Supermarine Spitfire
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Supermarine Spitfire
Took the dog for a walk along Lee-on-Solent seafront yesterday. Saw a Spitfire fly over towards the Isle of Wight before banking right, towards Fawley refinery before returning to the mainland. Saw it in the sky over Stubbington on and off all day.
What awesome sight. And the fantastic noise those Merlin engines make!
What awesome sight. And the fantastic noise those Merlin engines make!
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Re: Supermarine Spitfire
Another Claret in Lee on Solent? Nice to know there are more of us about. I missed the Spitfire yesterday but saw them last year when they were based here filming Dunkirk.
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Re: Supermarine Spitfire
It'll be one of those based at Goodwood, owned by Boultbee Academy. They often fly over the Isle Of Wight.
I flew a Mk9 Spitfire 2 years ago, from Biggin Hill down to Beachy Head and back. Completely different experience inside, it's an absolute beast and incredibly noisy. They fly like an absolute dream, just sublime. Like strapping it to to your back and becoming part of it.
You forget that they were a deadly killing machine
I flew a Mk9 Spitfire 2 years ago, from Biggin Hill down to Beachy Head and back. Completely different experience inside, it's an absolute beast and incredibly noisy. They fly like an absolute dream, just sublime. Like strapping it to to your back and becoming part of it.
You forget that they were a deadly killing machine
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Re: Supermarine Spitfire
Don't you mean Lee On The Solent?!!!
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Re: Supermarine Spitfire
Croydon Claret wrote: I flew a Mk9 Spitfire 2 years ago, from Biggin Hill down to Beachy Head and back.
You've made me and a lot of grown men incredibly jealous.
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Re: Supermarine Spitfire
I used to live in Marine Parade East cheeseon. Now living in Stubbington. You are living in Lee then? UTCcheeseon wrote:Another Claret in Lee on Solent? Nice to know there are more of us about. I missed the Spitfire yesterday but saw them last year when they were based here filming Dunkirk.
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Re: Supermarine Spitfire
Yes Ian. Very lazy of meIanMcL wrote:Don't you mean Lee On The Solent?!!!
Re: Supermarine Spitfire
Yeah I live just behind The Bun Penny.
IanMcl - the The is very important until you have to write it every time.
IanMcl - the The is very important until you have to write it every time.
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Re: Supermarine Spitfire
Ah the Bun Penny. The 1st and only pub I got banned from. And that was about 36 years ago I reckon.
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Re: Supermarine Spitfire
Planes, particularly WW2 era, are my weakness. I'll talk to anybody that will listen about themBin Ont Turf wrote:You've made me and a lot of grown men incredibly jealous.
I have a video of my flight is anybody is sufficiently interested to see the Spitfire from the pilots point of view
https://youtu.be/YBzwt-lnFg8" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
From the ground it's possibly the most beautiful thing ever made by man, inside it's a complete roaring lion with one purpose only - to shoot the Fokkers
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Re: Supermarine Spitfire
You make it look so easy Croydon....
But shouldn't it be Lee on t'Solent ?
But shouldn't it be Lee on t'Solent ?
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Re: Supermarine Spitfire
Here you go chaps, chocks away; taken at Southport a few years back
Archive shot Southport Airshow 2012 by Andy Pritchard, on Flickr
Archive shot Southport Airshow 2012 by Andy Pritchard, on Flickr
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Re: Supermarine Spitfire
That's a hell of a shot to get it so sharp but still have the blurred propALP wrote:Here you go chaps, chocks away; taken at Southport a few years back
Archive shot Southport Airshow 2012 by Andy Pritchard, on Flickr
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Re: Supermarine Spitfire
Lovely stuff.Croydon Claret wrote:Planes, particularly WW2 era, are my weakness. I'll talk to anybody that will listen about them
I have a video of my flight is anybody is sufficiently interested to see the Spitfire from the pilots point of view
https://youtu.be/YBzwt-lnFg8" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
From the ground it's possibly the most beautiful thing ever made by man, inside it's a complete roaring lion with one purpose only - to shoot the Fokkers
The sexiest of all planes. We certainly did make good looking planes around that time, with the Typhoon, Mosquito and the Sunderland flying boat being my other favourites.
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Re: Supermarine Spitfire
Very good video Croydon!
I saw a Spitfire at fairly close quarters some years ago at an airshow. I'm sure the wings had black and white stripes on. Can you tell me why that was?
I saw a Spitfire at fairly close quarters some years ago at an airshow. I'm sure the wings had black and white stripes on. Can you tell me why that was?
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Re: Supermarine Spitfire
The black and white stripes were to aid identification over the June '44 invasion beaches. Anything without them got battered.
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Re: Supermarine Spitfire
My late son had the same experience through 'Make A Wish', and he always said that none of his 'bucket list' experiences exceeded it. Even 2 mad laps around Silverstone on an R1 ridden by Cal Crutchlow didn't, although it came very close to equalling it!Croydon Claret wrote:It'll be one of those based at Goodwood, owned by Boultbee Academy. They often fly over the Isle Of Wight.
I flew a Mk9 Spitfire 2 years ago, from Biggin Hill down to Beachy Head and back. Completely different experience inside, it's an absolute beast and incredibly noisy. They fly like an absolute dream, just sublime. Like strapping it to to your back and becoming part of it.
You forget that they were a deadly killing machine
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Re: Supermarine Spitfire
Ah I see. Makes sense! Thanks BennyBennyD wrote:The black and white stripes were to aid identification over the June '44 invasion beaches. Anything without them got battered.
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Re: Supermarine Spitfire
You gotta feel a bit sorry for the Hawker Hurricane. The Peter Kay to the Spitfire's Vernon.
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Re: Supermarine Spitfire
There is a two seat Hurricane being readied to fly and I would love a go in that.
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Re: Supermarine Spitfire
Saw a A6M3 Zero in New Zealands National Museum in Auckland.
A lovely looking plane
A lovely looking plane
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Re: Supermarine Spitfire
No worries mate, IIRC, allied aircraft had stripes removed from the upper surfaces about a month after D-Day (as our aircraft stood out like a Bulldogs bolloxs) and removed completely by the start of 1945. Also, allied heavy bombers didn't generally have them as the Germans didn't have many 4 engined bombers so identification wasn't a problem. Although I'm sure our transatlantic cousins would have tried to make it one!paulus the woodgnome wrote:Ah I see. Makes sense! Thanks Benny
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Re: Supermarine Spitfire
The most beautiful aircraft ever built. Bar none. Sounds amazing. Brings a lump to my throat just thinking about it.
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Re: Supermarine Spitfire
Even men our age can instantly recognise the sound the engine makes when you hear it!
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Re: Supermarine Spitfire
Got my eye on that one already Will be a few years I reckon though, Hurricanes are notoriously difficult to restore due to the tubular construction.BennyD wrote:There is a two seat Hurricane being readied to fly and I would love a go in that.
Glad your son had such a magical experience.
Re: Supermarine Spitfire
Why have one Merlin when you can have four!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzCFagp-7EM" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
This is my favourite aircraft though.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeBPOxPsVfI" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzCFagp-7EM" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
This is my favourite aircraft though.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeBPOxPsVfI" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Re: Supermarine Spitfire
Blimey Hipper. That Handley Page Victor looks and sounds like something out of Thunderbirds!
Re: Supermarine Spitfire
It's a beast isn't it. Looks mean but has a certain beauty about it.
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Re: Supermarine Spitfire
He absolutely loved it and as a last birthday present he organised a flight for me, so I can experience it as well. If he'd have had more time he could have had the flight I'd organised for him in a P51D, but it's now down to me to have it for him. What a bugger!Croydon Claret wrote:Got my eye on that one already Will be a few years I reckon though, Hurricanes are notoriously difficult to restore due to the tubular construction.
Glad your son had such a magical experience.
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Re: Supermarine Spitfire
A beautiful machine and very cutting edge for the time.
The Hurricane is the unsung hero and beautiful in its own right.
One couldn't have managed without the other in the Battle Of Britain.
The Hurricane is the unsung hero and beautiful in its own right.
One couldn't have managed without the other in the Battle Of Britain.
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Re: Supermarine Spitfire
I'm sure it will be a very bitter sweet experience when you're able to fly the Mustang. So glad that you were able to share such times and mutual passions together.BennyD wrote:He absolutely loved it and as a last birthday present he organised a flight for me, so I can experience it as well. If he'd have had more time he could have had the flight I'd organised for him in a P51D, but it's now down to me to have it for him. What a bugger!
I'll raise a glass to him tonight.
I'm assuming that you'll be in "The shark" based at Goodwood? I did that one last Summer. I started greying out from the G loading. Most embarrassing, must wear some tighter trousers next time
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Re: Supermarine Spitfire
I believe that there's still a Victor that does taxi runs at Bruntingthorpe.Hipper wrote:Why have one Merlin when you can have four!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzCFagp-7EM" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
This is my favourite aircraft though.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeBPOxPsVfI" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
They got in trouble one year as they got a bit over exuberant and took off momentarily
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Re: Supermarine Spitfire
Croydon, that's mighty decent of you and very much appreciated. Thank you. He did his flight with John Romain out of Duxford and that's most probably who I'll do it with as well. I think Boultby do pax rides in a P51 out of GoodWood, or Westhampnett as it used to be called, which is a lot nearer than Kissimmee in Florida!Croydon Claret wrote:I'm sure it will be a very bitter sweet experience when you're able to fly the Mustang. So glad that you were able to share such times and mutual passions together.
I'll raise a glass to him tonight.
I'm assuming that you'll be in "The shark" based at Goodwood? I did that one last Summer. I started greying out from the G loading. Most embarrassing, must wear some tighter trousers next time
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Re: Supermarine Spitfire
The current Lancaster pilot for the BBMF is Roger Nichol who is an old friend of mine and the guy who dropped himself in the poo with the CAA for barrel rolling the Vulcan, Kev Rumens, is too. A few of my old mates have got themselves into a spot of bother with the 'grown ups', for misdemeanours in civvy street, myself included!Hipper wrote:Why have one Merlin when you can have four!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzCFagp-7EM" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
This is my favourite aircraft though.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeBPOxPsVfI" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Re: Supermarine Spitfire
Ooooh, my favourite subject! Before I moved to the USA, I oversaw the restoration of a Mk 21 Spitfire that now hangs above a giraffe in the Kelvingrove Museum in Glasgow:
I now work for the Commemorative Air Force, with 169 aircraft in the fleet we are the world's largest flying museum. Here's our Mk XIV Spitfire:
I now work for the Commemorative Air Force, with 169 aircraft in the fleet we are the world's largest flying museum. Here's our Mk XIV Spitfire:
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Re: Supermarine Spitfire
Spitfires were built in Southampton and then later in Swindon. The current Evo Stik Southern League Division One football club, Swindon Supermarine, grew out of the company's social club in 1946.
By the way, the Mk XIV above is one of the best-looking versions - it has the look of the gorgeous Mustang P51B.
By the way, the Mk XIV above is one of the best-looking versions - it has the look of the gorgeous Mustang P51B.
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Re: Supermarine Spitfire
Shouldn't that be the P51D? The B was the 'highback' whereas the D had a similar bubble canopy. FWIW, the Mustang was built to an RAF requirement, had a British engine and even the bubble canopy was a British idea yet it still remains the quintessential American fighter.
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Re: Supermarine Spitfire
Whoa, the best looking one?
Spitfire Vb
Spitfire Vb
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Re: Supermarine Spitfire
Great thread!
I too have a keen interest for WW2 aircraft though have never been fortunate enough to fly in one, think it must have stemmed from when I was a kid spending hours building and painting the Airfix model kits, my pride and joy was the modified 'Dambuster' Lancaster I seem to remember.
The Spitfire has to be the most iconic and aesthetically pleasing of all WW2 aircraft and as mentioned just the unmistakable sound of that powerful Merlin engine overhead is enough to give you shivers.
Co-incidentally I watched a documentary on the Battle of Britain at the weekend and some of the veteran pilots commented that the Hurricane was a great aircraft but was more of a workhorse to fly whereas the Spitfire was more like a thorough-bred racehorse and almost flew itself.
2 aircraft truly worthy of the young heroes who flew them in combat, where might we all be today if not for 'the few' ?
I too have a keen interest for WW2 aircraft though have never been fortunate enough to fly in one, think it must have stemmed from when I was a kid spending hours building and painting the Airfix model kits, my pride and joy was the modified 'Dambuster' Lancaster I seem to remember.
The Spitfire has to be the most iconic and aesthetically pleasing of all WW2 aircraft and as mentioned just the unmistakable sound of that powerful Merlin engine overhead is enough to give you shivers.
Co-incidentally I watched a documentary on the Battle of Britain at the weekend and some of the veteran pilots commented that the Hurricane was a great aircraft but was more of a workhorse to fly whereas the Spitfire was more like a thorough-bred racehorse and almost flew itself.
2 aircraft truly worthy of the young heroes who flew them in combat, where might we all be today if not for 'the few' ?
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Re: Supermarine Spitfire
If you are interested in Lancasters you might like this:
http://www.pprune.org/aviation-history- ... erged.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.pprune.org/aviation-history- ... erged.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Re: Supermarine Spitfire
The Lanc is my favourite plane of all. Managed to blag a flight in the Canadian one when it came to visit in 2014
Pictures are of somewhere between Poole Harbour and Bournemouth. We flew down the beach at Bournemouth and caused quite a stir I think
Pictures are of somewhere between Poole Harbour and Bournemouth. We flew down the beach at Bournemouth and caused quite a stir I think
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Re: Supermarine Spitfire
There's a song for every occasion.
Chris Wood - Spitfires
https://youtu.be/bvkK-8LBjLk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Chris Wood - Spitfires
https://youtu.be/bvkK-8LBjLk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Re: Supermarine Spitfire
Theres both a Hurricane and a Spitfire at the Thinktank in Birmingham. I don't know which one is more beautiful...
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Re: Supermarine Spitfire
Throughout the summer months I am lucky enough to hear a Spitfire almost daily - the Goodwood experience Spitfire passes along the coast and almost directly above my house most days. Can hear a Merlin from a mile away.
I love this clip on YouTube. **** me indeed
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iOoiEbtf2w" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I love this clip on YouTube. **** me indeed
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iOoiEbtf2w" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Re: Supermarine Spitfire
I love that clip, you cant even see the Spitfire until its almost upon you!NickBFC wrote:Throughout the summer months I am lucky enough to hear a Spitfire almost daily - the Goodwood experience Spitfire passes along the coast and almost directly above my house most days. Can hear a Merlin from a mile away.
I love this clip on YouTube. **** me indeed
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iOoiEbtf2w" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Imagine being an aircraftsman on a Luftwaffe airfield in 1941 with a flight of Spitfires bearing down on you!
Re: Supermarine Spitfire
I am sending this to the Labour party. I am sure Jeremy Corbyn can make use of this fantastic innovation.
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Re: Supermarine Spitfire
Love that clipNickBFC wrote:Throughout the summer months I am lucky enough to hear a Spitfire almost daily - the Goodwood experience Spitfire passes along the coast and almost directly above my house most days. Can hear a Merlin from a mile away.
I love this clip on YouTube. **** me indeed
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iOoiEbtf2w" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
That was Ray Hanna, one of the founder members of the Red Arrows and a pilot of extraordinary skill
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Re: Supermarine Spitfire
You can pay to fly in a Spitfire in Kent. It's a two-seater based at Biggin Hill. Yours for two and half grand (as a starting price).For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, seems like decent value for money: http://www.intotheblue.co.uk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;