Spitfire questions

[Condor68]

Questions on Spitfires that have bothered me for a while but didnt do anything about .
In the Kelvingrove museum in Glasgow they have Spitfire LA198 and claims are made in various quarters that it is the best preserved in Britain.What would that claim be based on as it doesnt fly and lots of original Spitfires do? Apparently it had a rebuild in the early 1980s but the article did not say anything about an engine.

When the Battle of Britain film was made I remember being told Gateguards were taken away to star in the film but after filming some were replaced with replicas.Any truth in that or is just another myth? That would be followed by what happened to any that were not returned?




Keith

[Alf]

Depends on what you mean by original.. many currently flying Spitfires are just an original data plate and a few odd parts with a mostly new aircraft built around them.

[Vulture 01]

Re the BoB movie Spitfires. Many sources claim this is where the UK historic aircraft movement really kicked off. Lots of gate guards were used, and indeed some were made fit to fly. Others were used as originals for a plastics company to make replica aircraft. The non-flyers were used as set dressing for the various airfield shots. Many of the replicas went back to the RAF as gate guards, some are at a museum in Kent who's name escapes me (brain fade). Most of the replica's were blown up during the airfield raid sequences. Even then, someone realised these were treasures to be held on to - unlike the Mosquitoes in 633 Squadron!

As Alf says, some Spits are just a data plate with a new aircraft built around it .Others are 'true' restorations. It's an argument with good points on either side. Whatever you feel, the sights and sounds of these wonderful aircraft, and the Hurricanes, are a joy to behold, so jist enjoy it!

[Condor68]

I knew some were some pretty new but not how many.I suppose that kicks the question into touch.It seems LA198 had a fairly intensive rebuild finishing in 1986.Thanks for replying Alf there obviously cant be a definitive answer. One less thing for the grey cells to bother about.

Thanks again

Keith

[Condor68]

Thanks for the reply Vulture .I didnt realise they made the replicas in plastic back then .As a youth I just thought they had made a few canvas type mock ups and mixed them with real ones to suit the shot.When you look at some of the old films you had bomber crews taking of in Lancasters flying wellingtons then returning s Lancs.Continuity and background didnt seem to matter just the story.By your account it probably kicked off the start of more accurate presentations as well'.One of th guys I fish with was at Biggin Hill at that time as his dad was in the RAF and he said they used to get to play in the Heinkels .Sadly he now regrets not even thinking of getting pictures.Suppose we have all done that though.

Thanks again

Keith

[Nighthawke]

Years ago I read the book on the making of The Battle of Britain film. Worth reading if you can find it but afraid I can't recall the actual title.

[Alf]

Years ago I read the book on the making of The Battle of Britain film. Worth reading if you can find it but afraid I can't recall the actual title.

Theres a new book about the making of the film coming out soon..

https://www.waterstones.com/book/battle ... 1399014755

[roughcutter]

Depends on what you mean by original.. many currently flying Spitfires are just an original data plate and a few odd parts with a mostly new aircraft built around them.

The term "Trigger's brush" comes to mind

[Tiger 1]

Hi Vulture01

That will be the Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Museum at Manston.

Well worth a visit to see the two very well preserved examples.

Lots of other Spitfire and Hurricane memorabilia to see here as well.

T1

[iainpeden]

There’s a big exhibition at Duxford in January with 10+ Spitfires in the area at the front of Airspace. The aim is to show the chronological development. It’s looking to be a must visit for any Spitfire enthusiast.
Visit the IWM website for details.

[Tiger 1]

Thanks for the heads up on this iainpeden.

I will take a look as it sounds quite interesting

T1

[Vulture 01]

Nighthawk: The book you mention was written by Robert Rudhall, and is called 'The Battle of Britain: The movie'.
Tiger 1: Just did a bit of research in Wrecks and Relics. The place I was thinking of is the museum at Hawkinge. For some strange reason they don't allow any sort of photography, or even number taking.

Finally, Aeroplane magazine ran a few articles on the movie earlier this year. They may be worth chasing down for more background.

[Alf]

Nighthawk: The book you mention was written by Robert Rudhall, and is called 'The Battle of Britain: The movie'.
Tiger 1: Just did a bit of research in Wrecks and Relics. The place I was thinking of is the museum at Hawkinge. For some strange reason they don't allow any sort of photography, or even number taking.

Finally, Aeroplane magazine ran a few articles on the movie earlier this year. They may be worth chasing down for more background.

https://www.waterstones.com/book/battle ... 1399014755

Same author, so it might be an updated re-issue that's due out very soon.

[DEREK SMITH]

Vulture 01
Hawkinge do not allow photos to prevent people knowing exactly what is in the museum and breaking in to steal items to order for collectors of priceless relics.
I visited 18 months ago and they did not stop me taking notes of serials and w/o dates and sites to update the Aerodata data base

[Vulture 01]

Derek Smith:
Thanks for the clarification

[Vulcanone]

Dilip Sarkar has expanded on the original work by the sadly much missed Robert Rudhall.

[Agent K]

I was lucky to organise a talk by the late Robert Rudhall on the BoB film at IWM Duxford a year or so before his untimely passing. He really knew his subject and it was a most amazing insight into all aspects of making the movie and expanded considerably on the book. A memorable occasion.