Spitfire LF Mk. XVIe RW388 has undergone a trial wing fitting at Medway Aircraft Preservation Society as work progresses to restore the iconic aircraft to its former glory.
As previously reported, the machine was built by Vickers-Armstrongs, Ltd. in 1945 and was used for training and towing targets for Navy ships during WW2. Following the war it was used as a gate guard at RAF Benson and RAF Andover before being officially presented to the city of Stoke-on-Trent by the Royal Air Force in 1972. It was installed at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery in Hanley, Staffordshire in 1985 and has taken a place of honor in their Spitfire gallery, which is dedicated to the type’s locally-born designer, Reginald Mitchell.
In addition to the successful wing fitting, work on RW388’s Merlin engine is also said to be nearing completion. In 2019, the restored Spitfire is slated to return to the museum for display in a new, £6 million glass-fronted extension that will also include a new cafe and city square.
Click below to check out photos and videos of the recent work.
Operation Spitfire Live from Medway Aircraft Preservation Society, RW388 trial wing fit.
Posted by Operation Spitfire on Wednesday, June 20, 2018
Posted by Operation Spitfire on Wednesday, June 20, 2018
Posted by Operation Spitfire on Wednesday, June 20, 2018
Medway have already made a start on RW388 Merlin Engine and it is looking great.
Posted by Operation Spitfire on Wednesday, June 20, 2018
(via Operation Spitfire and Stoke-on-Trent Live Top Photo: Maxim Shulepin via Wikimedia Commons)
