James May's Toy Stories 1:1 Airfix Spitfire update

[Del350K4]

Fair enough : )

[gaz11h]

@Del350K4 cheers : )

[Del350K4]

@gaz11h Shouldn´t you post an "update update"?

[gaz11h]

@Del350K4 already did about a year ago and as no more developments no need for more

[Superbrad27]

where was the 1:1 Airfix spitfire constructed sorry?

[gaz11h]

@Superbrad27 the kit was made in Cornwall by Gategaurds then taken to the RAF Museum at Cosford where it was assembled in Hanger 1 (part of the Museum complex) by local schoolkids and where it has been returned and can now be seen on display

[gaz11h]

the most recent news is the pilot figure of James has now had a bit of a retouch and been put back in his cockpit, was at Spitfix at Cosford a record attempt at making the most models in a day and James Mays Spitfire was the perfect backdrop for the event. thanks for comment

[penninefilms]

I have just had another look at this program when he made this spitfire and its so good to see they have not just broken it up and that its still around.

[Strawberry7Lynn]

Let me guess, because it was structurally very weak, the wings fell of and it needs to be repaired!

[gaz11h]

@Strawberry7Lynn errr no, the kit was made so it could be built by kids so it was built for lightness and as such made the kit weak. When the model was originally put on display after the TV programme it had a fence put around it and ws supported on trestles. It was taken apart to be shipped back to the company who had custom made the kit (Gategaurds) and then strenghtend (posssibly with a metal frame) so it could be self supporting,

[JMChladek]

I wonder if the Spit is back due to the upcoming "Spitfix" event in about a months time? I understand the plan is to try and break the world record for most number of Airfix Spitfire kits built in a day (set at RAF Hendon last year)? In fact, if you are planning to go to RAF Cosford next month, waiting until October 30 might be the thing to do. I wish I could go, but there is a big ocean between me an the British Isles. ;)

[gaz11h]

@JMChladek As I understand it, the main reason it was taken away was to be reinforced as it was a very weak in construction, as was seen on the TV programme but its nice its back and in time of the spitfix event which im hoping to go to, and see if I can still make models, sorry you can't be there

[plasticmanist]

Hi Guys The James May Spitfire is back at RAF Cosford deliverd today and looking as good as new

[gaz11h]

@plasticmanist thanks very much planning a trip to Cosford shortly so looking forward to seeing the Spitfire again

[gaz11h]

Great News James Mays Spitfire has now been re sparred and made stronger and more durable by Gategaurds and will be returning to Cosford shortly

[plasticmanist]

@gaz11h

Hi Guys the Spitfire was deliverd back to RAF Cosford today and James will be put in it over the next few days

[TheRedDal3k]

lol, "someones nicked his spitfire", glad to hear its still with us though

[plasticmanist]

James will be back in his seat soon, will update when its ready to go back.

[gaz11h]

@plasticmanist once again many thanks will look forward to the spitfires return

[plasticmanist]

Hi Guys dont panic the Spitfire is back in the workshop at Gateguards UK Ltd being put back together, and will be back on display at RAF Cosford by the end of the summer, it was not strong enough to withstand long time display

[gaz11h]

@plasticmanist thanks for comment have to admit i was a bit saddend when it disappeared but that certainly is a good bit of news

[tkmracer86]

I worked for Gateguards, I can tell u that the plane was never strong enough to last. Infact it practically started to fall apart before it was even revealed to the public, the tail wheel being propped up on a trolley to take the weight off of it. The Spitfire, i last heard, is back down in Cornwall at Gateguards in bits.

[gaz11h]

@tkmracer86 many thanks for your comment

[aguyfromsweden]

I have seen the program but why did the destroy the 1:1 spitefire it's so poor to take it apart!

[gaz11h]

think it was only displayed out side until the end of 2009 it must have been sawn up as small pieces were left on the ground (I did pick up a few as souveniers) the wing spa that was made for strengthening was cut out and was left at Cosford I think the main reason it was taken down was because it was very weak structually as it not have the internal structure that Gate Gaurds (the company that made the kit) would normally fit inside their replica aircraft.