And here is our most recent purchase:
Whilst we know that P9503 was fitted with a resin seat, we have to be realistic and say that the chances of getting one are ultra slim, but this metal one is of the correct type for early Spits, so suits our build perfectly. P9374 has the same seat, and that as we know is a very accurate Mk1 of the same period.
On Wednesday 11th March 2015, we welcomed a number of guests from the Leicester branch of the Royal Air Forces Association, (RAFA) amongst which the guest of honour was WWII Spitfire pilot, Jeff ‘Dicky’ Bird. The group had come to see our project and the progress we had been making. Dicky had heard about the project some time ago, and had been keen to visit, but it wasn’t until now that mutual times could be arranged. Dicky and our visitors were very impressed with the Spitfire as she stands currently, and were also interested in the original parts we have from P9503. He has already expressed an interest in returning for one of our Sunday workshops so that he can meet the boys, and watch them at work on it.
Dicky signed up for the RAF in 1939 following the outbreak of the war, and was sent to South Africa for his advanced training. I asked him how he had spent his time whilst on board the ship heading south for five weeks, to which he replied that he had passed the time earning lots of money! It transpired that Dicky had got to know an Australian professional Bridge player who taught him, and as a pair they cleaned the ship of their competition, disembarking in the southern hemisphere with their pockets bulging with £10 notes! In many ways Dicky was fortunate to do his training in South Africa, the weather was certainly more favourable than Canada which was another place where large concentrations of commonwealth pilots received their training. Following his training, where he accrued some 300 hours on Spitfires, he prepared to be sent into battle. The troopship prior to his was torpedoed on its journey north, with the loss of man y trained pilots, so Dicky elected to head to the front across land. At one point he found himself on board a train where the only form of exercise was, in the morning, to make ones way to the front carriage just behind the locomotive and jumping down, run alongside the train. It was of course moving at a faster pace than a running man, but as long as you grabbed the last carriage before the whole thing passed you by, you were alright! Dicky was posted to join 72 Squadron and fought in Tunisia, Malta, Sicily and was on the Italian mainland at the war’s end. At 95 years old Dicky still manages to captivate his audience, and I could happily sit and listen to his stories all day long.
Here’s another interesting part. At first glance it appears to possibly be Instrument Panel, but outer edge doesn’t look right for lower right side, which I assume it would be given that the wording on the back would place it there. So, any thoughts? 
Sign In
