‘Spitfires and Polished Metal’ should have a number of pics of it under restoration at Audley End.

Thats a very expensive book to obtain these days.

As MV293 was completed in August 1992 there would not be much to be seen of it in 1988 in terms of restoration work. As Bruce said, NH799 was done at Audely End and photos of TB863 (G-CDAN), in primer prior to first flight, are fairly common due to it being out on the line in the July 1988 Spitfire Anniversary Airshow. I have even got some myself!

“Fly on the wall scenario monday at 11 Group”

Good morning sir.
Morning SASO have a good day yesterday !
Fraid not sir broke the stumps at the OXO cricket ground.
Good lord have we got to pay for them.
No i think they have gone to AHB for safe keeping.
Thank God for that,By the way where’s 574 this morning.
She’s in the other hangar sir having some work done.
Jolly good i”m taking her over to Kenley for lunch.
She may not be ready until teatime sir.
Why are you looking pale SASO is there something i need to know!!!

That is hilarious! 😀

Thank you everyone for the generous comments which are much appreciated – it was a team effort, as these projects always are, however the owner should also be congratulated for instigating the re-paint in the first instance.

We are all very pleased with the results 🙂

the pencil sketch IS priceless, but is it just me or does it not resemble something more like a Whitley/Stirling crossbreed?

Seems it is just you – its most definately a Stirling! 🙂

What about the place in Jersey that did them?

They only sell parts these days.

Mark,
Thanks, I think it is that restoration that I have a picture of showing the unit. I suppose that is for show and the gear doesn’t actually have to be PUMPED on her.

I disagree – this is a top class restoration and I would be surprised if the gear did not have to be manually pumped up and down as per the original. How else would it be achieved without serious modification (and all the issues that go with that in the UK) and compromised originality?