Hey, aint nothing wrong with gettin' lost when you're in good company...

 

And if you don't, I just run away from you. :-)))

 

Whew! Glad yer gonna make it! (We need at least one sacrificial lamb to keep LEO warm and fuzzy! )

 

Every group of Spitfires (Castle Bromwich where our cars were made was the largest Spitfire factory in WWII) needs a Messerschmidt or two for gunnery practice.

 

I've got a leaky roof I have to deal with today so I have to cancel meeting you all.

I'll see you guys on the next drive.

 

Even notable British experts come down in favor of the Messerschmidt overall. Which is probably why the first spitfires were test flown by a German Major.

Of course, both models came in many variations over the years, and source bias comes into play here too. It was more a question of the pilot skill, is what I read repeatedly. The Allied forces had the luxury of rotating pilots out of combat, and using them as teachers in flight schools, sheltered from war in the US. The Germans had to leave their flight aces in the cockpit until they eventually got killed, or bailed over enemy territory. As a result, Allied forces formations became more skillful over the war.

Interesting article among many:
http://www.griffonmerlin.com/2010/07...e-keeps-going/

Here's a good one on skill impact:
http://theaviationist.com/2013/05/31...9-dogfighters/

Maybe I need to stop buying cars, and save for a plane! :-)

 

Marko, I'll agree with most of what you say. Curiously, neither the BF-109 nor the Spitfire were considered the best fighters from their countries, both being designed and first produced several years before the war. The Focke-Wulf 190 was the most feared of the German fighters, and the Hurricane generally considered the best British design. Until late in the war US designs were well behind, but the deployment of the P-51 Mustang dramatically changed everything. The pilot losses you cite were certainly significant, but most experts also point to the Mustang and the severe gasoline shortages of the last year of the war as other main factors that shut down the Luftwaffe. Goering himself said the day he saw Allied fighters (US P-51's) over Berlin (previously far out of fighter range) he knew it was all over.

 

Meanwhile...

What a great turnout. It was great to see such variety in the cars as well. It was cool to meet sir2, rahulravu96, simbad and dkirwan83 for the first time--you guys were awesome for taking a chance on a rainy day to come help make this a fabulous drive--as well as a few repeats (I won't go through all the names, but you're appreciated no less!). The weather even cleared enough to get some pictures with Seattle in the backdrop, although I really need to invest in a better camera. Here's a few pictures that I took.

 

And the stars of the show: (just couldn't seem to get one of the XJL without a crowd of people around it!)

 

Pleasure meeting you all. Sorry had to bail, nephew was here visiting so had to show him around and seattles great winter weather.. He was bummed that this seasons snow isn't great. He was stoked to go snowboarding.

 

Great pictures, good company. Looks like it was great fun. I'll have to join in the next trip. Been having some sporadic misfires that I need to fix. She's been patient for a few weeks and not giving me much trouble, but decided to rear her ugly head this morning and driving out to meet wasn't an option - that time of the month I suppose. New coils on order....... until the next time gentlemen.

 

It was indeed a enjoyable day, and could only have been made better had one of us had the chance to soak a few bicyclists with a handily placed mud puddle or two (or three, or four)... (Hey, I can fantasize can't I?)

Special shout out to Muddy, as the venue could not have been better, thank you! And speaking of gorgeous cars....Wow! Nice to see so many willing to let their kittens come out to play so early in the season (those still napping certainly missed out)!

Thanks again, I look forward to driving with you all again soon!

Vince

 

Yep, definitely enjoyed it, and it got the juices flowing for 2015. Good to see you all!

 

Was great to meet all of you, was a fun morning for sure.
I'm hoping i'll be able to make future meets when possible, great bunch of people.
Highlights for me. turning down the radio and listening to the soundtrack of the F-Type. I know my car is supposed to be a luxurious cruiser (and it is) but man do I want to get some growl out of the exhaust now.
and..


Seeing the green XK getting a little sideways at every opportunity :-)


Will try to post a few of my pics when I get a chance.


Cheers
Simeon

 

Consider this next time we exit a parking lot onto a busy road: the designated last car leaves through an exit earlier on the road than the other cars. When he reaches the second exit he lets all the other cars go through, preventing separation. Must be someone who can tolerate getting honked at.

 

I'm bummed I had to deal with my roof and missed the drive. I DEFINITELY want to come on the next one! Thanks for posting the pics, Muddydog. It looks like it was a good time.

 

It was good to see everyone! Sadly, I think we all took practically the same pictures. I don't have anything different to post than what Muddy already put up. See everyone again soon though!

 

I apologize for butting into the post---couldn't help it since I lived in Issaquah from 1979-2004. Looks like the round-up took place at the Home Depot/Krispy Kreme parking lot in Issaquah. I do have to comment on the monochromatic color scheme of the cars in post #49 with the exception of the BRG xk8. I remember the grey color scheme in the PNW from Nov. thru July 5th---which of course is the first real day of summer. As you can imagine Issaquah was not the "upscale place" in 1979 unless of course the Triple X was your favorite restaurant. Love to see photos of my old stomping grounds. Thanks for sharing.

 

Hey, mine's green too! It just looks monochromatic when it pours like that!

 

<Sigh> Same here, except for one or two....

I've been frustrated over how little color a group of Jags actually display, even on blue sky days!
Various shades of grey make for a pretty bland image.... (Avt007, where are you? We need you down here!)

V