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can you imagine if these 20 spitfires are fully functional an pristine what a real national treasure this is. do you think they will end up in the hands of private owners?
From reports it seems that they were buried well protected for future use.
Parts greased & wrapped in greased covering. Joints were tarred. The wings removed & buried alongside & all protected in a greased covering.
If all goes well this would be probably the greatest find of all time in aviation terms. Does any body know the Mk. of these craft ? As they would probably keep the most upto date for the German theatre I would have expected these to be early MKs.
do you think they will end up in the hands of private owners?Scott
Probably. 'Experts' according to one paper, say they could fetch £1million+ each to collectors. Thats unless the Gov decide to decomission another 20 front line aircraft and replace them with Spitfires...
Mk VIII's were used in Asia so it could be those maybe. Whatever mark they are what a find!!!!
According to the news & chap who has been looking for them they are Spitfire type 14 (X1V would that be, I think, for the Romans among us).
It was said they would be in perfect condition. Hope they are right on that one. Digging starts I think they said March next year.
Like to be there very exciting.
Farmer who has been looking for them got his compass points mixed up (must have been a sailor at some time or perhaps grandson of Admiral Tovey who chose the reciprocal when looking for the Bismark) . He was looking at the wrong end of the airfield the farmer that is.
Sorted out & they have got a University to take radar pictures & are certain they have the spot & spits.
What about 30 Spitfires in formation over London ?
"Flying again in three years",I'll believe it when I see it.
This might seem cynical but these stories appear from time to time. They seem to be on a roughly ten year cycle The most frequent one is the Spitfires/Merlins crated up down an Australian mine.
I hope he does recover something worthwhile but only time will tell. When you see what some restorations start from just about anything is possible.
I'd like to see these Spits, but flying again in three years, after being buried, even if crated and wrapped in tar paper, in possibly wet earth for, what, seventy years. Unless they have had the sort of preservation that you see in aircraft graveyards in America and a dry atmosphere, the airframes will be Aluminium oxide and any engines will be rusted solid. But, who knows, ??????????
Any of them even just one will depend on one thing. Money.
At the moment a wealthy character from an Eastern European is putting the cash in to get them exhumed. But as all things it always takes more lolly than ever estimated. Will this chap stick around ?
But naughty this is all pessimism lets look on the bright side. Even finding the things & seeing the drama of uncovering is going to be fascinating. Hope they have a decent film unit covering this to make a documentary so that we can all enjoy the experience.
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