Hi Yak II,

I say “You’re way off, man! Way off!” This is a proper aeroplane:p

Cheers,
Neilly

Digby,

The name is Neilly, not Nielly:(

Sorry that I can’t respond just when you feel I should reply! It’s not because I’m running away from the point, it’s just quite simply I’m working:( This is the reason some of my replies are short, I don’t have enough time to spare!

If you’re going to play on this forum, try & look at as a group of guys & girlies in a pub, few beers & the discussion is not about football but aviation. We all have a viewpoint, right or wrong it doesn’t matter, the point is we have a chat & hopefully a smile or two. If you’re going to goad people all the time then other forum members are less likily to respond to you.

I do think that to come on here & try & insult what I do or don’t know about Mosquitoes, is not really on! As many of the more senior members on this forum will agree. I am a fully paid up member of the Mosquito Anoraks club! 200+ books & publications, all the Diverse-Images limited edition models, Many large, signed prints (most of which are hanging in my living room) add to these a small radio controlled glider of an FB VI & my number 1 toy, a 1/5th scale B IX (look it up http://www.mossie.org under flying models, there will also be a couple of piccies on the Mosquito PR XVI Model post on this foruim, too). So I think amongst all this lot I rate fairly high on an anorak scale!

Now, where were we? Oh, yes RS 709! I can’t add much to what Firebird posted except:

RS 709 was built Christchurch, early 1946. She went straight to 15 MU at Wroughton & straight into storage till May 1952. RS 709 was then flown to Sywell to be converted into a TT Mk.35 & was delivered to 236 OCU in Sept.’52. 1954 she was flown to Shawbury for storage & maintenance. June 1956 went to 3 CAACU at Exeter. In 1963, RS 709, was declared surplus. Enter Mirishch Film, the next bit is in Firebirds post, so I’ll skip to her presnt place of rest. RS 709 now resides at The USAAF Museum, Dayton, Ohio. Where, as Firebird says, she has resided ever since.
RS 709 has been restored to depict a PR XVI in the markings of 653rd Bomb Squadron, 25th Bomb Group. This Group was based at RAF Watton 1944-5. I do have a colour picture of her, but I can’t seem to find it a the moment (as I said before lack of time is my biggest problem). When I find it I’ll post it up.

Hope this satisfies
Neilly

Digby,

RS 709 was built by Airspeed, Chistchuch! It was part of a 25 Mosquito B 35 order. They were all delivered between Feb & Oct 1946. It was also registered as G-ASKA for the film 633 Sqd. RS 709 was most certainly NOT built at Hatfield!

That’s more of an answer!:rolleyes: If you want a really expert answer let me know!

I agree with Moggy & Steve, too. Good replies. Ant you are slightly out, the Americans did use quite a few Mosquitoes, in WW2, mainly doing PR work, but they did have night fighters & Mosquitoes doing special SOE work (Red Stocking missions I think they were called). However, I certainly wouldn’t call the Mossie part of their aviation heritage

Cheers,
Neilly

That’s as may be, but I’ll bet the Skysports Beau goes West bound!

Neilly

I agree with dhfan. Someone should point out to TFC that the Mosquito is a very rare aeroplane, too! & lets face it there’s already enough in storage in the USA & Canada, anyway!:mad:

Personally, I don’t want to see another Corsair, P 51 etc, there’s enough of the bloody things around as it is! I want to see a Mosquito in this country, not see photos of it flying in America in Flypast or Aeroplane Mag. & have our noses rubbed in it ‘cos no-one could be bother to rebuild it to flying standard, ‘cos all the time is took up looking after P 51’s, Spitfires etc. It grieves when I see pictures of Lightnings & Buccaneers flying in South Africa. This country is so backward, at times!

Whinge over:rolleyes:

Neilly