A MODEL Spitfire returned to the Aviation Heritage Museum of WA in Bull Creek on Tuesday after significant restoration in Welshpool.
The MK16 Spitfire, originally made in NZ of fibreglass and steel, spent the past 16 years atop a pole to draw visitors to the museum.
Time and weathering had caused the fibreglass to expand and contract, causing paint flaking, and the back wheel fell off the original model because of rust.
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READ NOWMuseum manager John Park said the rejuvenated plane arrived Tuesday from Universal Plastics in two parts with the fuselage arriving first then the wings attached that afternoon.
The plane did a lap of honour through Adelaide Terrace, on the back of a truck, before resting for two days in the RAAFA estate’s memorial area.
It will be lifted on top of the pole today to mark the museum’s entrance.
The Aviation Heritage Museum, off Bull Creek Drive, features civil aviation displays, a Vietnam display, extensive military section, library and modelling group – all supported by 200 volunteers.
“It is one of the best kept secrets in Perth. People don’t realise they have a world class aviation museum on their doorstep with a working Lancaster that flew into Perth,” Mr Park said.