**** DONE: GB-57 1/48 USAAF Spitfire Mk.Vb - WW2 Foreign Service

[N4521U]

But in the first post you wrote the Tamiya #61035.

Yes, I picked up the Old instructions.
Mistake number one!

 

[Wurger]

No problemo.

 

[N4521U]

Bill, I think I have a couple of old Airfix Spit MkV trop filters in one of my spares boxes if you want one. It should fit reasonably well, but may need a bit of filler here and there. Let me know if you want it.
BTW, the DH prop had a different spinner to the more pointed Rotol prop spinner in the kit. I may have one, which again is yours if you want it, otherwise you'd need to use an aftermarket prop.

You are too kind. I would accept them with open arms and a bow in reverence!

 

[Airframes]

No problem Bill - PM sent.
Been looking through my spares, and no DH prop yet, although I have a Mk.1 Hurricane prop I think, but the spinner would still be wrong.
I'll let you know when I've checked all 50+ years worth of spare parts !

 

[Grant Barr]

Hi Bill - late to the party on the version question. A bit more confirmation for you.

Just checked my copy of "Spitfire - The History (Morgan & Shacklady)" and this source definitely denotes ER570 as a VB with a Merlin 46. Weirdly it makes no mention of it being a "trop" version, but it does show its history including NWA (North West Africa) with the USAAF in mid 1943. Perhaps it was converted to tropical in the field upon movement to NWA? Couldn't see any other photos on a quick flick through the book.

 

[N4521U]

Hi Bill - late to the party on the version question. A bit more confirmation for you.

Just checked my copy of "Spitfire - The History (Morgan & Shacklady)" and this source definitely denotes ER570 as a VB with a Merlin 46. Weirdly it makes no mention of it being a "trop" version, but it does show its history including NWA (North West Africa) with the USAAF in mid 1943. Perhaps it was converted to tropical in the field upon movement to NWA? Couldn't see any other photos on a quick flick through the book.

I do know how to pickem!!!!!!

 

[Airframes]

The production listings wouldn't necessarily show an airframe being a "Trop" version. A "batch" would roll off the line and then be sent to an MU for any up-dates / mods etc, before being allocated to a unit.
Fitting of equipment required for a specific theatre would be done at a local MU, either in the UK or in theatre, therefore the trop filter and any other mods would be done once the aircraft arrived at the relevant MU.
It's also possible that some aircraft were already modified and in service with, or allocated to, the RAF, but transferred to the USAAF.

 

[N4521U]

Always amazed at the information we can get from our members in this forum!!!!
Puts us on the right track.
Thank you all.

 

[Vic Balshaw]

Always amazed at the information we can get from our members in this forum!!!!
Puts us on the right track.
Thank you all.

Have to agree.

 

[Wayne Little]

Well...Bill this IS the place to be for the best help.....

 

[fubar57]

Good stuff going on here

 

[Donivanp]

You list of useful information is going to overload!

 

[36feet10inches]

Another lovely looking Spit for me to follow! What striking markings they are. I haven't seen a Tamiya Vb, I'll be interested to see how it compares to Airfix.

FWIW Aircraft History's Spitfire production list says it was a Vb; I take this list as "gospel", I believe it's essentially the same info as to be found in Morgan & Schacklady.

 

[N4521U]

Well, back on the Spit. Dressing up the cockpit.
It does need it. Following some dwgs and examples.
Very small compared to the Jug I just finished. Nevertheless!

Next is the green interior, and some other colors.

 

[Wurger]

 

[Vic Balshaw]

You sure filled up some vacant space there Bill.

 

[Donivanp]

Looks good sir

 

[le_steph40]

Very nice Bill

 

[Crimea_River]

Good stuff Bill. Quite the improvements.

 

[N4521U]

Good stuff Bill. Quite the improvements.

Renovations is myy game!!!!