west malling raf
There are more Spitfires flying now than there has been since the early 1950's. The picture to the left is from the 50th Anniversary airshow at Boscombe Down. The current number in flying condition is around 50 (this figure is subject to rapid change as more return to the air or need repairs). A substantial industry has built up around restoring and maintaining Spitfires and it is true to say that with the exception of parts of the engines, it is possible to build a new Spitfire from scratch. 
Consequently, the amount of viable aeroplane needed to allow a restoration has decreased to the point where the number of restoration projects is considerable. Whether, with the wide use of any available parts and owner customisation, many of these Spitfires can be truly labelled as being typical of any one Mark is debatable, but given the rapid rate of Wartime progress, in-service upgrades, extensive repairs after damage, and sheer force of necessity it is probable that the same problem was also true of many service Spitfires! A significant number of Spitfires are also recorded as having flown in a number of different "Mark" configurations (below Crescent)
Consequently, the amount of viable aeroplane needed to allow a restoration has decreased to the point where the number of restoration projects is considerable. Whether, with the wide use of any available parts and owner customisation, many of these Spitfires can be truly labelled as being typical of any one Mark is debatable, but given the rapid rate of Wartime progress, in-service upgrades, extensive repairs after damage, and sheer force of necessity it is probable that the same problem was also true of many service Spitfires! A significant number of Spitfires are also recorded as having flown in a number of different "Mark" configurations (below Crescent)
Solid Metal British RAF Pilot Figure, August 1940. Perfect for any fan of British military history, any military buff, RAF personnel, RAF veteran, fan of metal toy soldiers. Cast in lead-free pewter.
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Price: £2.19 British RAF Pilot, Battle of Britain 1940 Pewter Figure BoxedThis 5.6cm tall pilot is wearing operational battle dress with leather gloves, helmet and 1936 pattern flying boots. He has an oxygen mask and is wearing a seat type parachute. Many pilots also wore a Mae West life jacket and a silk scarf to protect their neck from chaffing. This style of clothing was worn by both Spitfire and Hurricane pilots during the Battle of Britain. This figure is made of lead free pewter.
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