Richard - it's moderately possible, oddly enough, if I believe my father. According to him (and, obviously, setting aside Packard Merlins), only 4 or 5 people through the war cut the supercharger drive gears at the Nightingale Rd factory. He told me this in the rather loud voice he developed in later years, whilst prodding with his walking stick at a Merlin under a work bench at Duxford - much to my embarrassment!
The worlds latest Mosquito undergoing first engine runs today at Ardmore. I just happened to be there after going for a fly on a beautiful day. Perfect ending
A brilliant video and to think I might have missed it without TM and your post. The building/recreating of this aircraft is an achievement beyond adjectives. Just one remark of many that could be made - the absolute concentration of the pilot on keeping it straight on take-off and on holding formation with the Spitfire.
Ok one more comment: The Kiwis! They currently hold the title of world's greatest builders and restorers of aviation heritage. How do they do it?
