Does anyone have an update on Spitfire Mk.Ia – AR213 which must be close to completion at Booker?
It was undergoing the first engine runs (with Tony Bianchi in the cockpit) a few weeks ago and they were posted on ‘YouTube’, but since then nothing has been heard.
It certainly looks like Personal Plane Services have done another splendid job. This aeroplane is going to be stunning (especially if they go the whole way and finish the aircarft in the ‘Ginger’ Lacey’s red, white & blue ‘bounce’ stripes, about which there has been much debate on this forum).
Air Commodore Wheeler and The Hon. Patrick would be proud.
By: bazv - 26th August 2007 at 06:52
What is the serial number of the very first Spitfire to enter RAF service?
From the Jeffrey Quill book ‘Birth of a legend’
He says that…..
K9788… (2nd production a/c) accepted by Air Member for Development and production dept on 17 July 1938 (but actually delivered to RR Hucknall).
K9792… delivered to CFS Upavon 29 July 1938 (accepted by F/L George Stainforth of Schneider fame )
K9789… J Quill delivered this a/c to 19 sqdn Duxford on 4 Aug 1938
So I guess depending on how the a/c serial numbers were allocated in those days,the first spit into sqdn service may have been the 3rd production a/c
K9789.
By: WP840 - 25th August 2007 at 19:49
Is this a quiz?
Afraid not, at least there’s no prizes! :p
By: Mark V - 25th August 2007 at 19:41
What is the serial number of the very first Spitfire to enter RAF service?
Is this a quiz?
By: WP840 - 25th August 2007 at 18:34
What is the serial number of the very first Spitfire to enter RAF service?
By: Tom_W - 25th August 2007 at 18:31
The lads are busy getting fairings and the top cowl fitted, paperwork is just about ready for our CAA man to inspect her once everything, including the canopy which is being completed by a sub-contractor, is fitted.
Tom
By: ozplane - 25th August 2007 at 09:30
Don’t quote me but I believe it is waiting for the correct (repro?) canopy to be fabricated and fitted.
By: Mark V - 25th August 2007 at 09:29
AR213 is currently receiving finishing touches following the succesful engine runs. I would expect first flight to be in September, followed by a trip back to the paint shop at Turweston to complete the paint scheme.
She will initiallly be presented in the authentic JZ-E (57 OTU) scheme (without the nose stripes).
By: spade grip - 24th August 2007 at 23:53
Sorry no more info but I’ve just seen the You Tube footage and to see an authentic Spit Ia running her Merlin up was fantastic. Has AR213 been fitted with the proper mark of Merlin ie. Mk II or III?
Sign In
August 24, 2007 at 1:00 pm