The Grace Spitfire ML 407 Website- Picture Gallery
I have decided to do this as a link-to-picture kind of gallery. Click on the description to see the picture, then click 'back' in your browser to return to this page. This means that I can use better quality pictures without having excessively long loading times.
Engine Runs 2001
Engineers braving the Propellor to check the engine
The Spitfire in the Hangar before Engine Runs
The Engineers arrive...
Waiting for clearance- we didn't have a very nice day for it!
The engine is running in moody, dramatic light.
Engineer Steve Kingman doesn't seem to mind getting in close to that prop!
A fairly high-power run-up. Chief Engineer Dave Payne is being blown away in the cockpit, open in case of fire.
This is a really high-power run. Dave Payne cannot see anything in the cockpit due to the wind generated by the prop.
A nice shot of the engine without cowlings from above.
Holding the tail down while it is fixed for the runs.
More pictures- random selection
The famous formation of 16 Spitfires, ML 407 being piloted by Carolyn Grace just to the left of the leader.
Another Picture of that formation.
The Grace family at the 1998 Grace Spitfire Supporters Club Annual Gathering
The Group Photo from the 1998 Grace Spitfire Supporters Club Annual Gathering
The Flypast photo from their piece on the Grace Spitfire Supporters Club, taken at the 1998 Gathering
The Grace Family in 1999 when ML 407 was grounded for a year
The Grace Family in 2000 at the Annual Gathering
The entire Grace Family and the Guests of Honour at the 2000 Annual Gathering
The Group Photo from the 2000 Annual Gathering
Taxiing out for the ill-fated 2001 afternoon non-display
Another Photo from the same non-display
A shot of the cockpits from the first flight of the Grace Spitfire as we now know it on the 16th of April 1985
Dick Melton (right), who was the CAA engineer on the rebuild and the late Nick Grace by the Spitfire on the day of the first flight
Parachutes on for the first flight
The Spitfire is running on the day of the first flight
Another shot of the same magical moment
The first take-off of the Grace Spitfire after its restoration. Date 16/04/1985.
New pictures- added 9th March 04
Carolyn and veteran Jean Dabos stand between ML 407 and Richard Rawle's model thereof at the 2003 Annual Gathering
Carolyn and Roisin, Joe Kennedy's Daughter
Steve Kingman's son Lee is the newest addition to our team!
Engine runs 2004 (1 of 2)
Engine runs 2004 (2 of 2) Photos by Joe Kennedy
Steve Kingman and the shining Spitfire ready for the 2004 season
ML 407 ready to go for the 2004 season. The notice on the side reads DO NOT TOUCH- A\C PREPPED TO FLY.
Another great series of Photos from Engineer Steve Kingman showing the various different stages of putting ML 407 back into her full d-day stripes. All photos titled according to Steve Kingman.
Steve writes 'This year, 2004, is the 60th Anniversary of D-Day. But, more importantly, it is 60 years since ML407 was delivered from the manufacturer to 485 (New Zealand) Squadron, on the 29th of April 1944.
ML407 has the full wrap around D-Day stripes applied for this season. On the 6th of June 1944, ML407 in the hands of F/O Johnnie Houlton had their finest hour, ML407 had been officially credited with destroying the first enemy aircraft since the invasion began'.
A bank removed
A view of A 2 conrod
Close up of A 2 piston
First stages of masking off
Masked off ready for de-greasing
A general view of ML 407 in primer
Port wing with first coat of primer filler
Look what I did to ML407!
Starboard side in satin white
The wings receive the same treatment
Starboard wing awaiting masking for satin black
The first coat of satin black
Port wing in first coat of satin black
The second coat of black goes on
The Fuselage in its first coat of satin black
Port side in satin black
Not a bad finish
removing the masking
The masking removed
Looks good, it will be better with the engine in!
Starboard side looks good too
Looks good from any angle!
It could almost be 1944!
The finished item- ML407 in 485 Squadron D-Day markings
Some photos of ML407 from this season past.
A lovely panorama shot of ML 407 by David Biddlecombe
ML407 on hold, again by David Biddlecombe
A shot of ML407 landing from Tony Ratcliffe
A nice picture of ML407 taxiing from directly behind, again from Tony Ratclife
Copyright 2001 Olivia Grace