Spitfire PR.19 G-CDGK

Off the topic slightly, but do any of you know what ever became of #69 “Jeanie”? THAT was a beautiful aeroplane.

Hey Steve…. think that you forgot about a certain “Red Baron”… now there was a contra-prop with attitude… and a few speed records too! Steve Hinton flew that too…. and crashed it after winning the Gold at Reno (1979?).

Cheers,
Richard

Still, what I wouldn’t give to see her on the track at Reno.

The contra prop jobs never go fast at Reno. Just look at Precious Metal and Miss Ashley II. Slow, slow, slow.

Thanks – interesting place.

Ah new member! Welcome Dan.

Still, what I wouldn’t give to see her on the track at Reno.

The August 2002 Aeroplane Monthly article quotes Steve Hinton as saying “If you get rid of those huge underwing radiators and installed a boil-off system,it would be a real contender” (for air racing) He added that since the discussion about the time-to-climb record, “both the Spitfire and myself have aged. Currently I don’t see any reason to press the equipment”.

Steve is one man in historic aviation with NOTHING to prove!

The August 2002 Aeroplane Monthly article quotes Steve Hinton as saying “If you get rid of those huge underwing radiators and installed a boil-off system,it would be a real contender” (for air racing) He added that since the discussion about the time-to-climb record, “both the Spitfire and myself have aged. Currently I don’t see any reason to press the equipment”.

I had heard a long time ago as she was undergoing her rebuild that one of the intentions of using the twin prop griffon was to go after the time to climb record. Has anyone heard of why this wasn’t tried or if it still might be tried?
Thanks- Neil Medcalf

I have a copy of the article about the rebuild somewhere – there was mention of (theoretically) removing the underwing radiators and fitting a boiling tank in place. At least, that’s my recollection of the article. I’ll dig it out.

Steve Hinton reported that to use the BBMF conversion of the Griffon 58 would have cost between $130K and £150K including acquisition. He bought an ex Shackleton Griffon 58 from Don Whittington for $10K. The most complex and costly project was the spinner. He reports that the PR19 flies better than the XIV and without the torque.

climb record

I had heard a long time ago as she was undergoing her rebuild that one of the intentions of using the twin prop griffon was to go after the time to climb record. Has anyone heard of why this wasn’t tried or if it still might be tried?
Thanks- Neil Medcalf

thanks chaps,

so in summary, done because of cost then, seemes fair enough as long as it is safe.

I wonder how different the handling is.

I would suggest that it would be improved, particularly on take off.

Mark

thanks chaps,

so in summary, done because of cost then, seemes fair enough as long as it is safe.

I wonder how different the handling is.

…and was available and affordable.

Triple the price for the genuine article.

Mark

I seem to remember reading somewhere that it was down to available engine/parts?

please would someone explain the reason why this spit has contra props.

many thanks, steve

I can’t wait to see it, finally an exciting looking Spitfire. Just a shame they ruined it by adding those blasted wingtips!

I must admit I rather liked the idea of a “clipped-wing” Spitfire XIX, coupled with that contra-prop. Looked rather racy!

(photo from www.richard-seaman.com)

I can’t wait to see it, finally an exciting looking Spitfire. Just a shame they ruined it by adding those blasted wingtips!

Hi Bruce, me too. I assumed it would never actually go through the permit application process but that placement on the UK register for a short time may ease its transition through the paperwork to France. We shall see.

Waiting with interest to see how they get that engine/prop installation through the powers that be!

Bruce