Summer in England 2018 – part 1

Finally made it back to England to see the kids after a crappy start to the year where I had to skip the trip over the winter.

It had been a very warm summer in the UK and when I got there it was 35 degrees and everything was so dry!

Anyways – onwards to the pictures!

The traditional hire car photo! Ford Focus – was really nice to drive.

This year, my daughter was busy with a summer camp and couldn’t come, so it was a boys fortnight!

So, what better to do then to go to iconic Battle of Britain airfield RAF Biggin Hill and see some Spitfires and sit in one.

A half hour drive to Heritage Hangers where Spitfires are lovingly restored and regularly flown (for a minor fortune, one can take a trip in a converted 2 seater Spitfire – omg, lottery win wherefor art tho!) We couldnt stretch to that, but we did book a ‘sit in’ the Spitfire tour.

The 2 seater – we watched as a lucky passenger was taken up and out to fly over the White Cliffs of Dover. What a noise that Merlin engine makes.

For the story of this plane – go here! https://bigginhillheritagehangar.co.uk/spitfire-mj627

Single seater being worked on.

Tiny spotter plane – I think my motorbike has a bigger engine!

Inside the hangar – a Spit is being worked on – including having the undercarriage tested

Mk1 ready for restoration

Another 2 seater.

2 seater in the process of being restored

The workshop – rivet by rivet restoration. All the original parts are on the shelves.

Fuselage

Spanish made Messerschmitt ME109

The true hero of the RAF Battle of Britain – the Hawker Hurricane..overshadowed by the more glamorous Spitfire, but this was by all accounts the superior fighter.