Can’t help thinking that the OFMC “Heinkel” would look perfect as a permanent restored inhabitant of the BoB display. Seems a shame that it’s still languishing in Hangar 5-but surely it ought to be OK for static restoration? After all, it’s been sat indoors for years.

“Sitting indoors for years” means little in terms of the deterioration of Aircraft structures. You will find a vast difference in the quality of materials used in the Spanish developments compared to their original gene line “parents”. The CASA built “Heinkels” are known for their wing corrosion problems…

The serial number on the original photographs used as reference appears crisp and well defined. Other examples of Spitfire at this stage of the war are similarly precise in their serial number and stencil application.

Some of those feathers look to be different shades. Is that normal?

Actually Mike, they curled up in the saucer and someone stole my tweezers…

This image has appeared on the CAA website of N3200, looking very nice indeed!

Yes, a nice photo that I took for her to gain her Military colours exemption, hence the fact you can see it on G-INFO. There are many differences between the Mk1 and II and the guys at HFL had full access to P7350 when she was on her major at ARC a few years ago as well as access to a recently departed very original Mk1a airframe. Because of this, they have had a detailed insight into the improvements made within the airframe and its accompanying systems. Remember though, that both P9374 and N3200 are early mod state aeroplanes, both originally shot down in May 1940, and their internal systems, propellers and even the Merlin III’s fitted are a different league in technology from the other airworthy examples. Many lessons were learnt in the reconstruction of P9374 and these were utilised in the follow up with N3200. I was very surprised today, as N3200 was positioned in front of ARC for at least 15 minutes and yet none of the resident paparazzi appeared! Don’t worry though lads, I had my camera and the sun was shining:)

Is that Paul Day I see piloting MJ627 on her arrival at Duxford?????

Yes, he was making his final Spitfire solo before retiring. He then did a familiarisation sortie with John Romain in the front seat and after landing announced that he was finished with aviating and hanging up his flying helmet. His family were in attendance to share this moment.

Battle of Britain – The making of a film by Leonard Mosley.

Paperbacks are dirt cheap, hardback is the better buy as lots of photos. Expensive or cheap, depends where you look.

Also:

Sky Spy by Ray Holmes A fantastic read and effortlessly told. A very modest man. I’m happy to have painted Spitfire PM631 to represent an aircraft he flew.

Cliff Spink’s first flight in her since restoration?

Actually it was his first flight ever in this particular Spitfire. Rod Dean or Jack Brown were usually hogging it when it was based at Duxford in the past! 😉