Simviation Forums

LF Mk.XIVe, TE456 (c/n CBAF-IX-4590 or CBAF-23682) is on static display at the Auckland War Memorial Museum. Taken on charge by the RAF on August 8 1945, the aircraft initially went into storage at 6 MU at Brize Norton. It was issued to 501 RAuxAF Squadron at Filton in March 1946 (coded RAB-J), and then to 612 RAuxAF Squadron at Dyce in May 1949 (coded 8W-?). The aircraft was stored from July 1951 until August 1953, after which it served with 3 CAACU. During this time it also appeared in "Reach for the Sky". On July 5 1956 the aircraft went to 47 MU, and was grounded on July 20. In 1956 after representations by Sir Keith Park, the aircraft was presented by the Air Ministry in recognition of New Zealand service during World War II. It was struck off charge on August 30 and prepared for shipping, being despatched on September 30. The aircraft was then put on display in the Auckland War Memorial Museum wearing the post 1951 silver scheme and the code 43 from its time with 3 CAACU. In 1997 the aircraft was refurbished (along with the Museum's Mitsubishi A6M3) in readiness for moving to new display areas. Interestingly, the work on the aircraft was carried out in a public gallery. Having been displayed in natural metal, the restoration team found evidence of camouflage having been present from its time with 501 Squadron. The aircraft is now presented in the colours of 501 'County of Gloucester' Squadron marked RAB-J.

Thanks for sharing your knowledge ozzy
I can see you're very fond of Spits and know a lot about'em

Mark is our resident Spitfire expert.

I'll answer my own question on the wheels. Looking at the surrounding walls and ceiling it looks as if the nose and prop blades would be too high to fit into the room if it was resting on it's under carraige.