Buried Spits in Burma

[shrike]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-17710598

[Enemy Ace]

Can't you just hear the safeties clicking "off" on the checkbooks if they find these?

[Warbirdnerd]

Anybody know the mk number(s) that might be involved or if they were crated with engines and propellers? Not that the data plates aren't enough to get started ...

Last edited by Warbirdnerd on Fri Apr 13, 2012 8:49 pm, edited 2 times in total.

[hang the expense]

Buried after all these years? I'm affraid they will be junk.The magnesium rivets will have turned to dust by now anyway.At least you wont have to drill them apart.I hope they do find them as it will be quite a find.

[The Inspector]

Buried after all these years? I'm affraid they will be junk.The magnesium rivets will have turned to dust by now anyway.At least you wont have to drill them apart.I hope they do find them as it will be quite a find.

+1 and let me add two words Galvanic Corrosion

[Dan Jones]

The Japanese were a threat to Burma in 1945?

[shrike]

The Japanese were a threat to Burma in 1945?

The Burmese were a threat to Burma in 1945.

[Keith Gaff]

Burma's Spitfires were a very well travelled bunch of Mk9's that initially saw service with the Czech Air Force. They were sold to the Israeli's and flown to Israel around 1948 in what was known as Operation Velveeta. When the Israelis finished with them they onsold them to Burma. After more than 50 years buried in the ground there won't be much left.

[BAJ]

Buried after all these years? I'm affraid they will be junk.The magnesium rivets will have turned to dust by now anyway.At least you wont have to drill them apart.I hope they do find them as it will be quite a find.

Tempting to YES ....but these were crated, waxed, and tarred according to this article.....certainly the 2024 sheeting and frames should still be passable for templates and the basis for restoration......

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/defence/9203822/Spitfires-buried-in-Burma-during-war-to-be-returned-to-UK.html

Bloody brilliant if its true !!!!

They were not ex Burmeze Airforce but in service RAF aircraft inhibited and buried

[Fouga23]

And they are Spitfires. All they need are the dataplates to survive

[12XU2A3X3]

http://www.youtube.com/embed/aQVZaeEmkOA

[Kyleb]

And they are Spitfires. All they need are the dataplates to survive

I think I'll go down to the local engraving shop and whip out about 20 Spitfires. What Mk would you like?

[PinecastleAAF]

I think there is a 14 day delay in the news.

[51fixer]

Anybody know the mk number(s) that might be involved or if they were crated with engines and propellers? Not that the data plates aren't enough to get started ...

Thought it said Mk II. Something about using shell craters from shelling attacks.
Would have been early 40s wartime in my thinking.

[RobC]

I'll see your two words and raise you one: Provenance.

Considering this month's big Spitfire resto had a prior career as landfill along a river, I would say coming out of a crate in Burma would be a big step up. Besides, think of the field day the boys at the Hendon diorama shop will have with a crated Spitfire! I can almost hear the tinkle of the spanners from the hidden speakers...

In any case, since all endeavors of this sort need a name, how about:

Spitfire Cultural Recovery Advanced Project