Avspecs in New Zealand rebuilds Spitfires and other vintage aircraft. International Business Times has a fascinating photo essay on their rebuild of a Spitfire Mark V. Here are a few pictures to whet your appetite, greatly reduced in size to fit this blog.
There are many more images at the link. Highly recommended viewing for aviation buffs. There's also an interesting article about the history of the Spitfire and how they're restored. (There's also my three-part series on the Spitfire in Weekend Wings #11, #12 and #13.)
Peter
I'd never heard of the "Kaskowiski incident", but your mention of it led me to do a search. Sure enough:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.nzhistory.net.nz/the-russians-are-coming
I'm sure several "kasksowiski" were drunk in celebration of the hoax!
:-)
Good book about the Spitfire:
ReplyDelete"Sigh for a Merlin" by Alex Henshaw.
He was the Chief Test Pilot at Castle Bromwich, an aircraft factory.
IIRC, he flew at least 10% of all Spitfires built, in addition to other warplanes.
Although it wasn't part of the test, he made a habit of barrel rolling the 4 engine Lancaster bomber at the conclusion!
He did aerobatic displays for Churchill and various Royalty, and also for training and frontline Spitfire pilots. (The pilots thought he was
crazy, and were shocked at what the plane was actually capable of)
He was directed to do a routine over Birmingham early on. He ended it by rolling down the main street, passing the Mayor's speaking platform
inverted, below rooftop level! His display literally brought the entire city to a standstill.
Quite a story.
Most beautiful plane ever!!!
ReplyDelete