**** DONE: GB-62 1/72 Spitfire Mk 21 Contraprop - Spitfires

[PlasticHero]

Username: PlasticHero
First Name: Alan
Category: Intermediate
Scale: 1/72
Manufacturer: Special Hobby
Model: 72318
Extras: JB Models 1/76 Landrover; Hasegawa 1/72 WWII Pilot Figure Set

I have been looking forward to this build for quite a while. You may have noticed that I am a complete Spitphile and back in the 80's I built K5054, the prototype Spit and this will represent if not the "last" one, at least the most developed. These were introduced very late in the war and did see service but in a very limited fashion. The schemes I have are post-war commanders' aircraft and I am probably going to do an overall silver that will contrast with the typical camo.

Thanks fubar57
A very quick look at the plastic shows good detail and not an overly complex build. I'll go into this more as I start glueing.

I'd like to introduce two potential builds for the far future GB's. We have Mustang and Spitfire, how about Me 109 A-Z and then..... Zeros for Heros.

Decided to add a Landrover to this build. I don't know if this aircraft lasted until LR was used but I'm not going to waste a $3 kit when the times lines are "close enough".

 

[Vic Balshaw]

Like it and it will be different.

 

[Wurger]

 

[rochie]

Very nice !

 

[Crimea_River]

Interesting subject. File the GB idea til we get to the input poll which is still some time away.

 

[fubar57]

Neato. PM sent

 

[Airframes]

Great to see a Mk.21 in the GB, and I wish there was a full, injection-moulded kit in 1/48th scale.

However, as far as I'm aware, there was only one Mk.21 converted to trial a contra-rotating prop, Serial No. LA218.
I presume that the extra prop blades in the kit are for the Seafire variant, given that there's also an alternative "hooked" tail assembly shown.

 

[A4K]

Nice one Alan.

Terry, yep, have this one myself and the common componenents are on a universal sprue, marked for 'Spitfire Mk.21/22/24' and 'Seafire Mk.45/46/47'

 

[fubar57]

Terry, Airframes I PMd Alan a photo of LA232 and it does have a contra-rotating prop. Included you in the PM.

 

[Airframes]

Thanks Geo, got that.
I haven't checked further for other airframes in the Mk.21 series converted to contra-prop, but as far as I'm aware, this fitting was on trials aircraft (possibly for Seafire development), and I don't think saw service apart from that.

 

[Wurger]

LA 217 contraprop ...

and the LA232 with the kind of the prop...

the pic source :

View: https://x.com/AviationPhotoCo/status/1293520636644601858

 

[fubar57]

LA232 was originally a standard prop Spitfire and was later converted. Just found a picture in that configuration and camouflaged

 

[PlasticHero]

The instructions say "Several machines were equipped with Griffon 85 and contra rotating props. It was necessary to enlarge the rudder area." These were test A/C and not in combat service. After the war they tended to be used by higher ranking officers.
(added details to first post)

 

[Wurger]

And here two more ...

LA220 of no. 1 Squadron ...

LA299 ...

the source: Spitfire F 21 - The Forgotten Fighter

 

[T Bolt]

Good choice Alan

 

[PlasticHero]

Any thoughts on cockpit color? I want to go with interior green because the black will hide all the detail. Minister of Procurement; "Paint the cockpits with this new black, it's cheaper". Crew Chief; "But it will look awful when the kids build the model." Here is the sprue for the Land Rover; it is the same mold as the Airfix Land Rover.
(new info) Based on the grill shape and location of headlights in the outer fenders, this is a late model Series IIa released in 1969. So not correct for early 50's.

This has 4 small clear bits for the windows and a tiny decal sheet of id numbers. I have not yet found a picture of this exact model in RAF service, but SaparotRob wants trucks with my airplanes sooooo here ya are!

Next GB. Airplanes and their trucks.

 

[Wurger]

Regarding the cockpit colour for the Spit 21 .... in all pics above it may be noticed that the armour plate behind the pilot's head was of the light coat. So the RAF Cockpit Green should be the correct paint.

 

[Wayne Little]

sshould look real nice.

 

[Ralph Haus]

Watching for some glue dry time. Should be an interesting addition to the 'normal' Spit builds.

 

[PlasticHero]

I found this great model build Vexillum Militaris - Supermarine Spitfire F Mk 21 – Build and will be looking very closely at his wheel angles, shape of the undercarriage doors, radiator profiles and all other minutiae involved with this build. Just kidding, unless there is something that is crucial, obvious, and within my skill set. The wheels are inner and outer halves but all of them have a post rather than post and hole.

The other thing I noticed is it does have TINY pins and holes to line parts up. There are only a few but they do the trick. The lower wing has large ejector pins to remove, and the other parts build up the wheel well. I have them in and they give a lot of detail in there. Instructions call for that to be painted medium sea gray. Don't forget to do the tail wheel area too.

Remember that roundels on the wing go on top of the walkway lines.