spitfire T9 question

[yeehah1]

10-02-04
Ok guys, as Bailer has said earlier, we are currently in the middle of producing some art prints based on Irish Air Corps machines.
We do need some additional info on some items as we are attempting a certain degree of accuracy and historical accuracy.
I am producing the T9 Spitfire and it will be numbered 162, which is currently fyling as the Grace Spitfire ( ML 407) and was featured in the Channel 4 programme "Spitfire Ace".

I am going to try this using two different methods/styles and see which is better ( or I might use both!)

The basic artwork is nearly done, but I need some help re: unit badges.
Frank has already told me that hte two-seater Spitfires did not carry the panther head badge seen on the Seafires. I reckon this is due to the Spitfires being attached to the Training School.
I would like to know what the Flying training badge looked like circa 1950-1968. I know it may have been updated in recent years, but would like to see the original version. (would it matter?)

If any of you have the 100 years of the Air Corps book, there's a picture of 162 on page 36. There is some writing under each cockpit, and Frank reckons the first line is "Hood Release", but that the second line is unreadable.
Anybody know what that line might be?
Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks.
Liam]
 '>

[Tony Kearns]

Liam,
Spitfire 162 served with the Fighter Sqn. for short periods( about 3 months each time) in1957, 1958 and 1959. It never carried the Fighter Sqn badge and it never carried the flying training badge either, none of them did. The lettering on the fuselage side of 162 (port side ) is  HOOD RELEASE ON TOP. On the door (seen when closed) is OPEN also repeated on the rear cockpit door. The lettering forward of the rear cockpit is HOOD RELEASE OTHER SIDE. This lettering was normally in red and was stencilled on. Sometimes it carried the name of the NCO I/C on the panel immediately to the rear of the first door flap but would change as personnel moved on.If you want to send me drafts I will look at them for you and make ( if any ) suggestions........It will cost you..... a finished copy! OK?
Tony Kearns

[John K]

Tony, when are you going to write that book about the Air Corps? I'll buy a copy.

[yeehah1]

11-02-04
Dear Tony: Thanks for the infomation. It would be good to be able to see the style of the stenciling to make an accurate copy to place or recreate on the print. Are there any close-up or clearer shots of the lettering anywhere?

Why was 162's service limited to threee month stints? Was it standard practice or specific to this aircraft? Or maybe shortage of petrol and pilots?
The text in the 100 years of the Air Corps book on page 36 says that the photos are of 162 and 161 in the Hangar at Baldonnel prior "to disposal in 1963". Any idea where it was and what it was doing inbetween '59 and '63?

I know the Spits didn't carry the badges, but I was thinking of recreating the Flying Training badge and placing it above the Spit. artwork, as is seen in similar aircraft prints.
I think JK's suggestion re: a book from you is a good one.
As for the print, well, if I gave one to you, I'd have to give  one to everyone!!
( but I'll see what I can do  :'> )

The "finished" artwork is still a couple of weeks away. I'll let you know when.
 ps,
big shout out to Bailer. He's done some sterling work on his own art prints and has been extremely helpful to me behind the scenes.
Liam

[yeehah1]

12-02-04
Hey Guys.
Donal: Thanks for the rant, but it's ok, things have been smoothed over. Onwards and upwards, as someone once said.

Tony, if I may be so bold as to refer you back to my second inquiry:
Thanks for the infomation. It would be good to be able to see the style of the stenciling to make an accurate copy to place or recreate on the print. Are there any close-up or clearer shots of the lettering anywhere?

Why was 162's service limited to threee month stints? Was it standard practice or specific to this aircraft? Or maybe shortage of petrol and pilots?
The text in the 100 years of the Air Corps book on page 36 says that the photos are of 162 and 161 in the Hangar at Baldonnel prior "to disposal in 1963". Any idea where it was and what it was doing inbetween '59 and '63?

I know the Spits didn't carry the badges, but I was thinking of recreating the Flying Training badge and placing it above the Spit. artwork, as is seen in similar aircraft prints.
Thanks for the infomation. It would be good to be able to see the style of the stenciling to make an accurate copy to place or recreate on the print. Are there any close-up or clearer shots of the lettering anywhere?

Would it be acceptable to place the Flying training badge on this print?
Thanks in advance.
Liam

[yeehah1]

17-02-04
The silence is deafening.
 '>
So, I throw my question open to the forum in general.

Re: the lettering on the side of Spitfire trainer 163:It would be good to be able to see the style of the stenciling to make an accurate copy to place or recreate on the print. Are there any close-up or clearer shots of the lettering anywhere?

Does anyone else know why it appeared 162's service was limited to three month stints? Was it standard practice or specific to this aircraft? Or maybe shortage of petrol and pilots?
The text in the 100 years of the Air Corps book on page 36 says that the photos are of 162 and 161 in the Hangar at Baldonnel prior "to disposal in 1963".
Any idea where it was and what it was doing inbetween '59 and '63?

Any help would be appreciated, sooner rather than later as I 'll need to add this information to the aircraft soon.
Thanks in advance.
Liam