Thanks very much to those who posted some pic’s of TB863.I have enjoyed them.I had only seen pictures from Flypast /Aeroplane Monthly ,and they were b/w photos.Any more would be appreciated. Thanks to Mark and Eddie and others who have answered my queries about Spit wheels and axles,very informative.
The Thread has continued to my next question.I am interested in the location/status of Connie Wilsons Spitfire, MH415.I believe it has arrived in the U.K and being rebuilt? Has it passed to a new owner? Also has he still some Buchons in his ownership left over from the Battle of Britain movie?Does he still have these or is he selling them?

OFMC Fan

Thanks Mark.
They are not as simple as they look are they.
I guess most spifires flying today have their respective wheel and axle combinations simular to what they were in service.Is that correct?Or is there a ‘most desirable set up’ for Spitfires flying today.

On a video about AR123 ,Tony Biachi mentioned that the original Mk I brakes were’nt that fab ,so they were replaced with a later version. I guess that the Mk V’s and IX and XVI flying today are fitted with the better of the wheel/ brake combinations.

Also the most difficult to find wheels must be the 5 spoked type.Correct?

OFMC Fan

Good stuff Daz.Look forward to the pics.

Thanks Mark.

What propted me to ask was an article by Ray Mulqueen.In the Warbirds Worldwide special book on Spitfires, he remarked on the rebuild of TB863 at Safe Air(NZ).He mentioned the different types of axles and one type was better than the other.And that the straight axle(?) was better .
Does the straight axle provide better tracking while operating on the ground,or better fit in the wheel wells when undercarriage is retracted? Ant thoughts?

OFMC Fan

Daz .Spotted an Airfix set that maybe of some use.
Airfix have re-released(new Box) of RAF Personnel 1/72.. kit number 017047 .This may be what you need for your diorama.It cant be too hard to find.Hope this helps

OFMC Fan

I believe that mark Hanna was very keen to get one up and going.Even to the extent of having some high speed taxi runs on their F4 .Alas CAA said no way.

Daz. I would have thought that the Airfix Spitfires.. MK1 and MKV would have done you well.Perhaps the Hasegawa Spit MK1 ,VIII and XI might be an answer.
I notice that the prices for the Hasegawa stuff has gone through the roof.(I think you were doing it on budget ££ from memory).

As for initials .Mine are simular to Robert Stanford Tucks while he flew Hurricanes.I cant for the life of me remember which squadron
..his were DT-A. Mine are D.T.E.

OFMC Fan

DaZ.
How is your Spitfire diorama getting along ..You were doing a Battle of Britain scene I think.Might have that wrong. Anyway an update.