I’m sure many of you have seen some of the photographs posted online of Hangar 11 Collection’s Spitfire PR.XI in its new authentic 16 Squadron scheme, complete with the original Merlin 70 engine it flew with in the 1940s. In case you haven’t, I’ve attached a taster from one of my visits to North Weald, together with a couple of “archive” shots and some photographs from the repaint stage (credit to Glenn Beasley for the bare metal shot).
For those of you interested in reading up on the history of PL965 and the work that has gone on over the last 12-18 months, Hangar 11’s Steve Atkin has very kindly guest written a fantastic article for Global Aviation Resource giving some insight into the recent restoration work (link below), which was published this morning at http://www.globalaviationresource.com. It’s well worth a read!
I’m sure you’ll agree, it’ll be a wonderful sight in the skies over the UK during the coming season.:cool:
http://www.globalaviationresource.com/reports/2011/pl965.php
Thanks for looking!
By: Merlin3945 - 20th April 2011 at 13:44
In some boxes somewhere I have scans from the original photos of this aircraft being restored at Overloon. Would anyone be intrested in seeing them or should I keep them hidden as I have no idea who might own the rights to them. I did scan them with permission from original photos but these were in the possesion of a second party having aquired them from the owner.
I would really like to see them posted somewhere.
What are the feelings of the forum.
Should I or Shouldn’t I.
I simply just dont know.
If you want me to post them whats the best image storage place to put them?
Over to you.
By: Mark V - 20th April 2011 at 02:53
Steve,
A good article to compliment nice work, well done.
Thanks mate 🙂 We selected Doncaster as its not easy to find an ultra modern spray facility that is large enough to take a Spitfire and that is prepared to do the work for a reasonable rate (along with being familiar with the Aerodex matt paint we like to use, rather than gloss white!).
We would love to find a one-piece screen. However the version fitted to the XI is more akin to the early Spitfire screens sans external armour – it also has a lower rear frame profile and would require the hood being replaced also. The 19’s originally used a double skin screen I understand which were, in more recent years, changed to a thick single skin on BBMF a/c.
We did remove the rear view mirror as a move in the right direction!
By: CIRCUS 6 - 20th April 2011 at 01:44
Steve,
A good article to compliment nice work, well done. I quite like the markings and congratulations to the team for their efforts. One thing intrigues me though and that is why was the painting done all the way up at Doncaster? Surely there must have been a facility at or nearer to NW?
Freddo,
As I’m not an expert on all things Spitfire, do I assume correctly that the PR. XI should have a one piece screen similar to those found on the PR.XIX? I wonder if BBMF have a spare kicking around….
By: Mark V - 20th April 2011 at 00:03
the *other* PR-11 resto
What – PL983 (or the static one in the USAF Museum?)
By: ZRX61 - 19th April 2011 at 23:57
I’m going to borrow & scan the pics of the *other* PR-11 resto in the near future 🙂 Just waiting for a call to tell me the owner has found it so I can go pick it up..
By: DazDaMan - 19th April 2011 at 22:27
Looks fantastic! 🙂
By: timuss - 19th April 2011 at 21:20
Excellent i look forward to catching it this Summer.
By: bentwingbomber - 19th April 2011 at 21:11
Nice pictures.
Shame about the windscreen and the undercarrage doors do not have the Pump blisters.
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April 19, 2011 at 5:22 pm