Dual canopy spitfire - amazing site

[Omag 2.0]

On the cover of an aircraft encyclopedia i got from my girlfriend there is a shot of a spit with dual canopy, i thought.

So i wondered if this bird does exist. Normally i would ask Ozzy, but to make him proud i looked it up myself, and found this lovely site. Now most of you guys will know it, but i think it's really good to obtain information. And remember i am only  starting to learn more about planes...

http://www.supermarine-spitfire.co.uk

It's quite unbelievable there even was an amphibious spitfire... not my cup of tea really...

Really nice to read about the prototype, the factory, a report on the flying experience, and yes, the dual canopy type is in there!

So enjoy!    ;D

[Hagar]

Well done Omag. That is a nice site for anyone wishing to learn about the Spitfire. There are several airworthy 2-seat examples flying in various places & I think another one is almost ready. Some are original Tr.9 trainers like ML407 (very handy for training pilots) while I believe others have had the 2nd cockpit added without full dual control. Charlie, Ozzy or Tempest can tell you more about that.

[ozzy72]

The amphibious was actually only a floatplane Omag
As for the Tr.9 two-seat trainer there are still a few flying both in the US and the UK.
I was sitting in the front seat of IAC-161 (not listed as they've only just got her back together and are doing ground engine runs) only a couple of weeks ago on my first day in the UK for Xmas!
Historic Flying at Duxford kindly let me go and photograph her for project Binky. I took lots and lots of pictures of both cockpits and the fuselage interior to fill in the knowledge gaps we have for Binky, as she will be a Tr.9!!! There was also one Tr.8 built as well, and she is still going strong.

Mark

Ps. You'll find the listings for the Tr.8 and 9 and their status at http://www.spitfiresociety.demon.co.uk/flying.htm#MkTr8

[Omag 2.0]

Tell me more 'bout project Binky please. Are you involved in the restauration of a spit, or is it a model or a FS-craft?

Oh and for the record: a floatplane is amphibious to me! You can land a floatplane on land, right! Didn't say you'll get it in the air again... ( I know, silly, very silly....)  ;)

[ozzy72]

Binky is the Spitfire I'm building, she will be a full-sized as close to the original as we can do. Mind you the wife is getting a bit fed up with the instruments and parts taking over the bookshelves and corners of the room (her face when she sees the engine )
When she is done I'll be able to take people up and give them the Spitfire Experience! But I'm not going to make any claims that she is an original unlike certain people in the warbird community

[Hagar]

The amphibious was actually only a floatplane Omag

I rather like the look of that floatplane version myself. Supermarine specialised in flying boats & seaplanes after all*.

I was sitting in the front seat of IAC-161 only a couple of weeks ago on my first day in the UK for Xmas! Historic Flying at Duxford kindly let me go and photograph her for project Binky. I took lots and lots of pictures of both cockpits and the fuselage interior to fill in the knowledge gaps we have for Binky, as she will be a Tr.9!!!

So when do we get to see a few of these pics?

*PS. I saw a quote by Noel Pemberton-Billing (the founder of Supermarine) the other day. It went something like this. "I make boats that fly, not aeroplanes that float." You only have to look at the hull of

[Omag 2.0]

Binky is the Spitfire I'm building, she will be a full-sized as close to the original as we can do. Mind you the wife is getting a bit fed up with the instruments and parts taking over the bookshelves and corners of the room (her face when she sees the engine )
When she is done I'll be able to take people up and give them the Spitfire Experience! But I'm not going to make any claims that she is an original unlike certain people in the warbird community

Excuse me? You are actually building a life-size plane that is going to fly? Wow, if that's true then my respect for you only grows! I've heard some people are enthousiasts but this!  ;)

[Omag 2.0]

You only have to look at the hull of the beautiful Southampton flying boat at Hendon to see that RJ Mitchell carried on the tradition.

Hey, you're hitting the nail on the head. I've always wondered why the spitfire looked so different than other warbirds. When you use your imagination a bit one actually can see the silhouette of a gracious speed-boat in the fuselage! Perhaps this adds to the apeal of the bird!

[ozzy72]

Your shot of that beauty came out far better than mine Doug
And yes Omag its a real flying one, 1500 horses of V-12 up the front (good thing the fastest thing the police have over here is an Mi-2)

[Merlin66]

Ozzy,
I'm building a TR9 model( based on the YAS series) for FS9. Do you have any good photos of the rear cockpit/ panel layout I could use for the design of the VC??? I heard from Neil Metcalf that the back cockpit is completely different from the standard front one.
Any help appreciated.


yas.spitfires@clearmail.come.au

[Merlin66]

Come on guys...... somebody MUST have some info!!!!

[flightmedic]

I found this out of my hundreds of archive pics I have for my modeling......ENJOY!!
I will see what I can dig up on the rear cockpit for ya.........BUT I GET first flight on the plane after you!!!!!

[ozzy72]

Merlin please respond to my PM

[Merlin66]

Sorry Ozzy. Just reponded now.