Spitfire XIV RN201 Sold

Anyone know where it is going in UK? Air Leasing, ARCo? Love the Mk.24…………………..that and the Mk.Vc

Good news for our Australian friends! Enjoy the Griffon growl. I’m a bit biased too. The Griffon Spits have always been my favourite after seeing my first ones at West Malling in 1983…G-FIRE and NH749. Awesome sight and sound to this then 13 year old. Massive soft spot for the ex Stephen Grey MV293 also. Don’t get me wrong, but I also equally love the current crop of Mk I Spitfires, something I wanted to see for a long time.

Likewise, always loved the Griffon growl, personal favourite of mine was always the ex-TFC Mk.XIV, SM832. Always remember it for being fitted with the last aero engine built by the late Dave Zeuschel after it was first restored by TFC.

I long for Air Leasing opening a Facebook page like some other restoration firms so we could get a glimpse.

They do have one (search; Air Leasing Aircraft Sales), but its hasn’t been updated in over a year.

I am lead to believe that RN201 is being shipped to the UK for maintenance before being shipped to Australia. The person who owns this aircraft is making sure it is in tip top shape before coming down under.

There’s the MkXII not far off flying (unless somebody knows something I don’t!)

I sure do hope so, EN224 flying is a long overdue sight. I long for Air Leasing opening a Facebook page like some other restoration firms so we could get a glimpse.

I don’t believe so, TJ. I had been wondering that myself (and having heard that Tom Blair’s Mk.IX PL344 was kept more active than RN201), and noted in the sales description right away the relatively low amount of hours it has on it, especially for having originally been completed/first flown back in 2002, and the amount of flying it did early on. As PeterA had referred to it, I believe it qualified as “airworthy-resting” in more recent years. In recent years, I don’t recall seeing it, or Blair’s other warbirds, anywhere outside of their home airport of Easton, Maryland other than in trade-off annual visits to Stallion 51 in Florida. RN201 made it down to Stallion 51 in 2014, but that was the last I had seen it with proof of having been active/flown, up until just a few months ago, when both RN201 and PL344 were test flown at Easton back in early March.

I was kind of under the impression that Blair didn’t fly his birds much in latter years, and it looks as though that’s how it is. Sad, but at least they were kept in a hangar in good shape. There is always the next owner who might fly it more.

T J

Will it be at Legends ??? Runs away…..Fournier Boy, How’s the Koala?

I’ led to believe it might be some considerable time yet…

FB

There’s the MkXII not far off flying (unless somebody knows something I don’t!)

I don’t believe so, TJ. I had been wondering that myself (and having heard that Tom Blair’s Mk.IX PL344 was kept more active than RN201), and noted in the sales description right away the relatively low amount of hours it has on it, especially for having originally been completed/first flown back in 2002, and the amount of flying it did early on. As PeterA had referred to it, I believe it qualified as “airworthy-resting” in more recent years. In recent years, I don’t recall seeing it, or Blair’s other warbirds, anywhere outside of their home airport of Easton, Maryland other than in trade-off annual visits to Stallion 51 in Florida. RN201 made it down to Stallion 51 in 2014, but that was the last I had seen it with proof of having been active/flown, up until just a few months ago, when both RN201 and PL344 were test flown at Easton back in early March.

Has it flown much in the latter years during Tom Blair’s ownership?

T J

It may be only a temporary stay. According to G-INFO, its “restoration to the UK register” as G-BSKP is in process.

I thought she was heading down under??

I recall seeing RN201 at Beauvechain in 1959 when it was Belgian Air Force SG-31.

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N201TB cancelled by FAA on June 3rd as exported to UK

I asked awhile ago now about the Mk22, was told not to hold my breath on that one

Good news for our Australian friends! Enjoy the Griffon growl. I’m a bit biased too. The Griffon Spits have always been my favourite after seeing my first ones at West Malling in 1983…G-FIRE and NH749. Awesome sight and sound to this then 13 year old. Massive soft spot for the ex Stephen Grey MV293 also. Don’t get me wrong, but I also equally love the current crop of Mk I Spitfires, something I wanted to see for a long time.

What’s the status of Stephen Grey’s Mk 22? That would be something to see in the skies over Duxford!

Steve

Griffon Spits are the best in my book. Nothing has ever bettered G-FIRE, best colour scheme a Spit has ever worn. When TFC operated the Mk.XIV in silver, loved it. The Griffon engine sounds soooooooo much better than a Merlin too.

Well for what is worth, I love the Griffon powered Spitfire. I think there’s nothing better!! Knocks spots off the Mk1Xs. (There, that’s that can of worms opened!!!)

Despite being in a probable minority, I’m with you.
Sitting in the Friends of Duxford enclosure at Legends with the Griffon growl in front and bouncing back from the American Air Force Museum behind was seventh heaven.
I’m also not generally particularly fond of the silver with red (? – RN201’s been gone a few years) stripe colour scheme but for some reason RN201 was always my favourite too.

Also a fan of Griffon Spits – a low back XIV or XVIII would be on my Santa list. I hope our Australian friends enjoy her presence downunda!