This begs me to ask the question of just how much of the original aircraft was used in its ‘restoration’? Looking at the pile of corrosion that was shown during the programme, it looks like pretty well none of it, so why is the word restoration is being used?
Yes I find this odd too. I’ve no issue with a new build Spitfire and to paraphrase the show, it was used as reference material and salvageable parts were removed. I wonder if that means the data plate as I imagine all the fittings were equally corroded. I imagine the original material will have been recycled onto the TBH (?) website by now in the form of polished metal briefcases etc.
I love the work of the engineers at Duxford (and being part of that scene gave me a big insight, and I assisted with the restoration of Spitfire MkXVIII SM969 among others), but that wasn’t a restoration of a Mk1 Spitfire. That isn’t N3200 flying at the end. Like I say, I’ve no problem with it because I’d rather see a perfect representation of a Mk1 Spitfire rather than a container load of scrap.
Guy Martin (is local to me) and a great engineering talent. He’s also handy with a superbike. His enthusiasm is beyond doubt, but if you don’t understand what he’s saying, I recommend you travel around the country and listen to some wonderful regional accents.
Sign In
