SPITFIRE MK I K9787*
(AA000051)

(Representation)

 

04OCT04
 Offered to QAM by its builder, Mr Victor Weston of Cooran, Queensland.
27OCT04
 Inspected at Cooran by several QAM members.
25NOV04
 Purchased from Victor Weston and trucked to QAM, Caloundra same day.
DEC04
 Placed on display in the north-east corner of Hangar 1.

This full-size model portrays an early production Mark I. It was originally painted with the RAF serial number K9789 and codes WZ/C to represent the fourth Spitfire built and the first delivered to a squadron (No 19 Sqn, RAF) in August 1938. It was originally constructed with a tailplane of reduced span to facilitate transportation.

It is important to understand the rationale behind the construction of this representation. It serves to demonstrate how the Spitfire can inspire an artist to attempt to capture its shape and form. In the words of its builder, Vic Weston:

"I guess it was Douglas Bader (Kenneth Moore) in the film 'Reach for the Sky' that started my obsession with aeroplanes and the men who flew them in that era. That, and reading of the dogfights over the fields of England where I grew up, has captured my imagination to this day. I remember a phrase from one story that mentioned the 'confined cockpit of the Spitfire'. That moved me to find out what it was like. Having built many model aeroplanes, I just built a bigger one with a 1/24th plan and a calculator. At first I just built the cockpit and forward section. I was quite surprised at the results and it seemed like a good idea to continue, much of it from odd bits of wood and metal that came to hand. The wings were a challenge but, I reckon, when you start something you've got to finish it. It took many hours of work and almost took over my life. I feel satisfied I finished it so that others might get close to the look and charisma of the famous Spitfire."
late 2012
 The exhibit was dismantled and placed in storage to make room for the F-111 in Hangar 1. It had been determined that the F-111 could not be displayed in Hangar 2 because the building was not fully enclosed.
2018
 It emerged that the exhibit had deteriorated through inappropriate storage. At this time the fuselage was moved into a shipping container.
2019
 A small team of interested members comprising Les Boughen, Angelo Calleja, Colin Campbell, Mick Fitzgerald and Chuck Goodman volunteered to restore the exhibit. This was approved by QAM President, Cameron Elmes.
2020
 The empennage was reconstructed to the correct proportions using a spare Chipmunk tail section.
2021
 The project stalled because of the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors.
2022
 Andrew Johns was appointed Project Team Leader and began addressing matters such as strengthening the inside of the cockpit, repairing the propeller and exhausts and constructing a cockpit instrument panel. The restoration will continue under a shelter to be erected between Hangar 1 and the Library. The restored exhibit will be displayed under this shelter until it can be accommodated in Hangar 1.

*

   Although originally marked as K9789, the restored exhibit will carry the serial number K9787 to represent the first production Spitfire.

 

The Spitfire Team Past & Present (in alphabetical order)

Les Boughen
Angelo Calleja
Don Cameron (decd)
Colin Campbell
Cameron Elmes
Mick Fitzgerald
Chuck Goodman
Garry Hills
Andrew Johns
Paul Marriott
Andrew Parkes

 

 

 

Compiled by Ron Cuskelly

 



 

 

ISSUE
DATE
REMARKS
4
06MAR22
 Added details of the restoration and plans to display the exhibit.
3
23SEP13
 This exhibit was placed in storage in late 2012.
2
12SEP05
 Added Vic Weston's description of the construction.
1
02DEC04
 Original issue