Rudder for MKVIII Spitfire

[Eyemo]

:eusa_doh: Anyone??...Rounded top, wider chord type...

 

[H.Johnson]

Have you tried Graham Adlam at Spitfire Spares in Taunton (he has a Mk VIII) or Mr. Goosey at Supermarine Engineering in Burslem?

 

[BellyTank]

Yes, ask Mr. Goosey to have a Gander.

Sorry, just gave my last one away...


B
T

 

[Smithy]

Eyemo, the Mk VIII has the taller pointed rudder which was also fitted to later IXs and XVIs. This rudder was initially designed and produced for the VIII and is sometimes even referred to as a Mk VIII rudder.

 

[Eyemo]

Thanks guys... I'll re-check the request

 

[KilroyCD]

Eyemo, actually the Mk.VIII was fitted with both types of rudder. Not as many had the rounded rudder, most had the broad-chord rudder. The ones with the rounded rudder were mainly early production machines in the "JF" serial range. Two examples are JF661, which was photographed by my late friend William Skinner of the 308th FS, 31st FG in Italy. The tail of this Spit is shown on page 28 of Fighter Command, by the late Jeffrey Ethell. Skinner didn't fly this particular Spit, but he did fly a Mk.VIII named "Lonesome Polecat".
Two more round-tailed Mk.VIIIs are found on pages 280-281 and 284 of Spitfire: The History by Eric B. Morgan and Edward Shacklady.
Here's a Mk.VIII with the broad-chord rudder that I photographed in the haze over Oshkosh in the early 1990s:

 

[Smithy]

Well spotted Kilroy with the very early VIIIs.

Come to think of it some of 601's VIIIs in Italy might have had the rounded early rudder as well. I'm separated from my books at the moment so perhaps somebody might be able to confirm or poo-poo this.

 

[H.Johnson]

The man is correct.

 

[H.Johnson]

Mr. Goosey's company is just completing the restoration of a MKXIV for display in R.J. Mitchell's home town, and a very good job they are making too.

Yes, ask Mr. Goosey to have a Gander.

Sorry, just gave my last one away...


B
T