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MA793 and VP 441

Posted by Joe Scheil on Sat Nov 03, 2001 09:51:00 AM

In reply top Re: Colonist interpretation of the Spitfire (comic relief) posted by david J burke on Sat Nov 03, 2001 08:49:38 AM

David,
MA793 was privatly owned over at the Museum of Flying at SMO. This is a collection that is rotated in and out and is infact the largest venue for Spitfires in the country. There is a good selection of aircraft including, Spitfire SL721 a couple years ago, TZ138, MA973, Swordfish, and Hurricane. Few private collections in the States concern themselves with foreign aircraft to the extent of MOF, see the Yak 9's, Werk 3579 which flies occasionally!, and the like. Again, she was sold as airplanes are sold, from one owner to the next, it was not a national item of interest. It is a healthy trade. Besides there are many Japanese projects a building that probably require funds to complete.
As for VP441 she does not belong at Yovilton, that is the FAA museum and they could easily pull a fibergalss replica and fill it out with original stuff. They only want a static anyway, and besides they have a collection to maintain, with many significant aircraft to preserve. The Seafire hopefully will fly with the Seafire 15 one day at Oshkosh, and show us what a Seafire was. I also believe she should visit Flying Legends too. But if I owned her it wouldn't matter where she was born, it simply would take a huge trade to have me part with her...Say 3 Sea Furies or so!! PS wait till PS890 flies with the contraprops!

Best regards..Joe

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