Are there any flying ww2 aircraft with original skins, Frames ,spars etc,??

Many, in fact I think its still true to say, the majority. There seems to be something of a mis-guided notion these days that the latest warbird restoration emerging is virtually a new aeroplane. In a few cases that may well be true but the majority still use very substantial quantities of original structure and in many cases external skin too. There will always be important structural items that are changed to newly manufactured components such as the spars in the wings of Spitfires, but other elements of structure do have remarkable longevity and can be and are used again. Every case is of course, individual but ‘new restoration’ does not always equate to ‘new aeroplane’.

Nothing further to report – its the monsoon season in Burma!

81 answers on this thread (so far!) and it could been answered with one word! LOL!

It was answered with two words in post # 2 ‘Not one’ – but its still an interesting subject, hence the further 80 odd posts :rolleyes:

Have just come across evidence of a Spitfire having a half red/half yellow prop tip. Has anyone seen this before?

No – a total one-off I would say! Any pics?

I haven’t a clue what people are referring to with the Mustang references.

This looks like an excellent book – I have admired Gavin’s work for some time…. Dave – ‘Precious Metal’ is a P-51 racer!

Would I be correct in thinking that at this point she was wearing the correct sized upper wing roundals as opposed to the oddly proportioned ones she now sports ?

Hello Martin,

Yes, MH434’s markings have generally been very authentic and accurately applied during her OFMC career (apart from one or two fictitious film /TV schemes) – with the unfortunate exception of the current scheme – which also seems to be proving to be the longest lived…

By unique aspect – I mean its a flying Fury (although of course I acknowledge the fact that it is the sole survivor) – the fact that it has been restored to UK flying status will have a significant effect on its financial value simply due the additional expenditure that was incurred to ensure everything about it is airworthy. Thats why I don not see it going in to a static museum any time soon. Of course I may be wrong – but I do hope not!