Spitfire Mk 1, P9374

[Waynester]

Nice website on the return to flight of Spitfire P9374. Some superb photos.

I believe the book by Andy Saunders is out now?


http://www.markonepartners.co.uk/

[Eric Mc]

The video clip calls the pilot "John Roman". He is actually called "John Romain".

[Mr_B]

Eric Mc said:

The video clip calls the pilot "John Roman". He is actually called "John Romain".

If that's all you noticed, they must have done a very good job on the restoration/recreation.

More seriously, it does look fantastic. Would have liked to have seen pics of the recovered Spit. I wonder just how much of the original is still in there ?

[Eric Mc]

Mr_B said:

Eric Mc said:

The video clip calls the pilot "John Roman". He is actually called "John Romain".

If that's all you noticed, they must have done a very good job on the restoration/recreation.

More seriously, it does look fantastic. Would have liked to have seen pics of the recovered Spit. I wonder just how much of the original is still in there ?

It was the Telegraph who got his name wrong - not the actual website. John Romain is one of the most gifted, talented and important individuals in the warbird restoration scene in the UK. They could have got his name right.

There was a very good article on flying this very early Spitfire written by John Romain in Aeroplane Monthly recently.

[fatboy b]

Eric Mc said:

The video clip calls the pilot "John Roman". He is actually called "John Romain".

Are you off again?

[Waynester]

The level of detail they have gone into to ensure authenticity is hugely impressive.
The Dunlop tyres I believe were made special as they are different to later marks by having no tread.

The control surfaces are also fabric as she was before she was shot down.

I just love the early/baby Spit

[Yertis]

fatboy b said:

Are you off again?

Good quality to have in an accountant though.

[Eric Mc]

It is also quite unique for existing Spitfires in that, in its original life, it didn't even make it to the Battle of Britain. I hope to see it flying at some point during the summer.

[Waynester]

Eric Mc said:

It is also quite unique for existing Spitfires in that, in its original life, it didn't even make it to the Battle of Britain. I hope to see it flying at some point during the summer.

Me too.

I suppose we can acknowledge her to be the oldest Spitfire flying, older than P7350. Though.. how their 'originality' ratios stack up leaves it open to debate.

[Zaxxon]

It just looks beautifull, sounds right, looks perfect. A wonderfull effort by the team.

[davepoth]

Waynester said:

Me too.

I suppose we can acknowledge her to be the oldest Spitfire flying, older than P7350. Though.. how their 'originality' ratios stack up leaves it open to debate.

Goes for most 70 year old planes that are in the air I guess. I'm guessing P7350 isn't exactly as it left the factory, given how many times it was pranged and repaired during the war.

[Eric Mc]

The good thing about these very recent restorations is that that they are being brought back to a VERY original condition. The restoration of Hurricane R4118 is also very typical of the modern approach.

Edited by Eric Mc on Sunday 1st April 19:44

[mybrainhurts]

:sigh:

[Waynester]

mybrainhurts said:

:sigh:

....For a Merlin

Good book.

[mybrainhurts]

...had it for years. Must get round to reading it.

[perdu]

mybrainhurts said:

...had it for years. Must get round to reading it.

lost mine



wasn't you I loaned it to was it?



it is a great book

[Simpo Two]

My copy's signed by some geezer called Henshaw.

[Eric Mc]

Great book.

[perdu]

No longer having "Sigh..." I do still own (and posess) "Flight of the Mew Gull" by the same author. Epic!

Eric is bang on about modern reconstructions, the workmanship is scarily good. I hope to see and hear P9374 too, anyone know what I missed? Is there a chance of seeing her this summer?

So many questions but no question she is lovely in her early black and white undersides paint job

I think I will link that article for later enjoyment

And again later still

[Waynester]

Simpo Two said:

My copy's signed by some geezer called Henshaw.

You sir are a lucky chap indeed. Alex was undoubtedly.. Mr Spitfire.