Tangentially related but I had to share this, found while searching for something else: it turns out Mr Nolan’s wasn’t the first Yakfire created for the cinema screen! Or perhaps this is more accurately a Hurriyak? :p
mmp_polish_wings_20_page_87 by Zac Yates, on Flickr
Found online from Mushroom Model Publications’ Polish Wings 20.

“Slightly alarmed to see part of P38 wing Duxford 2006 written on it for sale for at one of the stalls.” – a typo for 1996, or did something happen to one in 2006? If 1996 I’m not a fan of making money out of something like that!

I’m surprised there’s been no comment or imagery here of AR501’s new paint scheme! Unless I missed it somewhere?

As tantalising as the prospect of this mystery finally being solved is, I find myself agreeing wholeheartedly with J Boyle above:
“I rather hope (but doubt) it’s true, if for no other reason than to make TIGHAR go away.”

Apologies for the thread resurrection but I wasn’t sure where exactly to put this post from WIX that I’m sure will please some here: the former Sea Fury racer Critical Mass, restored back to T.20 configuration but with an American engine, flew again on Saturday:

Here are some photos of the first post restoration flight of the Sea Fury T.20 WE820, D-COTE, ES-8504, N85SF which happened on Saturday 1 July. It’s been 14 years since she last flew as the clipped wing unlimited air racer Critical Mass. Dennis Sanders and Tom Dwelle are flying chase in the Centaurus powered T.20 N924G. Three flights conducted on Saturday with no major issues. Paintwork to follow in a Royal Navy scheme from her time at Lossiemouth with 738 SQN.

Tom and Ken Dwelle

Very, very cool. I just don’t know what else to say!

Hear hear, and it’s very welcome to have some clarity after the confusion on Facebook. And I’d also like to echo Peter’s warm comments.

Unfortunately merlin85’s comments may be down in part to their repeated attempts to visit WR963. As an avid follower of the thread it does appear they have very poor luck in matching their calendar to the Shack team’s and haven’t been able to visit as they’d liked. Hopefully merlin85 can understand the tricky situation Rich, Dave and co are in as they have previously posted a lot of support for the project.