Many years ago as a youngster, I remember seeing a Spitfire parked outside the frontage of the old Vickers factory on the outskirts of Swindon, and must have been probably around the mid 1970’s.
As we drove past to visit the relatives, this used to be the highlight of my day. 😀
This building was cleared long ago to make way for the Honda factory.
Several questions have puzzled me ever since. Which Spitfire was it and where is it now? I am assuming it was a real one and not a plastic replica?
Were Spitfires produced at this factory during the war?
Any photographs exist which show it in-situ outside the factory?
Regards,
Paul
By: smalcy - 29th January 2013 at 10:53
Spitfire – supermarine club vickers
My father and i cleaned the supermarine clubhouse and several offices in the old building where these were built and when my dad used to speak to the old colornel who lived in the old house at the entrance i was allowed to go and mooch around this fantastic plane..Im so sad its been dismantled and also sad my father is being held in a mental hospital(for his own good(dont make me laff))……..Anyhow shame bout this bit of Swindons exiting history…
By: Septic - 7th September 2004 at 21:24
LA226 also spent a few years on the gate of Biggin Hill, early 80’s I think.
Septic.
By: station357 - 7th September 2004 at 17:42
Brilliant! Thank you very much Flat 12*2 and Mark12. Very much appreciated. 🙂
I believe this was my very first sighting of a real Spitfire!
Regards,
Paul
By: Mark12 - 6th September 2004 at 22:41
SMAF – South Marston Aircraft/Aeroplane Factory
Yes they built Spitfires and Seafires here including this Mk 21 LA226.
Here are shots taken on 4 March 1973 and in the second display location on 15 March 1981.
Mark
By: Flat 12x2 - 6th September 2004 at 21:58
I think it must be this one, F21 LA226
More info http://www.warbirdsresourcegroup.org/registry/spitregistry/spitfire-la226.html
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September 6, 2004 at 8:58 pm