Spitfire XIV RM689 MN-E Scheme

Hey Merlin70, no need for the ‘oops’, and no offense taken, but thanks anyway.

Dave Moore is pictured above in the shots with the Belgian 350 Sqn F16. (where did you get ’em from Mark12? I’ve got copies in my archive as I was there at the time, were you? – PM me if it’s confidential) Dave was senior to me on the aircraft, but we took turns in flying her, mine came about a year later when I ferried her to Belgium for the 350 sqn 50th – breaking my policy of not flying single engine over water and also not flying unique heritage aircraft over water, too!. Again, I’ve got some pictures and I’ll try to look them out.

A

Two pictures of RM689 in its MN-E Scheme

I must step in at this point to say that the lucky chap in MN-E in the above photo is still alive and kicking, or at least I was when I last looked in a mirror………………………

Airbedane

Andy, I can say quite categorically, from my own experience, that seeing yourself in the mirror is no proof at all!

Melvyn

I must step in at this point to say that the lucky chap in MN-E in the above photo is still alive and kicking, or at least I was when I last looked in a mirror………………………

Airbedane

oops. 😮

I will have to dig out some of my Boscombe pictures, as I have some great ones of RM689 at the show. They are all filled away, due to the fact they were taken on steam driven cameras!

The show was fantastic with the TFC’s then newly arrived P-38 and the visiting Liberator starring in superb weather.

I must step in at this point to say that the lucky chap in MN-E in the above photo is still alive and kicking, or at least I was when I last looked in a mirror………………………

I flew the aircraft at the IAT display at Boscombe which included a flypast with the Liberator and David Pennell in his MK IX. Then, following IAT and in company with the Liberator. I flew on to Dunkeswell for my final display and flight in the MK XIV after which I ferried her to EastMidlands. Dave Moore flew her (MN-E) two weeks later. HIs second flight, a display at Woodford, ended tragically when he failed to pull out of a loop. ‘Nough said, I think …………………

Airbedane

Boscombe Down 1992. IIRC this was the ill-fated pairing that piled in not long after this display.

Great Pictures Folks ! 🙂

On the re-build it WILL have a retracting tail wheel!

F/O R.G. Francois of 350 Sqd. “probably in MN-E RM689” in 1945.

Mark

Copied from an original loaned by Monsieur Francois.

NOW you’re talking! 😉

“There I was…”

Is this much better then? :confused: 😉

J.V.

Ahh, but it spoils an otherwise beautiful shot of a Spitfire! :p 😉

Nice shot, Mk12, but couldn’t you have photoshopped the ugly thing out of the background?! 😀

Hey there, a BELGIAN F-16 can’t be THAT ugly! 😡 😉

Nice shot Mark12. I didn’t know the BAF had done such a fotoshoots. Glad to see they did. 🙂

J.V.

I wonder why they did not operate her with the tailwheel retracted???

It goes right back to the early 1950s. ‘Premature retraculation’ problems.

The tail wheel was ‘fixed’ in the down position and a suitable scoop taken out of the doors.

Mark

I wonder why they did not operate her with the tailwheel retracted???

Climbing high

Vary nice chaps…I’m now motivated even more to get into the air with her seester..RM797

Ahhhh! 😉

RM689

Daz,

This is one of series, I just picked an interesting one.

Look at the Code and then look at the tail fin of the F-16.

Liaison visit to RR Filton 1990 by 350 Sqd. BAF

Mark