Spitfire Over GLoucester

[fatboy69]

Just had a lone Spitfire fly over my house at a height of around 3000ft - too quick though to grab a photo.

Heard it before I saw it - the unmistakable sound of the engine. The beautiful shape silhouetted against a cloudy sky.

A magnificent sight. Made my day.

[Eric Mc]

Ah - but which engine

[fatboy69]

From 3000 feet?

No idea so I'm guessing it was the Merlin because I don't know how to tell the difference in the engine noise. All I do know is that is sounded superb.

[Eric Mc]

There is a distinct duifference between the Merllin and the Griffon. The Griffon is grumbly and rough - the Merlin sweeter.

Most airworthy Spitfires are Merlin powered - although there are a few Griffon examples around as wel.

[ndtman]

Just heard Spitfire or Hurricane leave Filton.

[Eric Mc]

ndtman said:

Just heard Spitfire or Hurricane leave Filton.

The Filton based Spitfire is a PRXIX - with a Griffon.

[fatboy69]

The Filton based Spitfire will not be Filton based for much longer.

It's going to live near me soon, all being well, at Staverton, Gloucester.

Can't wait.........

[Eric Mc]

Sadly, Filton is closing.

[danyeates]

A grey one flew around above our business park on Tuesday. Did several passes and looked superb. It was very low.

[Eric Mc]

t would be PRU Blue, I reckon (as opposed to grey).

The three PRXIXs (Griffon powered) in the UK and one PRXI (Merlin powered) carry those colours.

PRXI



PRXIX

[danyeates]

Yep, it was one of those. Looked lovely, but couldn't tell you which one it was. Apparently it's owned by a local lady in Lymington area.

[CrabDan]

Could that be the one that pretty much just flew down the road and past my window at RAF Brampton?

It was doing a small flying display for a "fun day" on the base. Sadly the queue for the beer tent is massive.

[fatboy69]

Eric Mc said:

Sadly, Filton is closing.

It will be a sad day when Filton closes bearing in mind its aviation history.

Good for us though as we are getting a Spitfire!!!!

[Yertis]

Eric Mc said:

The Filton based Spitfire is a PRXIX - with a Griffon.

I've sat in that one, we used it once for a photo-shoot. IIRC it's the oldest airworthy unrestored Spitfire to have seen active service, or something like that. It certainly has a lovely, unrestored patina.