That is for future generations to decide my friend. No one in this generation seems to have the resources to do so.

That was the thrust of my suggestion!

I questioned this myself for a long while but eventually concluded that the identity rests with the restored item.

I owned a Land Rover once. I changed nearly everything on it over the years. However, the registration plate stayed with the manufacturers plate. Anyone who collected the parts we replaced could have almost made another one! However, the identity stayed with the restored vehicle.

It comes down to whether you have something that stays as a static which reflects something of a respectable time capsule or operate something which everyone can enjoy in the 21st Century as an object which still operates as designed. The originality is obviously sacrificed by allowing for the ‘cost’ of wear and tear in so doing.

I think it is courageous that the owner of this mosquito remains, should allow it to go on to the market. Let’s hope that other aircraft restorers do the same thing. The preservation world would benefit enormously for following this fantastic initiative.

That is my view at any rate!

Good suggestion but I believe Alan sold all his provosts and spares.

I would suggest Paul Childs at Middlezoy Aerodrome who may well be able to help.

His contact details are on their web site.

Happy Easter to you too John.

Look forward to visiting you and your project sometime soon.

The workmanship is outstanding. Well done.

Thanks on both counts!

I wonder what happened to Barry Parkhouse B25 at his yard when based at Booker not so long ago?

It makes you wonder whether there is a market for putting some of these old planes back into production. 

I spoke with the CAA about this very topic some years ago and they were actually very enthusiastic about the prospect. 

Any business would need a proper business plan, market research and investment. Hurdles that most of the early pioneers will have faced.

The story at the time of the auction at Southend doesn’t match the one on this thread.

The story doing the rounds in the engineering community was that the new owners placed dozens of hot air guns around the engine pointing directly at the cylinder pots. The engine was able to turn. It was said that the cylinders were simply congealed and not seized. In was regarded that they got an absolute bargain. Verification of that story would probably be advisable!

Thanks for posting these videos.

As a boy, I remember Neil showing off a Spit during an Air show at Booker Airfield back in the early 70’s.

I also remember Sally B being thrown around like a fighter by some chap called Don Bullock some time later.

During a walk through the woods at Lane End during the mid 80’s, I arrived near the airfield dump in time to see a mosquito take off right over my head. My presumption was that this had been overhauled by PPS. A moment I won’t forget in a hurry!

Thanks again.