I’m proud of the rubbing down of the underside of the horizontal tail surfaces I did (hopefully it was good enough, LOL) several weeks ago when she was quite undressed in the shed (like the third photo in Mark’s original post). Sadly, that was the only chance I had to work on her and it was a mere few hours, and had little bearing on the stunning finished aircraft we see before us, but every little bit counts and I thank the museum for allowing me loose with the sandpaper. It is truly amazing what can be done by a group that is well led and enthusiastic.

We were in Melbourne on the weekend but otherwise engaged. Would have loved to have been there. What an occasion!

What’s next? 🙂

I haven’t met Alan but have spoken to him via email and over the phone a couple of times. A lovely man and very, very understated. I am really happy to see this coming together for him and can’t wait to see the video and photos.

I have a copy of the print hanging on my wall. It’s apparently the only painting showing an RAF Mk VIII in action against the Japanese. Alan’s account of the action is, of course, detailed in his book but, if you haven’t read it yet, here’s a very quick look:

http://aircrewbookreview.blogspot.com/2010/04/alan-peart-in-action-new-spitfire-print.html

Always pleasing to see any old flyer go up in his old mount again. Very special knowing it will be Alan this time around.

Brilliant! Great pics, TT.

Always thought you could put together an ‘album’ on CD or USB (like a collection of all of the WW2-related recordings for example) or even volume 1, 2, 3 etc with 10-20 interviews per volume and sell to raise funds for future interviews/projects.

Is it still available on iTunes? I’ve only ever downloaded off the WONZ Show website because iTunes does my head in. 🙂

Looking forward to this one, Dave, once I get through the episodes immediately before it to catch up. Must remain disciplined and not jump ahead to this one or the Max Lambert one where he talks about his new book Victory. What’s this, episode 70 of the Wings Over New Zealand Show?

Probably the best historic aviation podcast there is.

Pen & Sword currently have this newish release – http://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Caribbean-Volunteers-at-War/p/6184/

Not sure about the ‘subtitle’. Seems to be a marketing grab of sorts but whatever sells more of these the better. Shines a light on some lesser known chaps and that’s always a good thing.

An astounding engineering effort. Well done indeed.

It gives us Stirling enthusiasts some hope.

Fingers and everything else crossed!