I’m sure that Griffon sounded lovely!

I’m pretty sure it would have sounded like a Merlin that’s had all its plug leads mixed up…:D:rolleyes:

I think they’ve been out of the engine overhaul business for many years. Didn’t all their tools and parts go to Aviation Jersey, and were then dispersed following that operation’s demise in the wake of the Charles Church accident.

I thought Aviation Jersey was alive and well, just not rebuilding engines these days.

I take it you got no enjoyment from working on them then?

Not only that but when she was grounded at Southend, I thought the reason for that was corrosion in the main spar or some other major work. Have they sorted all that out, or plan to do more than change the engines to make her airworthy?

When was she grounded at Southend?

Just to echo the thoughts of all others who have contributed and enjoyed this thread over the past year both in the UK and worldwide. Living locally to DX for past ???? years has its benefits particularly when one can get ones daily exercise at what is a unique active museum airfield and meet up with fellow enthusiasts and invariable see some form of aircraft activity. Thanks therefore to DCW for all his efforts,hardwork and research and of course his company on many visits during the year.

The last day of the year rarely sees much activity and today looks to be no different with rain and windy conditions. 20 years ago today however saw what is believed to be the first visit to Duxford of one its more familiar warbirds – Spitfire XVIe TD248 / G-OXVI. Its restoration was completed at Audley End by Historic Flying for Eddie Coventry and it made its first flight on the 10/11/92 proceeding to Cambridge where it was based until at least mid February 1993.

Seen here landing at Cambridge on 10/11/92 after its first flight. The writer just happened to be present at the time !!

Then on the 31/12/1992 it has heard routing into DX from Cambridge and was captured there in somewhat gloomy winter conditions.

Wishing you all a Happy New Year which undoubtedly promises more activity and surprises.
See you at– Duxford 2013
DUXMAN

That was the best 248 ever looked, had a good deal of fun looking after her and her Russian stable mates

Fabulous photos!! to hell with the quality, its the content thats important! can anyone tell me that Dakota in all metal which dak is that? is she still with us? and is the ex India Lib in naturall metal in that photo cos im sure that Lib was painted silver the last time i saw it at Hendon, i Can remember when the Dragonfly fell off the roof at Cosford and smacked down on top of the Lib i bet the dents are still there to show for it!

The Liberator is the ex David Tallichet machine now with Kermit Weeks in Florida

What on earth are you talking about.
I see you are in the US. I suspect you have no idea how how UK residents feel about their heritage and particularly their armed forces heritage.

Any decision to ground a BBMF aircraft would be taken by the MOD which is a government department. Any govenment making that decision would have a hell of a fight on its hands, and yes, it would be a huge vote loser.

And with the BBMF increasing the number of Spitfires, why would one civil Lanc make them ground PA474??

I suggest you wind your neck in…

I suspect Mike may know a bit about how UK residents feel about their heritage and particularly their armed forces heritage, whilst he may currently be in the US I strongly suspect this may not always have been the case.

I believe to be a standard not seen before on any aircraft outside of Duxford.

What standard is that then?

There have been some incredible restorations carried out on many aircraft outside of Duxford over the years.

Great to see another Spitfire in the air.