Supermarine Spitfire IXe SL633 (G-CZAF) carried out its first engine runs at Duxford-based Historic Flying Ltd (HFL) on December 8. The fighter is being restored for Seattle's Historic Aircraft Foundation and wears authentic Czech Air Force colours, as flown by display pilot Karel Posta. Fortunately there are a number of original photographs of the aircraft in Czech service and HFL has been able to replicate the scheme accordingly. It is expected to undergo further systems installation and fitting out before a projected first flight in the New Year. (For more on the Historic Aircraft Foundation, turn to page 40.) Meanwhile, next door at the Aircraft Restoration Company a diverse assortment of projects is moving forward. DHC Beaver G-DHCZ is approaching engine runs and the wings are expected to be fitted when these are completed. Also, former Commemorative Air Force Hispano Buch�n C.4K-31 (G-AWHE) is undergoing re-assembly and fitting out. The Spanish-built. Rolls-Royce Merlin-engined Messerschmitt Bf 109 now has a zero-timed powerplant and a new propeller has been sourced and overhauled for it. The 'Messerschmitt' is currently wearing a new colour scheme to represent the Bf 109F-4 of Major Erich Gerlitz, Gruppenkommandeur III of JG53 - the famous 'Ace of Spades' unit at Outaifiya. Egypt, in July 1942.
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