Spitfire MH415 & MH603 Restorations

Warbirds Online recently visited Vintage Fighter Restorations to view the progress on two Mk IX Supermarine Spitfires, MH603 and MH415. We last reported on these aircraft in October 2018 and since then the VFR team have again made great progress on the restoration of these aircraft.

Mk IX Supermarine Spitfire MH415 has now overtaken MH603 in terms of progress to flight with it now being on its landing gear and continuing fit out of its systems and instrumentation. A Rolls Royce Merlin “Mule” engine is fitted to allow for the correct installation of all the cowlings to be undertaken. The propeller spinner has also been trial fitted and adjusted. Most of the wing to fuselage fairings are also complete and will be finally fitted soon following completion of all electrical and hydraulic systems. Once all of the detail work is done attention will turn to the installation of the refurbished Rolls Royce Merlin engine and propeller, then onto completion of the aircraft ready for flight testing.

Meanwhile Spitfire MH603 is also proceeding very well with the new cowlings also being fitted, again with the use of a Rolls Royce Merlin “Mule” engine in place to ensure accuracy. The aircraft has also had its landing gear fitted and it will shortly be sitting on its own wheels instead of suspended on jack stands. The detail work of fitting the wing to fuselage fairings is also proceeding well and should soon be completed – as with MH415 this will be completed when all the systems are completely fitted. MH 415 and MH603 are anticipated to fly at a close time interval to each other this year and will make a fantastic sight in the air over Scone, hopefully at a celebration air show.

MH415 wears its original scheme as delivered to RAF No.129 (Mysore) Squadron at Hornchurch in August 1943, and wore the squadron codes” DV-G”. MH603 is finished in its original WWII scheme when it served with RAF 331 (Norwegian) Squadron, when it was flown on operations by Capt. Bjorn Bjornstad and was coded FN-B.

The VFR hangar is a hive of activity at present with other Warbirds undergoing maintenance in preparation for more airshow appearances this year. On the day of our visit CAC Built Mustangs A68-107 CA-18, an Mk.21 construction number 1432 and A68-199 a CA-18 an Mk PR.22 construction number 1524 were both in the workshop hangar undergoing routine servicing work with a multitude of panels removed to allow access. These are great examples of Australian workmanship and manufacturing skills now sadly long gone.

Curtiss P-40E 41-25109 (RAF serial ET433) VH-KTY was also in the workshop having routine work done with the engine cowlings removed.

Hawker Hurricane, Serial No 5481 C/N 60372, Mk XII / IIB VH-JFW has had some maintenance done as well and was on the tarmac outside the workshop with multiple panels removed providing a great insight into the internals of this relatively complex structured WW11 British fighter.

Another facet of the Pays Aviation business was also in evidence as we noted several Fire Bombers from the Pays fleet passing through on their way to Fire threats in the middle of another severe fire season in Australia including AT‑802 Fire Boss and Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk.

Every time we visit Scone we can’t but be impressed with the vibrant atmosphere in the workshop and the can do spirit of the organization which continues to grow and prosper.

Warbirds Online will continue to monitor progress on these Spitfires and other exciting activities at Scone and we will be there on the day when they fly again for the first time in decades – doubling the Australian population of airworthy Spitfires.

Vintage Fighter Restorations (VFR) invites those interested in entering the Warbird community to contact them to discuss their needs or participation in one of the planned VFR projects. VFR has now established themselves as a top level Warbird rebuilder, with a large staff of highly skilled workers who can carry out every aspect of a Warbird restoration, maintenance or rebuild.

VFR can be contacted via their Website.

© John Parker 2019