MoSI loses its Spitfire

[Shaggy Sheep Driver]

The Spitfire which has been in the Air & Space hall at Manchester's Museum of Science & Industry for nearly 20 years was yesterday removed to be shipped to Hendon Museum.

Why?

I know it was only on loan, but why shouldn't the north west have a real Spitfire on display? Why did it have to go down south?

BTW, does anyone know if it has an engine (Griffon, presumably)?

[chiglet]

Looked [on the photos] like a Mk16, so it's a Merlin.
Do agree though

[DaveReidUK]

Looked [on the photos] like a Mk16, so it's a Merlin.It's an FR.XIVe (Griffon-engined) - the five-bladed prop is a giveaway:

http://www.abpic.co.uk/images/images/1060371M.jpg

[India Four Two]

the five-bladed prop is a giveaway

... plus the cowling bulges over the cam covers.

[Wander00]

I am a southerner (UK -wise) but it does seem a shame that "the North" should lose a Spitfire. Anyone offered an explanation - presumably there is one.

[DaveReidUK]

Anyone offered an explanation - presumably there is one.According to the MEN, it has gone south to feature in an exhibition called "Britain from Above", based on the work of Aerofilms, at the RAF Museum:

Spitfire that survived World War Two is broken down to be transported from the Museum of Science and Industry to RAF Museum in London - Manchester Evening News (http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/spitfire-survived-world-war-two-6688765)

"At the outset of World War II the company was requisitioned by the Air Ministry, with its aerial interpretation skills making an invaluable contribution to the war effort as part of the highly successful Central Interpretation Unit at RAF Medmenham in Buckinghamshire. Iconic aircraft such as the Spitfire - featured in this exhibition - proved invaluable for this purpose."

Take a walk in the skies over Britain (http://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/london/whats-going-on/news/take-a-walk-in-the-skies-over-britain/)

The exhibition runs until the end of March 2015, no mention of whether MoSI will then get their Spitfire back.

[Wander00]

Does the RAF Museum not have a PR variant Spitfire hidden away anywhere?

[DaveReidUK]

Does the RAF Museum not have a PR variant Spitfire hidden away anywhere?Yes, they do (a nice blue PR XIX, PM651), but it's on loan to Kuwait "for an indefinite period":

RAFM Spitfire Journeys to Kuwait | Warbirds News (http://www.warbirdsnews.com/warbirds-news/rafm-spitfire-journeys-kuwait.html)

[Shaggy Sheep Driver]

So was we robbed in Manchester for the benefit of Kuwait?

[Robert Cooper]

I guess it's cheaper to move the one in Manchester than the one in Kuwait. Hope you folks in Manchester get it back!

Bob C