Why are so many obsessed with this perceived problem ref identity? Surely it is more important to actually see airworthy Spitfires whatever the markings?

You have answered your own question. In the UK no ‘identity’ = no flying.

but who would go and paint their P-51 yellow?..

The manufacturer (in their post war identity as Rockwell International) 🙂

Anyway, back to TB. Has there been an official announcement or is it just the old rumour mill started to churn again?

Its public knowledge that the Spitfire V and P-38 have been sold. The Spitfire was due to be flown to Chino a couple of weeks ago so presume that has happened by now.

There are no official announcements to my knowledge so anything else is purely speculation. As earlier posted, these old aircraft change hands regularly as people alter their collecting policy or move aircraft on to make way for others. With every machine departing there is a new delighted owner at the other end so it works both ways.

I wonder how far down the restoration stage its at now, had it a year.

There is a photo of a P-51 fuselage in a jig at Chino here: http://warbirdinformationexchange.or…ic.php?t=25188 (picture 5).

Taken on 25 October, it is allegedly the TFC P-51D. There are also some shots of the new Sea Fury T.20 further down

These aircraft were moved slightly earlier this year – their new location makes the tails more visible from the M11.

These academics can’t have just ‘read it in a book’ because someone had to fly the aircraft before their source wrote it down, surely.

Yes I agree, buts its up to the accademics to search out, collate, analyse and ultimately propose a conclusion based on the original and usually varied sources of information (be it memoirs, test pilot’s reports or bigraphical material). They do have the benefit of hindsight too.

What, you might actually travel to DX? 😀

Now that really is a rumour!

Will it be different from other truck top Hurricanes?

Different colour ! 😎