The Grace Spitfire at 18-10 and near dusk over Bildeston Suffolk (2 miles south of Wattisham airfield). Never seen or heard a Merlin so late, quite gave me a start as I was locking the chicken house, but what a sight and sound. She/he would have been landing at Bentwaters or is it Woodbridge in near darkness!

Lovely

Superb shot of the most glamorous of piston airliners. As a youngster I lived in Chiswick between left and right for Heathrow. In the late 60’s I recall a fair few piston types on approach including Constellations. Indeed checking a diary for a May 1968 Saturday I see no less then two Constellations, one x DC7, two DC 6’s 1 x 4, five x DC3’s not to mention numerous Viscounts and Vanguards plus Tarom Iluysian 18’s, even the odd BEA Comet overhead, those were the days.

Dragon Rapide,the reason for the RAF fin flash is that the markings KIU carries are those of the British air attache Washington DC circa 1947-50. Mk V Proctors were a post was development of the Mk 4 all flown in civil colours therefore the scheme is entirely correct and if I might say so interesting and different from the norm!

Indeed I was at Coventry and what a sight to behold. I was able to get ringside and take numerous shots of her being pre flighted and filmed her take off. The flight was cut short due to an oil leak, she was also a bit of a smoky Joe on climb out. Both issues should be relatively easy fixes, I am sure she will be aloft again before long. Peering inside the cabin post flight that all to familiar and intoxicating smell of leather, fuel and oil mixed into a heady cocktail took me back to 1964! That’s two wooden wonders that have flown this week both after years of graft. Well done to both teams involved (Avespecs D.H. Mosquito) and to those behind KIU. Both are a credit to their teams and KIU a valuable addition to the UK vintage scene. If pictures are not posted by Monday I will post some of mine.

Shame on the cynics posting here. Its not a replica, but a fantastic rebuild of a much loved aircraft type with all credit to Avespecs and the NZ CAA who have seen this project through to this fantastic conclusion. May I remind the sceptics here that the late Tommy Sopwith when viewing an exact new build Sopwith Triplane concluded that it was indeed a Triplane and built to the same specification as they were originally and so decreed that is should have a late and consecutive production number! Long may this Mosquito fly and any further Mosquito so called Replica/data plate restorations!

Superb and for me restoration of the year! Looking forward to seeing the inevitable footage later today, I hope the owners manage a two ship photo/film shoot with the newly restored Anson before the Mosquito goes to USA. Congratulations to all involved.

Worrying

Wyvernfan, my comment was just stating my concerns that after years of hard graft not to mention pounds spent within seconds ones pride and joy could be consumed by fire. Clearly the instances of engine fire on start up are few and far between when you consider all the Rapide flights made annually, you only have to be unlucky once. Granted most Rapide start ups are with ground crew near by and extinguishers at the ready just in case. I intend to research carefully fire prevention, prudence says that the Proctor should be
started with the same care given to Rapides, an extinguisher carried at all times for start ups away from base.

simply breathtaking a fantastic achievement! This is an aeroplane that should be seen in British skies and although unlikely what a draw she would be if the owner could be persuaded to bring her here for a summer’s flying! So many emotions for all the team involved as they watch their creation accelerate down the runway and at last its all been worth it – airborne! Congratulations she’s a beauty!!