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lauriebe

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April 15, 2004 at 12:27 pm in reply to: VP441 – She flies #1616568

lauriebe
Participant

Doughnut,

The owner has had extra onboard fuel tankage fitted. The cannon and ammunition bays were stripped out and tanks fitted into the space left there.

He should be able to get a few more miles in that way!

BR

Laurie.

April 15, 2004 at 7:12 am in reply to: VP441 – She flies #1617293

lauriebe
Participant

Steve,

Those shots are great!!!

In an earlier post on the other thread, you mentioned that you would also have your video camera with you. Did you manage to get any video footage?

If so, I would very much like a copy if at all poss. I would also like to send a copy to the Vets of No. 804 Squadron. They have been following this rebuild with great interest and I have been updating them throughout. I would cover all the costs of duplication and shipping.

If you are able to do that, it would be very much appreciated.

BR

Laurie.:D

April 15, 2004 at 2:25 am in reply to: VP441 – She flies #1617634

lauriebe
Participant

When I first saw this aeroplane some 46 years ago, I never dreamed that I would ever see it in the air.

The photos are fantastic.

Well done everyone!

BR

Laurie.

April 14, 2004 at 2:30 am in reply to: Seafire VP441. #1792763

lauriebe
Participant

Another shot of one of the trials aircraft. This time taken from the deck.

April 14, 2004 at 2:21 am in reply to: Seafire VP441. #1792800

lauriebe
Participant

Mark,

The ‘Wingless Wonders’ were used for trials of the BS4 steam catapult aboard HMS Perseus in the mid-50’s. Several Seafire FR Mk 47s were shot off the deck with outer wing sections removed, controls locked, throttle fully open and just enough fuel for a few minutes running.

Despite that, one aeroplane managed to climb to 1500 ft, circle the ship for several minutes, before crashing into the sea.

The attached photo shows one of the aircraft being catapulted from Perseus during those trials.

BR

Laurie.

April 13, 2004 at 6:38 am in reply to: Seafire VP441. #1794882

lauriebe
Participant

Cestrian,

Many thanks for that photo. Its the first colour shot that I have seen from that time. Good to see NX611 in the background as well.

BR

Laurie.

April 12, 2004 at 3:30 am in reply to: Seafire VP441. #1795964

lauriebe
Participant

Thanks Richard, thanks Mark,

Glad of the additional info.

I have today sent off a CD-ROM to Ken Ellis at Flypast with the details that I have so far managed to put together on VP441’s history. Hopefully he will consider publishing it.

If there is anyone out there that might have, or knows someone else that might have, anything relating to this aeroplane, I would be very happy to hear from them.

Regarding first post-restoration flight, there are some surging problems with the engine currently. Ezells are hoping to have these solved during the coming week. All being well, she should have air under her wings next week.

Now that will be something to see!!!!

I’ll update the board as soon as I have anymore info.

BR

Laurie.

April 9, 2004 at 2:09 pm in reply to: Seafire VP441. #1800773

lauriebe
Participant

Hi Bruggen 130,

Thanks for that additional photo from ‘441’s Blackpool days. I have several supplied by Richard Taylor from that time but had not seen this one. Sans canopy I see.

Richard, did it ever have the canopy fitted at Squires Gate?

BR

Laurie

April 9, 2004 at 3:36 am in reply to: Seafire VP441. #1801235

lauriebe
Participant

OOPs!! Finger problems. the photo did not post. Trying again.

BR

Laurie.

March 25, 2004 at 2:23 am in reply to: Fighter Interception Unit badge/emblem needed for London Battle of Britain memorial #1830476

lauriebe
Participant

Geoff,

I have looked through the RAF Heraldry Trust website to see if a badge was approved and granted for FIU. It would seem not. Their lists are well researched and, I believe, accurate.

You can view the site at:

http://www.griffon.clara.net/rafh/badge_d.htm

Hope that helps some.

Best regards,

Laurie.

March 14, 2004 at 12:28 pm in reply to: Malaya Campaign Supply drop photos #1558258

lauriebe
Participant

John, I stand corrected. Having rechecked the door arrangement, you are right. The aircraft is a Hastings.

The only Hastings unit permanently stationed in the Far East was 48 Sqn, also at Changi. They gave up their Valetta’s and re-equipped with the Hastings in May ’57. If these photos were taken in the period 52 – 54, the aircraft must have been on short term detachment from elsewhere. It would be interesting to find out which unit they were from. Any Hastings photos in the collection, Shorty?

Regards,

Laurie.

March 14, 2004 at 2:21 am in reply to: Malaya Campaign Supply drop photos #1558352

lauriebe
Participant

The interior shots are taken in a Valetta. The Hastings was much wider. Most probably the aircraft are from 110 Sqn which, although based at Changi, had a detachment at Kuala Lumpur as well. 110 was equipped with the Valetta from Oct 51 until disbandment on 31 Dec 57. It reformed at KL on 3 June 1959, flying Whirlwind HAR 4s.

Great shots Shorty, do you have any more?

Regards,

Laurie.

March 4, 2004 at 1:45 am in reply to: Royal Navy Dream Formation? #1564346

lauriebe
Participant

What chance a formation sortie with a RN schemed Sea Fury FB.11 – Firefly AS.6 and the Seafire FR.47 post restoration in the U.S ? This must be the perfect FAA group !

Now that’s a formation that I would very much like to see.

Seafire 47 leading, of course.:D 😀 😀

Regards,

Laurie

December 21, 2003 at 8:02 am in reply to: V-S Seafire FR Mk 47, VP441. #2091244

lauriebe
Participant

The final photo shows VP441 at what was hoped to be its permanent home, Squires Gate Airport, Blackpool. This photo, again taken by Richard on 15 July 1970, shows the aircraft parked where it was to be displayed, minus canopy. This had been damaged en-route from Hullavington. The airframe had also suffered during the unloading process.

One point on the canopy, it had never really fitted that well as can be seen in the first photo of the series. Mark 12 has told me that he believes that it was from a Mk XIV Spitfire. This being the only canopy available to the restorers at Culdrose at the time. Is that right, Mark?

December 21, 2003 at 7:55 am in reply to: V-S Seafire FR Mk 47, VP441. #2091246

lauriebe
Participant

This second photo, shows VP441 in a hangar, Bldg 85, at RAF Hullavington on7 May 1970. The collection was housed here temporarily, whilst a new home was being found.

The aircraft had only been partially re-assmbled at this time.
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