Spitfires and Polished Metal: Restoring the Classic Fighter

Flight Journal, Dec 2000 by DeGroat, Robert S

Spitfires and Polished Metal:

Restoring the Classic Fighter

by Graham Moss and Barry McKee;

MBI Publishing Co.,

729 Prospect Ave., P.O. Box 1,

Osceola, WI

54020-0001;

144 pages;

186 color photographs;

$24.95.

The Supermarine Spitfire may be the finest representative of what an airplane should look and sound like. It was England's greatest fighter throughout WW II and the symbol of the British will to resist German tyranny against almost impossible odds. The combination of airframe with the fabulous Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, or the more powerful Rolls-Royce Griffon, produced what some regard as the best fighter to come out of WW II. The Rolls-Royce powerplant was a legend in itself for its ability to withstand heavy punishment.

Nevertheless, how does a 60-- year-old design get back into the air after many years of neglect? Several organizations have the required expertise to restore these gems to flying condition, and one of them is Historic Flying, based at Audley End in the UK. The new book, "Spitfires and Polished Metal: Restoring the Classic Fighter" by Graham Moss and Barry McKee reviews the relatively short history of this young company and provides details of its restorations. Historic Flying has restored 10 Spitfires to date, and all are exquisite examples of the art of restoration.

Although there are some great detail shots throughout the book, it must not be viewed as a Tech Order; rather, it gives a good idea of what is involved in a restoration. The book shows the Spitfire in its many forms, with many useful illustrations of assemblies for modelers; Spitfire lovers will want to add it to their collection. It is a fascinating look at some remarkable aircraft restorations that have been returned to their rightful place in the air.

-Robert S. DeGroat