That’s a fabulous sight, thanks for sharing. Any idea what config. it will be finished in? Target Tug?

You could try “From Bleriot to Spitfire” by David Ogilvy, a compilation of articles written by Shuttleworth pilots on each of the Collection’s aircraft (the Glad segment is written by former Gloster test pilot R.F. Martin). Hasn’t been printed for years but lots of second hand copies floating about on the internet.

As for the two blade prop, the biggest drawback was a severe prop and reduction gear vibration above a certain speed that meant a strict limit on the Vne. The three blade prop and modified gearing of the Mercury VIIIa allowed for a higher speed, although I don’t know whether it improved the climb rate or Vmax, etc.

Edited to add: On the subject of three blade props, a number of Glads in the Middle East were fitted with the Blenheim-type Mercury, complete with variable pitch prop. I wonder if any performance figures survive for these?

Thanks John Terrell for putting that list together, I knew there were over 100 airworthy Mustangs but 150+ is a real surprise! I hadn’t realised there were quite so many P40’s either.

As for Belgian Lysander (OO-SOT), it was damaged in a take-off accident at Brussels airport in 2001 after being caught by the wake of an airliner departing in front of it. Sabena Old Timers then did a deal with the Brussels museum to complete the museum’s static Lysander using damaged non-airworthy parts and using useful parts from the static project for the airworthy repairs. The repairs were complete in 2011 and engine runs and taxying trials were done, but for whatever reason it was never test flown. I don’t know what it’s current status is.

You’re correct CD, there were some left-handed Falcons made with the intention of fitting them in a twin (can’t remember which type they were intended for). This wasn’t followed through with and the left-handers ended up going on to some F.2b’s. The RAFM Brisfit has just such an engine/prop, although it’s a two-blader. Can’t recall ever seeing one with a left-handed four-blader.

I don’t think any Weeks owned aircraft have ever come over for shows, but he did came over to display the RAFM Albatros D.Va at Old Warden a few years ago:

Agghhhhh! I went to the Evening show at the start of the month which was badly affected by the weather, I couldn’t get to this one.

Absolutely fantastic pics all the same, thanks for sharing!

She’s flown for the first time in her new colours 🙂

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Oht7YaQMyY

That’s great news, she looks brilliant. Congratulations to all the restoration team!