Given that the airframe has been restored (Mary Alice), are the parts which are being touched original? Probably not – so is it worthwhile having to touch up a bit of paintwork every few years or at worst replace a panel or two in order to make the visitor feel as if they are allowed almost unrestricted access to a rare aeroplane?

In my view, minor repairs are a small price to pay for visitor satisfaction, and therefore sustainable revenue. If it was and absolutely unique and somewhat delicate aircraft, I’d have second thoughts – access like that to something canvass covered would probably not be a good idea.

Would the American Air Museum at Duxford work as well if it only had half the aircraft, all of which were behind obtrusive barriers?

Well, thats my thoughts anyway…..

You might use the catalogue, but Bardolph passed away 3 years ago. All rights to the name and the catalogue were bought up by Craig tools.

http://www.craigtools.co.uk/

ahhh…… that would explain a few things….

I think Bardolph do a range of them… although they are not cheap. Cromwell tools are the UK supplier.

There is an alternative – yes, buy it and restore it. If space is at a premium, why not loan it to a museum collection? I for one would have need of one or five replica Spits if my project becomes more than just a headache…. The aircraft remains your property, you can work on it anytime, they get a useful exhibit, you get to keep your missus…