to ensure sufficient rigidity. "90% complete and 90% to go" / or "It will fly when it's ready"
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Post by Dave Homewood on May 13, 2012 20:22:49 GMT 12
With that much rebuilding it's a pity it wasn't made into a high-back.
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Post by McFly on May 18, 2012 21:25:52 GMT 12
Here you go Beagle, a blast from the past circa 1984 (ish). Can you name all the S&S blokes...?
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Post by Dave Homewood on May 18, 2012 22:12:31 GMT 12
I think the chap on the far left is Derek "Dak" Meyer, isn't it?
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Post by Dave Homewood on May 18, 2012 22:13:45 GMT 12
Marty are you able to reveal the particular colour scheme this Mk XVIe replica will be painted in, ie serial number, OU- code and pilot connected with it?
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Post by McFly on May 18, 2012 23:26:56 GMT 12
Marty are you able to reveal the particular colour scheme this Mk XVIe replica will be painted in, ie serial number, OU- code and pilot connected with it? Hi Dave, while not finally confirmed yet, it is however intended (after much deliberation with various agencies including the Air Force Museum, Avspecs and UK based firms etc) to not represent this aircraft as belonging to a particular Sqn or pilot due to the issues with accurately portraying it as such without offending any other parties or falsely representing an aircraft type or Mk. One difference to this Spitfire as compared to the others (TE288) is the addition of wing-tips to complete the 'full' or elliptical wing. This was a request of one of the benefactors involved and was something achievable. That moved it out of the realms of 485 (NZ) Sqn because as far as we can ascertain they didn't fly the 'low back' Mk XVI with a 'full' wing but only the clipped wing version. Another factor is a desire by command to make this a 'memorial' (as that is what it will become once erected on base) that is 'representative' and acknowledges all those airman and airwoman that have marched through the gates of Whenuapai since 1939. This broader approach is more 'inclusive' and has gained firmer support from those at the top (who ultimately approve everything). One other outcome of these decisions is that a standard 1940's camouflage scheme is also somewhat problematic as it again time stamps it to a particular period, theatre and Mk of Spitfire, which would clash with the neutral representation trying to be achieved Following the Air Force museums direction, the Spitfire is likely to be painted in all over 'Silver' (known as RAF High-speed silver or Aluminium) with roundels and flashes etc but no Sqn codes or S/N. This ensures the 'representative' focus and memorial status can be achieved, and suitably mounted plaques and display boards will cover the linkages with 485 (NZ) Sqn and other units as appropriate. So while not perhaps 'traditional' or the same as we are generally use to seeing, it will however provide a striking and dramatic 'memorial' and is appropriate for its intended role. That said, NZ is already well represented by a number of Spitfires (both replica and real) in traditional schemes, so this one will provide a refreshing and again dramatic alternative. The photos below, although not a 'low back' Mk XVI, is however similar to what is trying to be achieved.
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Post by oggie2620 on May 19, 2012 0:06:35 GMT 12
Any restored Spitfire is a good Spitfire...
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Post by Dave Homewood on May 19, 2012 0:11:13 GMT 12
Thanks Marty, that will be somehting different and interesting. I had wrongly assumed it was to be ties in with No. 485 Qing's excellent tribute to 'our' Spitfire squadron, but I really like the idea that it will reflect all of our Spitfire pilots (and no doubt our Seafire pilots too) from before, during and after the war.
The silver will look nice, especially on a sunny day, and will look not unlike the way the Auckland War memorial Museum's own Spitfire used to look I guess. I hope the silver will stand up to the weather ok.
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Post by beagle on May 19, 2012 5:08:54 GMT 12
Here you go Beagle, a blast from the past circa 1984 (ish). Can you name all the S&S blokes...? Marty, well I can tell you none of those blokes are S&S, chippies.tin bashers and aircraft techs l to r PJ Smith, forget this guy but we used to party together at Woodbourne, Alan Woodley, warren something, had another nickname he went by, super Storey, scratch aitchison, not sure but this guy was head of chippes at WB at the time
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Post by Dave Homewood on May 19, 2012 12:06:12 GMT 12
Crikey is that PJ? I never recognised him. PJ and Alan Woodley are still working at the Museum restoration workshops.
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Post by beagle on May 19, 2012 17:08:07 GMT 12
The guy 2nd from left , I think is called Baz Chapman. Found this which is the second one we built sitting in the ANZ hangar at CHC.
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Post by beagle on May 19, 2012 17:09:16 GMT 12
Note the NATTS F27 in the background
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Post by johnnyfalcon on May 21, 2012 8:01:25 GMT 12
I like the concept - a kind of 1:1 scale mounted trophy, like the brass ones of the '40s thru '60s
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Post by McFly on May 25, 2012 18:26:47 GMT 12
Getting closer... (Primer)
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Post by Dave Homewood on May 25, 2012 19:03:42 GMT 12
Looking great!
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Post by beagle on May 25, 2012 19:30:59 GMT 12
who's doing the painting Marty
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