Now i need to check with Mr MK 12 but im sure the Mk VIII had a novel feature , the main tank was semi rigid.

Mark?

MT818 was first MKVIII to be fitted with 75 gall fuel tank behind pilot.

Steve

I think it’s worth pointing out that the ground handling characteristics of Harvards have probably caused more accidents over the years than Spitfires have had on the ground. Similarily whilst the accident rate of two seater Spitfires might appear high – is it a factor of being used for conversion flying / flying more hours than single seaters ??

Hi , I think you will find that a high percentage of spitfires were lost in the war due to “ground handling characteristics ” & take offs & landings.

Steve.

Like Steve, I think I could still walk to the spot over thirty years later!

609 Squadron claim to have engaged 109’s and 110’s in that action.

Dorest was certainly on the edge of the 109’s range, but they did get that far sometimes. Sprakes Farm, Sydling St Nicholas, in Dorest is not too far away….and there was certainly an Me 109 shot down there!

If a 109 was involved in the Staples combat, I suspect it would have been JG 2. I will look up Luftwaffe fighter claims for that day.

Andy , I thought that it may have been Helmut Wick.

Steve

looking great.

what period are the roundels from?

Hi all, judging by the serial no i would say late ’39 or early ’40!
looks good though !

Steve.

One of my clients has asked whether anyone can identify this.

Hi all, any idea of aircraft serial no ? Looks like a recent rebuild !

Steve

Steve I wondered if any of these stampings referred to mod or issue status on the drawing that would be dated in the LH column. A mod or issue date would point us toward the mark of Spitfire.

Mark

Hi all, ive looked at the door drawing Peter and cant see any of the numbers on the door on the drawing except the part no.30027 1863 sht 59 G. There was a part no change on 18-2-1939. The top corner gusset part no was 30027 1477 but was changed to 30027 1839. So if we could find out part no of gusset you could tell if pre or post 1939.

Steve

Steve,

A good point.

Can you pull the assembly drawing from the AA store and see if any of those digits, past the basic drawing number, refer to mod state or issue level in the left hand column?

Mark

I’ll have a look on monday Peter & see what it says.

Steve