**** DONE: Spitfire MkVb,31st FG,USAAF - Aircraft in Foreign Service GB

[Florence]

According to the 31st Fg Honour Roll (31stfghonor_roll43-44) Spitfire Vb EN799 was

Coded MX-R, while based at Merston, England. Plane details 45MU 2-5-42 HQ 8Ftr T S ATC 21-10-42 61OTU crashed nr Stafford 15-12-42 SOC 24-12-42

Sounds like it was used mainly for training (if I read that right) and hence its short lifespan perhaps.

 

[Florence]

Have started to cut paste.

Had to remove molded on reinforcing spars on wings and rescribe panel lines.

Still have to neaten this up a bit.

Thanks for lookin',

David.

 

[Wurger]

Here is a pic of a Spitfire Mk.V of 309th Squadron taken in July 1942. The yellow strip on the wing leading edge can be seen clearly as well.
The pic source .... the Ventura Classic warbird 3 American Spitfire camouflage and markings vol.1 book.

Concerning the MXoP and the unit emblem.... The plane was partially re-painted undoubtedly. The reason for the lack of the squadron insignia might be that the image was taken at an early stage of the aircraft using. Later the unit badge might have been added. I would like to pay your attention to the location of the letter code. This one was applied more forward than those on the MXoR ,MXoD and MXoM.

 

[dirkpitt289]

Nice choice of subject David. I'm planning on doing an American Spitfire someday soon. I doubt it will be in time for this GB but it is on the radar.

Watching with interest.

 

[Wayne Little]

Good start there David!

 

[vikingBerserker]

Great pics gents

 

[Vic Balshaw]

Great start David.

 

[N4521U]

That picture of HL*L...... looks a heck of a place to park a Spitfire!!!!!

Crack on mate.

 

[Crimea_River]

Good going Dirk.

 

[Florence]

Good news - have been plodding along and cockpit nearly done.

Bad news - managed to crack the front and rear clear canopt parts whist cleaning them up. Ham fisted dolt I can be. I have an Airfix and ICM kit in the stash will attempt to rob Peter to pay Paul (as long as they fit).

Thanks for looking,

David.

 

[Vic Balshaw]

That looks great David, sorry to hear about the canopy problem though but also hope your plan works.

 

[Wayne Little]

Good stuff davide, hopefully plan B will solve the problem...

 

[Crimea_River]

Good luck!

 

[Airframes]

Nicely done David. If the ICM windscreen is the internal armour version, you'll need to sand the top, horizontal frame, as it's far too thick.

 

[vikingBerserker]

Looks good what you;ve done so far, good luck with the canopy

 

[Florence]

Thanks fellas. Will keep you 'posted'.

 

[Catch22]

Looking good, hope you get the canopy sorted.

 

[Florence]

Some progress shots. Seat, belts, wash. More to do. A coat of flat to tie it all in and finish off instrment panel.

Still have to sort out canopy.

David.

 

[vikingBerserker]

Very nice!

Also, hard to believe "Blazing Billy" was NBT!

 

[Florence]

Some more done. Tidied up, flat coated, dry fitted.

And poor old 'How About Billy' 17 tries still unplaced at track. Bit like myself and group builds.....


Cheers,
David.