Lakenheath’s F-111

The F-111 on the base “flies” in close formation with a pylon-mounted F-15 and F-4. Just across the road is a Spitfire FSM up another pole. At night they are all floodlit – very impressive.

I’m at work at the moment and won’t be home until late (Jeff Wayne’s “War of the Worlds” live at Wembley Arena tonight) … sad I know but somebody has to go 🙂

Anyhow, IIRC you have the colours spot on, AJJ mentions them in his “British Civil Aircraft” and I think they were also given in Eddie Riding’s article in “The Aeroplane Spotter” c.1946. I’ll check & get back to you.

When I helped dismantle it at Redhill back in 1974 (I have photos … we had more hair in those days Roger) it was silver with red cheatline and registration. There was a photo floating around on the web a while back showing it at Ronaldsway in an all-over blue scheme.

Hi all

I’ve been working on a profile of the beautiful yet somewhat overlooked Percival Q.6 for a wider project and a few questions have been thrown up during research into the aircraft.

I’d like to do a profile of G-AFFD whilst owned by Sir Philip Sassoon, however there seems to be some uncertainty over what colour the aircraft was painted. In his book ‘Hunting and Percival Aircraft’ John Silvester states the aircraft was painted grey and silver, yet another source quotes metallic blue. Does anyone have any idea which might be correct? Are there any colour photos of these aircraft around?

Any help appreciated.

Tom

In keeping with the spirit of “how is this and that doing”, what is the status of the ex-Vern Schuppan Spitfire?

T J

Awaiting its turn in the High Wycombe area – owner has three more so should be keeping somebody busy!

The shrapnel damage dates are interesting – here’s a quote from the entry in the new edition of Spitfire Survivors:

Test flown in August 1940 it was taken on charge on 13 August and delivered to No. 6 M.U. Brize Norton four days later against Allotment Number 11190. The aircraft was delivered to No. 266 (Rhodesia) Sqdn at Wittering on 6 September and allocated the unit code letters “UO-T”. The squadron moved to Martlesham Heath and then to Collyweston, but on 17 October P7350 was transferred to No. 603 (City of Edinburgh) Sqdn of the Auxiliary Air Force at Hornchurch and the codes were changed to XT-. Whilst in service with the squadron it suffered a Cat. B flying accident on 31 October and was dispatched to No. 1 Civilian Repair Unit, Cowley, for repairs, which were complete by 15 November when it was transferred to No. 37 M.U. at Burtonwood, Lancs, for storage.

I wonder if the Cat B accident was the shrapnel damage referred to and it just took a bit of time for it to be recorded?

Its a full-scale static replica – been covered here some months ago. Graham and I have spoken to her … it will never fly.

Harlingen

NH238, painted as Johnny Johnson’s “Airfix” Mk IX, photographed at Harlingen, Texas, August 1973 on my honeymoon!

BTW – anyone interested in the forthcoming new edition of Spitfire Survivors can now leave their details at our website.

Here’s a few scans of 1-11s taken in the “old days”.

G-AVOF, Cambrian, Luton, 21 December 1969

G-AXMI, Courtline, Luton, 30 August 1971

And finally … one for GASYD, taken at Farnborough, 7 September 1970

Enjoy!