This is the place where the majority of the warbird (aircraft that have survived military service) discussions will take place. Specialized forums may be added in the new future
Fri Oct 05, 2007 4:04 pm
NH799, rebuilt from the wreckage of Tim Wallis' accident, on Provenance.
http://www.provenancefightersales.com/s ... _NH799.htm
And a Mk IX, described as being 'fully restored', on Courtesy. Anyone know which one this is?
Fri Oct 05, 2007 9:49 pm
One thing I like about most Spitfire restorations is that the cockpit and interior is done in original form. It gives extra flavor to the part of a vintage plane that the pilot experiences most, rather than making it modernized. The large old style compass mounted below the panel are very accurate when properly swung.
Sat Oct 06, 2007 7:18 am
Greatgooglymoogly...now I know what my first purchase is going to be tomorrow after I win the lottery!
Hey Bill...how much for lessons? I saw in another thread that someone wants to see you in a picture with a girl by your plane. Wellllll...I have five sisters...would be willing to do a partial trade for your teaching me how to fly my new Spit
Sat Oct 06, 2007 7:41 am
Yum Yum a griffon bird
Bill have you had the opportunity to fly a Griffon bird? And if so what are your thoughts?
Dave
Sat Oct 06, 2007 9:38 am
Darrell and Dave, First, if you buy that Spitfire and are looking for a demo/ferry/instructor pilot you will have lots of new best friends. In all seriouslness I'd be glad to help anyone who is new to flying a Spitfire. Most of the new owners have not asked, but a number have. The Spitfire is an easy plane to fly in most ways, but there are a few unique features that I could point out to even a pilot experienced in other planes. No, I have not flown a Griffon one. Some years ago a Denver pilot bought a Mk XVIII and offered me to fly it. I did a check out for his pilot in my Spitfire, and the friend flew the 18 .I taxied their Spitfire up to about 30mph and it felt similar to mine. Some of the cockpit details were different, and I wanted a little more time to get familar with it before flying. Unfortunately the plane and pilot were lost in an accident in poor weather a week later. So, I still have not had the opportunity to fly a Griffon one, sure would like to.
Sat Oct 06, 2007 9:58 am
Their kinda on the real HIGH price side of things!
It doesn't mean that is what they will get.
I've seen some other Spits more reasonable.
Can't say any more than that.
Bill should be happy with his investment with those prices.
Rich
Sat Oct 06, 2007 1:54 pm
I got to sit in a Spit at Duxford a few years back. Couldn't believe how much leg room there is. Even for me. There's not enough head room for me but I could "scrunch" down a few inches if I had to.
Mudge the vertical
Sat Oct 06, 2007 2:36 pm
Mudge wrote:I got to sit in a Spit at Duxford a few years back. Couldn't believe how much leg room there is. Even for me. There's not enough head room for me but I could "scrunch" down a few inches if I had to.
Mudge the vertical
I agree Mudge, I got to sit in Bernie Jackson's Mk.XVI and I was astonished at how easily my 6' 3" frame fit in the cockpit. Of course, I was not wearing flying gear or a parachute but I was still impressed with the roominess.
Sat Oct 06, 2007 2:58 pm
PARACHUTE?...PARACHUTE?...I don't need no stinkin' parachute.
Mudge the fearless
Wed Oct 10, 2007 2:10 pm
Courtesy website now updated:
http://www.courtesyaircraft.com/N959RT% ... 20Spec.htm
The Spitfire Mk.IX currently for sale is Raybourne Thompson Spitfire Mk.IX MK959.
Ben
Wed Oct 10, 2007 2:50 pm
I just saw this myself!

I cant believe he is selling. This Spit has to be one of the best Ive seen! I spent some time around it while it was in the paint shop.
Wed Oct 10, 2007 5:03 pm
I can't believe it either Trae! He spent 10 years restoring her...talk about a labor of love. I couldn't bring myself to get rid of her.
Wed Oct 10, 2007 5:30 pm
Bill Greenwood wrote:other planes. No, I have not flown a Griffon one. Some years ago a Denver pilot bought a Mk XVIII and offered me to fly it. I did a check out for his pilot in my Spitfire, and the friend flew the 18 .I taxied their Spitfire up to about 30mph and it felt similar to mine. Some of the cockpit details were different, and I wanted a little more time to get familar with it before flying. Unfortunately the plane and pilot were lost in an accident in poor weather a week later. So, I still have not had the opportunity to fly a Griffon one, sure would like to.
Ah if I remember right that was TP298. Was owned by Tallichet, got to watch and photograph Skip Holm make the first flight at Chino 6 July 92. It was a pretty impressive bird. When it got shipped over here, Craig Charleston had to a redo alot of work on it due to some problems from the ocean air on the ship.
John
Wed Oct 10, 2007 8:50 pm
Chad, the Mk XVI that I flew was Bernie Jacksons. It was a nice one, the were using the shorter wing tips so it rolled quickly. I had no trouble landing it, I used about 5 mph more for approach speed 85 mph rather than 80 at test pilot and ex RAF Charlie Brown's suggestion and it was plenty. As for Ray Tompsons MK IX, $2m is probably a fair price for it. I have not flown it but sat in it and it looks like a nice one. There are a few things that are not factory original, but it was an award winner at Oshkosh and has some good spares. I hope somebody around here buys it and keeps it on the US circuit, and at least takes good care of it.
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