2007-12-18
G-AIST is flying again before Christmas
Click on the images to enlarge
[Peter R. Arnold photo]
I have already reported about its first post-restoration flight which took place on November 12th in High Wycombe. During recent weeks, the aircraft was flown again several times, including the depicted occasion on December 13th. Peter R. Arnold took these pictures on what he reported as "a cold but sunny day with long shadows and the sun behind. Perfect.".
The restoration of G-AIST took four full years and comprised its backdating to the original Spitfire Mk. I configuration. The entire airframe was disassembled and re-built from the ground up. The most obvious external changes were the replacement of the propeller and exhaust stubs. This aircraft was previously flown with four-bladed propeller and six exhaust stubs which were incorrect for the Mk. I Spitfire. The propeller has now been replaced with the correct de Havilland three-blader, and the exhausts represent the original paired ejector units.
The aircraft is still in its etch primer finish, but it will probably be painted in its original wartime markings, AR213, when in service with No. 57 OTU in 1941.
Labels: warbirds
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posted by
Tango India Mike on 19-Dec-2007 13:45:00
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This is exciting news, Martin! Doesn't she look lovely? Not being picky at all, but I see she still carries a Mark V oil cooler fairing. Other than that fairly minor point, the restorers have done a wonderful job and the world at last has a more authentic, airworthy, representation of the Spitfire as it appeared during it's most famous action.
posted by
Spitfire Site Editor on 19-Dec-2007 21:04:00
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Very observant, I haven't reflected over the shape of this item before, but I have check with Peter if there was any reason for this. He states that this type of oil cooler was mounted on the a/c from the beginning. AR213 was a very late production Mk. I, built by Westland Aircraft in the summer of 1941 with some of the major components coming from CBAF. Aparently the aircraft received the Mk. V cooler fairing this way.
posted by
Tango India Mike on 20-Dec-2007 04:00:00
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Another old adage proved correct - that you learn something new every day! Thanks Martin.