Spitfire Mk I N3200 first flight since May 1940 today!

[JLoveless]

From buried in the sand to flying again. Outstanding restoration effort there. I wonder just how much of it is original? All I know is that the folks across the pond at Duxford really know what they're doing.

[Steve T]

Christopher--

Yes "they" certainly could...for example, check into "Grace T.9" MH367, currently flying in New Zealand, which was a new-build airframe by Dick Melton in the UK back in the 90s, which took on the MH367 id partway through when some minor parts from that Spit were incorporated in the build. If you have enough coin a "bespoke" T.9 is very much a possibility.

("Grace T9", BTW, refers to the level dual-Malcolm-hood trainer design crafted originally by Nick Grace on ML407 in the 80s; that layout is a bit more conventional-looking than the peculiar, if more practical, T8/T9 Supermarine layout with the raised rear seat and bubble canopy. Several "Grace T9s" have since been built from original T9s or single-seaters, plus the almost-entirely-newbuild MH367.)

The "new" Mk.I is simply gorgeous.

S.

[DH82EH]

The construction of the new build, dual control fuselage, that would become MH367 was expedited by using the dual controls, roll over pylon and other bits particular to 2 place Spitfires, after they were removed from ML417. (currently owned by the Friedkins). Stephen Grey wanted ML417 restored as a single seater. Dick Melton scratch built the fuselage that would eventually adopt the identity of MH367.
Today, it seems, that Airframe Assemblies can build any model of Spitfire. Dual control or not. The fuselage of N3200 is from their shop.
All it requires is a few dollars, or rather, Pounds.
Pounds and pounds of Pounds!!!!!

Andy

[M-62A]

The article in the link in Lynn's posting mentions the pilot on the day N3200 was shot down was Squadron Leader Geoffrey Dalton Stephenson and that he later died in a F-100A crash near Eglin AFB, Florida in November 1954.

Air Commodore Stephenson is buried in the Montomery (Oakwood) Cemetery Annexe in the Commonwealth War Grave plot alongside the graves of 78 RAF students who died in training in Alabama during World War 2.

I understand A/C Stephenson went to the USA as the head of a small team from the Central Fighter Establishment, West Raynham on a invitation to evaluate the lastest U.S. fighters.

Another F-100A crashed the following day and type was grounded pending modification.

Tony Broadhurst

[over/out]

Keep pumping out those Mk. I's and II's!!!!!

I wonder if they could build me a brand new TF Spitfire fuselage?

Sure Can,
http://Www.AirframeAssemblies.co.uk pick up a low back Mk.XVI for me while you're at it! Look up their facebook.

[lmritger]

Tony, thanks so much for that info- I actually didn't have his full name, and also did not realize he was buried here in the US. What a truly accomplished aviator, one of England's finest... the accident report reads as though something went wrong with his oxygen system and he must've blacked out.

Thanks again,

Lynn