WIX Archives
Re: Ernie Simmons Swordfish collection
Posted by Steve Tournay on Wed Sep 04, 2002 09:53:05 PM
In reply top Re: Ernie Simmons Swordfish collection posted by Peter on Wed Sep 04, 2002 11:07:55 AM
: Sorry cant add anything to the serial numbers, but do you
: know that the spence swordfish that is airworthy in ontari
: o also has another airfram sitting outside looking fairly
: complete and unrestored??
Hi all--
Bob Spence's rebuild used parts from four Swordfish, but other than HS554 I've not heard any serials. Did see the unrestored airframe behind Bob's barn during one of the (sorely-missed) Muirkirk airshows in the 90s...what a contrast with the restored example that was the centrepiece of those shows.
By the time collectors got to the Simmons 'fish, little individual identification was visible. HS517, for instance, was apparently identified by that serial having been written in PENCIL somewhere on the airframe!
It's always rather neat to discuss these near-legendary Warbird collections amassed by solo eccentrics. Wonder how many such there have been? Someone should write a book...
Cheers
S.