No NEW Spitfire L.G Legs ???

[Triplane102]

So I was reading up on a recent Spitfire restoration, & I came across a part where they stated that everything for the Spitfire can be made new again, except for the Landing Gear Legs (!!??,) And of course the Engine/Motor ! Is this a license thing ?? Technology is not around to recreate L.G Legs ???
Every flying Spit has original L.G ?? What happens in the future? New/Restored Spitfires have to talk Museums out of theirs ??
Please tel me this isn't so.

[Sopwith]

Interesting, which article and what particular Spitfire if you don’t mind me asking?

[Joe Scheil]

Yep....restored Mustangs and Spitfires MUST have some original parts that are simply to expensive at the current market prices to build new. Once prices go above 20 Million USD I am sure we will be able to “afford” new gear legs and engines!

[JohnB]

About engines, am I correct in guessing the only thing that isn't reproduced is the block?

Certainly, the "throw away" at overhaul bits are.

[DH82EH]

I don't think anyone has (had) to reproduce a crankshaft for a Merlin.
They are still obtainable and would be horrendously expensive to replicate.
There is a company reproducing Merlin heads, which is quite an undertaking in and of itself.

Andy

[JohnTerrell]

I'm not sure if it is the same article, but the same thing was said (regarding Spitfire landing gear legs) in a Warbirds International article in the Dec. 2017 issue about the newly-manufactured Spitfire T.9 NH341 "Elizabeth".

[PeterA]

There were many variations of Spitfire undercarriage legs as development progressed through the marks...stroke, toe-in, camber, weight reduction, lugs, pintle size, Seafire mods, torque links front or rear, internal splines etc etc etc.

If you include left and right hand, possibly as many as 50 variations.

The trick is to find a matching pair that will be an appropriate fit for the mark under build/restoration.

I well remember a partnership deal I made at a scrap yard auction for a successful bid on about 80 odd legs. I was just after the few 20 series legs for my Seafire 46, and even here there were three very distinctive variations...but just enough to make up two basic pairs.

Corrosion on the axles is the usual issue and replicating that forging is well within current abilities.

I think we are a while away from scratch building a complete leg.

PeterA

[Jim MacDonald]

Peter,

I think we are a while away from scratch building a complete leg

By that, do you mean that we are a while away from "needing" to scratch build a complete leg or being "able" to?

Thanks,

Mac

[PeterA]

Jim,

The legs are out there in condition various. Australia is a relatively un-tapped source.

'New' build Spitfires requiring legs probably amount to one, sometimes two, per year.

As their value goes up they will come out of the woodwork.

The 'Auxiliaries' gearbox for the Griffon Spitfires is a bigger issue.

PeterA

[Jim MacDonald]

Thanks for the reply, Peter.

Mac

[Sopwith]

Thanks for the reply John Terrell.

[Triplane102]

Interesting, which article and what particular Spitfire if you don’t mind me asking?

I'm not sure if it is the same article, but the same thing was said (regarding Spitfire landing gear legs) in a Warbirds International article in the Dec. 2017 issue about the newly-manufactured Spitfire T.9 NH341 "Elizabeth".

So Sorry for not replying, Sopwith, I just got VERY busy with a "Family Friend Issue" All weekend & didn't even have the energy to go online.
Yes, John Terrell, that's the one, Thanks again, John.
DUH !! I forgot to thank Peter & EVERYONE Else for their inputs !!!! Thanks Again !!!

[Sopwith]

Thanks for the reply TBM Tony, I understand completely. Cheers

[PeterA]

There were many variations of Spitfire undercarriage legs as development progressed through the marks...stroke, toe-in, camber, weight reduction, lugs, pintle size, Seafire mods, torque links front or rear, internal splines etc etc etc.

If you include left and right hand, possibly as many as 50 variations.

The trick is to find a matching pair that will be an appropriate fit for the mark under build/restoration.

I well remember a partnership deal I made at a scrap yard auction for a successful bid on about 80 odd legs. I was just after the few 20 series legs for my Seafire 46, and even here there were three very distinctive variations...but just enough to make up two basic pairs.

Corrosion on the axles is the usual issue and replicating that forging is well within current abilities.

I think we are a while away from scratch building a complete leg.

PeterA

I found the images. Condition ranging from poor to 'God almighty' but better than scratch building.

PeterA

[Sopwith]

How long ago was that photo taken Peter?