Ethiopian Seafires

Thanks Sp

We are waiting with baited breath!

Certainly sounds a possibility but I would think it would be obvious to most that a Firefly is not a Spitfire/Seafire. Until I see it with my own eyes etc….I think visual proof will be the only answer. As soon as I have any more info, I’ll post it here.

More likely an Ethiopian Firefly.

Mark

http://www.shearwateraviationmuseum.ns.ca/general-info/restoration-project/firefly-millennium.htm

Just a thought: Could it be a Spitfire from the Russian lend-lease?

Possibly some sort of private sale (for the Seafire) :confused:

Rest assured, not a wind-up although further research needs to be done by me!

My colleague who is a joint owner (50/50) of the said fuselage stated it was a Mk1 Seafire. I questioned this for all the reasons outlined above and he insisted it was a Seafire 1 (it still has it’s hook too so it’s certainly ex-carrier!)

As he has spent a number of years working on the warbird scene restoring/maintaining and flying, he should know his stuff. That said, he wouldn’t be the first to be mistaken when presented with a potential Holy Grail!

I shall endeavour to find out more and see if I can get some snaps for you all. I’m keeping an open mind….

As an aside, the aim of the project is to restore to flying condition. A suitable source for wings is being sought after. A zero-timed Merlin – crated with logs and docs, was purchased by said mate for £500! It came crated in a teak crate and jungle wrapped. Thinking it was just an empty crate he asked if he could buy it and was told yes, but only if he took that flaming motor away with it! Some people…..!

Any ideas how a Seafire/Firefly would end up in Ethiopia anyway?

Hi Skybolt,

No matter what it is – we would love to see a picture 🙂

Well, I am convinced.:rolleyes: – Nermal

5 gets 10 it’s a Firefly 1 – either way, it would be interesting to know more!

Seafire Mk 1.

Hi all
if it is a Seafire Mk.F.I it’s a very rare beast indeed.
I have the Merlin Seafire profile (old yes I know) beside me and it tells me there were only 48 Mk.F1A’s and 118 Mk.F1B’s coverted.
The navy for some reason reversed the F’s and the Mk’s in the numbering system to give the slightly odd looking designations above.
I think a lot has been lost in the midst of time but basically as already stated by others these were a fairly worn out and reconstituted bunch of RAF MkV’s.
Many didn’t even get a new R.N. serial number and retained RAF colours.
So I have my doubts on this story.
Would love to be proved wrong thouigh.
All the best
Andy

If this was the the first day of the fourth month I would be concerned. 🙂

Stranger things have happened!

Mark

Are you sure it is not a Mk1 FIREfly? NT

NT

SEAFIRE

Originally posted by DazDaMan
I think the Seafire Mk1 was essentially a Spitfire MkV with hooks fitted – can’t remember much about Seafires to be sure, though.

There is one known surviving converted Spitfire VB that was converted to a hooked configuration – BL628, being restored Down Under.

Thats what I was hinting at – how does he know it is a Seafire mk1 and not an early Spitfire? – Nermal

Hey Skypilot – any chance of some pics?

Cheers!

I think the Seafire Mk1 was essentially a Spitfire MkV with hooks fitted – can’t remember much about Seafires to be sure, though.

There is one known surviving converted Spitfire VB that was converted to a hooked configuration – BL628, being restored Down Under.

Got to ask (because I don’t know) but how does he know it is a Seafire mk1? What was the difference between that and a Spitfire? – Nermal