Yes, 42-5533 which was abandoned and crashed near Nantwich. Dug in 1986 or thereabouts and the engines and a lot of structure recovered. Re dug in 2006. Unfortunately it had burned in the crater for days and was mostly in very bad condition. Notable finds were throttle, radar controls, armour, canopy framing, oxygen bottles and engine cylinder heads. The landowner also gave me a prop blade from the first dig, which had unfortunately been stood outside for 20 years! Most of what was recovered Mr Northrop himself would not recognise.

I used to have an engine cylinder from this aircraft, with valve and rocker. Very melted but was a piece of great pride for me at the time to own a piece of relative aviation rarity. Sadly, I had to leave it behind when we moved house…

Interesting that the TFC engineers have removed the fillet at the base of MV268’s fin as part of maintenance. Does it conceal some important access point

It allows a counterbalance mass to be added to the tail for when the aircraft is jacked.

And the A26…how I loved THAT. Please let’s not start a Don Bullock debate.

Aircraft/Aeroplane

Just thinking. I don’t think this Spitfire is an aircraft. I think its an aeroplane. It has an “aerodynamic plane” and it is unlikely that it will ever be a craft of the air. Suspended on cables is just that, suspended.

What’s a Hampton?

Moggy

It’s another name for the piece in my pants. Well, you asked.

I don’t like the camouflage demarcation lines, its just too soft. At least they’re taking care of it.

Extra Dark Sea Grey was applied for Operation Black Buck. It’s been painted 3 times in the last 21 years, I think.

Medically fit experienced(on type) aircrew operating properly maintained serviceable aeroplanes in a safe well controlled environment. Minimum risk, maximum pleasure.