RAF Museum Welcomes Newly Refurbished Spitfire, Hurricane Gate Guards

The Royal Air Force Museum in London has just welcomed back their Hurricane and Spitfire gate guards after a year-long restoration.

As previously reported, the reproductions were dismantled and transported to Michael Beetham Conservation Centre in Cosford in early 2017. During refurbishment, each aircraft was given a new livery “to reflect the rich and diverse history” of the London site when it was a working RAF station. The Hawker Hurricane Mk 1 now wears the colors of P2725 flown by Sgt. Ray Holmes of 504 Squadron during the Battle of Britain, while the Spitfire Mk XVI now represents TB288 as it appeared during its service with 601 Squadron.

The aircraft will reportedly be assembled over the coming days and positioned at the museum’s pedestrian and car park entrances.

Click below to check out photos of the restored reproductions following their arrival.

Supermarine Spitfire MK XVI

Posted by The Royal Air Force Museum, London on Wednesday, April 18, 2018

 

Hawker Hurricane MK 1

Posted by The Royal Air Force Museum, London on Wednesday, April 18, 2018

 
(via RAF Museum, London Top Photo: Panhard via Wikimedia Commons)