Thank you to all who answered my initial questions regarding Bf 109E-3 (wnr. 1512) - and to those persons who provided answers to questions raised by other participants. Actually, I posed the initial questions on behalf of a friend who was reluctant to become directly involved on the site: he simply raised the questions and I posted them. Members of this forum might be pleased to learn that my friend was so impressed by the help he has received that he has asked me to thank you all - and this I am very pleased to do! He has also asked me to announce that he is currently restoring the airframe to static condition (actually, I know for a fact that he has been working on the project for years!) The wreckage came into his possession some years ago and was recently it was reunited with its main data plate.
He has also asked me to point out that when the aircraft has been restored, it will probably be more original than the example currently being restored to fly. Thus, his No. 1512 will not be a replica. What could be re-straightened and repaired has been put back into the project: to date, there has been very little new build. There are many original parts going into the aircraft and any replacements are period 1940 or earlier. Even the electrics and hydraulics will be fully functional. He tells me that, when finished, his 109 will be just as though it was ready to be flown into combat - and in one way or another, your contributions will have helped.
Bill Norman (website:
www.billnorman.co.uk)