Spitfire XIVc G-ALGT / RM689
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Brisbane Australia
Age: 70
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Any further updates?
Imagine the disappointment I felt when I stumbled on the article in Aircraft magazine at Changi Singapore airport last year, while enroute from Australia to London, when I was hoping to perhaps somehow catch a glimpse of RM689. My father loved this aeroplane, and I had previously taken him, at age 84, to the UK to try to see it, even in its unrestored state.
My Dad has since passed away without seeing it, and I am still very keen to know if there is any progress?
My Dad has since passed away without seeing it, and I am still very keen to know if there is any progress?
Gnome de PPRuNe
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Too close to Croydon for comfort
Age: 60
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Barbara, the rebuild of RR's other Spitfire G-RRGN has just been completed and it is currently being test flown at Duxford.
I have heard elsewhere that RR will now press on with restoration of RM689; I do hope so!
I have heard elsewhere that RR will now press on with restoration of RM689; I do hope so!
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Wakefield UK
Age: 72
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Picture just before the crash
I've not posted before although I've lurked for quite a while.
I came across this thread whilst browsing and was most interested to hear that this aircraft is/was being rebuilt.
I was there when it happened and with my old camera and cheap Paragon pre-set 300mm lens I took this picture less than a minute before the crash.
Then I followed the aircraft through the viewfinder as it continued along the runway, turned and came back down the runway to commence the loop.
I was watching (through the viewfinder) as it came over the top and decided to wait to get my next picture as he levelled out and barreled along the runway towards me... I remember being a little puzzled as to why I could still see the camouflaged upper surfaces of the wings when it crashed.................. the fireball speared down the runway past me (and I felt the heat).
I never took that picture.
Five minutes later I realised I had a camera in my hand but had just failed to take the most dramatic picture of my life. On balance, I felt glad about that.
Monochrome - Air Displays - bywaterpics (Apologies, I can't seem to select a link to just that picture - you will find it about 2/3 down the page).
I hope I've not transgressed any forum rules with this post and link - Be gentle, it's my first post!
I came across this thread whilst browsing and was most interested to hear that this aircraft is/was being rebuilt.
I was there when it happened and with my old camera and cheap Paragon pre-set 300mm lens I took this picture less than a minute before the crash.
Then I followed the aircraft through the viewfinder as it continued along the runway, turned and came back down the runway to commence the loop.
I was watching (through the viewfinder) as it came over the top and decided to wait to get my next picture as he levelled out and barreled along the runway towards me... I remember being a little puzzled as to why I could still see the camouflaged upper surfaces of the wings when it crashed.................. the fireball speared down the runway past me (and I felt the heat).
I never took that picture.
Five minutes later I realised I had a camera in my hand but had just failed to take the most dramatic picture of my life. On balance, I felt glad about that.
Monochrome - Air Displays - bywaterpics (Apologies, I can't seem to select a link to just that picture - you will find it about 2/3 down the page).
I hope I've not transgressed any forum rules with this post and link - Be gentle, it's my first post!
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: West Mids
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I was there on that fateful day and worked at Bae Woodford at that time. I remember the remains of the Spit being on a low loader under tarps by the main gate on the Monday AM on its way down to AAIB Farnborough.
I don't remember the Ruski's continuing with their display after the accident though, now that would have been wrong!
I don't remember the Ruski's continuing with their display after the accident though, now that would have been wrong!
