Today we share news on the fiberglass replicas constructed for the 1988 Bi-Centennial Air Show at RAAF Base Richmond. The replicas include a Messerschmitt Bf 109 and 2 Spitfires (an Mk LF E XVI and an Mk VIII. The replicas located at Fighter World Museum at RAAF Base Williamtown, NSW, include a Messerschmitt Bf 109 and 2 Spitfires (a Mk LF E XVI and a Mk VIII).
Since our previous news article “Warbird Replicas – Australian Survivors” 10 April 2015 there has been considerable activity undertaken on these aircraft replicas. The Mk VIII replica was starting to show its age and was in need of considerable attention having been displayed for some years as an RAAF 79 Squadron Spitfire that operated in the defence of Darwin and New Guinea during WWII. The replica had been constructed using some authentic Spitfire components. However it was not finished with a representative serial number just the 79 Sqn codes “UP-U” and finished in the typical Green/Grey camouflage of this Squadron.
Recently this replica was completely rebuilt to ensure structural integrity was assured and accuracy was improved. To this end new wings, rudder, ailerons, canopy, undercarriage doors and a new paint scheme was applied to the replica and the finished product in light years ahead of the original aircraft. The restoration team of volunteers was led by Ex RAAF Engineer Chris Priestly. Their enthusiasm and expertise for their task is obvious.
The finished replica in now resplendent in the color scheme representing a Mk LF.VIII Ex RAAF A58-429 Ex RAF serial MD339 which arrived in Australia on SS Clan MacIver 18/04/44. She was sent to RAAF No 2 Air Depot (AD) and then issued to 452 Sqn RAAF on 02/07/44 then transferred to 54Sqn RAF on 11/07/45. Post war the Spitfire was sent to 6AD Store ex 54Sqn RAF 23/09/45 and was stored Cat C 01/02/46 and authorized for write off 22/05/46, struck off 15/11/48 and scrapped.
The new color scheme is that of A58-429 “QY-V”, as flown by Squadron Leader Lou Spence and named after his wife Rima as “Rima III” and is RAAF Foliage Green all over the top surfaces and Sky Blue under surfaces. Whilst this machine is a replica it does incorporate original canopy, spinner, prop blades and radio aerial as well undercarriage legs. All of the movable flight surfaces which were originally not separate items have been manufactured and fitted and now move as they should.
The Mk VIII replica is now an excellent representation of the type and it is about to go on show again at Fighter World RAAF Williamtown. Next in the queue at Fighter World is another of the fiberglass replicas from 1988, this being the Mk LF XVI. This replica has had a hard life and is in urgent need of refurbishment.
The aircraft was constructed as a Bubble canopy version of the Mk XVI. A decision has been made to refurbish it as a high back Mk IX and to this end the fuselage has already commenced conversion with aluminium being used in this case in the work. The replica will then have much the same treatment as the Mk VIII including new wings, canopy and functional flight control surfaces. The identity of the second Spitfire will be a 453 Sqn aircraft codes FU last letter to be determined. Apart from the standard European RAF day fighter scheme it will wear D-Day stripes. The painting will commence this coming week. In the RAAF’s 100th year of existence it is fitting that the chosen identity will represent one of the Mk IX’s flown by RAAF airmen in the European theatre of operations.
There will soon be exciting news about the fate of the last of the fiberglass replicas from 1988, the Messerschmitt Bf 109. This replica will be moving location to another Museum and is to undergo the same type of transformation as the Spitfires and gain a new and exciting identity. Warbirds Online will update readers on this development as it unfolds in coming months.
Warbirds Online wishes to thank the team at Fighter World for their assistance in the preparation of this article and we will continue to provide further updates as they occur.
© John Parker 2021