Spitfire Replica Assembled to Support X4009

The Hunter Fighter Collection (HFC) Technical Team embarked on the assembly of the newly arrived Spitfire replica from GB Replicas, UK. This replica, constructed as a Mk. IX and painted in the colour scheme of Spitfire X4009, is an engineering marvel, but the assembly was not without a few challenges!

The HFC Technical team, many of whom are ex-RAAF engineers, known for their expertise and precision, were on hand to carefully manage the assembly process. The aircraft arrived from the UK in perfect condition and was carefully transported piece by piece from its storage container to the Hunter Warbirds Museum for assembly and final display.

Mike Davis, the owner of the replica was on hand to follow the assembly process. Followers of HFC would know that the Spitfire was initially intended to be displayed at Mike’s Megalong Creek Estate winery in the Blue Mountains. However, instead of keeping it for display at his winery, Mike saw an opportunity to help raise awareness and to raise funds for the restoration of the real X4009, the aircraft of Flight Lieutenant Paterson Hughes, Australia’s highest scoring Battle of Britain fighter ace. So the Spitfire was painted in the scheme of X4009.

Davis’ Spitfire replica, constructed in the UK by GB Replicas, was initially meant to be displayed at his Megalong Creek Estate. However, fate intervened. While attending an airshow in Mudgee, NSW, Davis stumbled upon a fundraising display for the restoration of Pat Hughes’ original Spitfire, X4009. The story of Hughes, Australia’s highest-scoring Battle of Britain ace, captured his heart.

“I couldn’t understand why his story wasn’t better known,” Davis reflects. “After that, the decision was easy.”

Moved by Hughes’ heroism and the project to restore his Spitfire, Davis decided to loan the replica to the Hunter Fighter Collection (HFC) in Scone, NSW. Instead of keeping it for his winery, Davis saw an opportunity to help raise awareness and funds for the restoration of the real X4009, bringing history to life in a meaningful way.

In the absence of detailed instructions for the assembly of the aircraft it was necessary for the HFC team to carefully lay out and assemble the components in a logical order which was a fairly lengthy process. The Spitfire then came together in a seamless manner and all the components were married together in a perfect fit. This replica is designed to be very robust as it can be mounted in an external situation and exposed to the weather. HFC will however be display this replica inside Hunter Warbirds alongside the HFC aircraft collection and in particular to support the Spitfire X4009 restoration project. It has already attracted much attention from all who see it on display particularly at the Upper Hunter Westpac Rescue Ball where it was the centre of attention.

John Parker, Curator and Public Officer of HFC commented, “ We are incredibly proud of the team’s hard work and it provided a welcome change from our usual aircraft restoration work.”