No. 54 Sqn Darwin Civil Aerodrome

Michael Hickey
Almost finished decaling her, pics to follow soon.🙂

Kerry COX
Michael. Is this the 'Top End' colour scheme. ? Given how brown everything is up there. 😉

Michael Hickey
Hi Kerry, no I believe she was shipped from the African front to here. I went to ADF Serials and this is what I found out about this aircraft while she was Down Under;

Arrived in Australia on SS Fort Phillip 16/01/44. Delivered 23/01/44 3AD ex UK. Rec 14ARDRP 08/08/44.Consistent with Fuel and Coolant Pipe problems beseiged by this model, held for repairs. Rec 03/04/45 54Sqn RAF and Coded DL-W. Rec 6AD 23/09/45. Cat C 22/03/46.Authorised for write off 05/46, struck off 11/48.

Kerry COX
I did look up the use of the Supers in Australia on Wikipedia and was not aware of the hstory as you have explained it. 👍
Thank you for that. 🙂
I't looking the goods under your acomplished hands mate. 👍
Well done so far. 👍

Michael Hickey
Thanks Mate, gotta long weekend here so I should have her done by Monday night.🙂

Kerry COX
I'll look forward to that Michael. 👍 😉

Michael Hickey
🙂

Michael Hickey
Oh that was very easy, this is a commission build. I assumed the client didn't want another Spitfire in the typical colors, so I just chose a scheme I knew he didn't have.

Michael Hickey
Hi Wilky, typical colors for RAAF aircraft that operated on the African front.🙂

Derek Huggett
Rude to but in (sorry!). Checked the 'Bible' ('Spitfire: The History' - Eric B. Morgan & Edward Shacklady 1987) and a bit more info on A58-370.
UK serial JG603, built as part of Supermarine Aviation (Vickers) Ltd. Contract No. Aircraft/1877/C23(C) - first order for 800 Mk VIII built between November 1942 and April 1944. Airframe No. 5058, built at Eastleigh Factory (Southampton), assigned to 6 Maintenance Unit RAF 24-11-1943, then 215 Maintenance Unit RAF 4-12-1943. Then shipped as ADF Serials information.

Back to my books!😎 👍

Michael Hickey
Cool, you learn something new everyday. That's what I love about this hobby and how you can trace the history of the real machine, thanks for sharing Derek. 😄

Michael Hickey
And I'm calling this one done, and 8 for the year so far. I'll be very happy if I can get another 4 done by Xmas because that will be my 12 for the year.🙂

Kerry COX
As always, it is a beauty and a clean build. 👍
Your commissioner will be most pleased I am sure. 😉

Michael Hickey
Thanks Kerry, always nice getting compliments from a pro.🙂

Clifford Keesler
Very nice Spit, Michael very well done.

Michael Hickey
Many thanks Clifford