Spitfire Mk Vb... Help needed with a few questions...

[Wurger]

To be honest I don't consider myself being an expert at the matter of the Polish Squadrons. But I'm glad I could help a little bit with that. Also I thank you for these nice words above.

And I wish you Good Luck with the model. Please stay with us and share your work on the forum. You will find farther help here. I'm sure.

 

[Airframes]

Another small point worth considering - the average RAF squadron normally had around 24 operational pilots, and (on paper) 18 aircraft on strength, with operational strength supposedly at 12 aircraft. From this you will see that each aircraft would be used by more than one pilot.
A particular aircraft was not generally assigned to a particular pilot, although in many cases, a pilot would try to use the same aircraft whenever possible, with seniority in rank and experience having preference.
The only real way to determine who flew what, is by access to the Pilot's Log Book, in the hope that the information is recorded, or, in some cases, the Squadron Operations Record Book. However, not all pilots (or other aircrew) completed the Log Book details regarding the aircraft in full, with serial number and individual code letter. A Log Book might just show, for example, the last three digits of the serial, or just the individual code letter. The ORB might not record any of these details!
If you are able to determine a serial number of a particular aircraft flown on a particular day, then it might be possible to trace the individual letter from the Aircraft Movement Card, but the letter was rarely included, as it could change with service requirements, as well as the aircraft being moved between other units. Likewise with just an individual code letter (if the serial is not shown in a Log Book) - often the only way to tie-in the two is by photographic evidence.
Welcome to the frustrating world of research !!

 

[weetam]

it certainly is frustrating, but worth it all the same, at least it will be if i can find out what i need to know!!!!

its worth noting on a random note that the 1/24th pilot of the spit i recieved yesterday, ACTUALLY looks like Tadek, so that is always a bonus!

 

[Airframes]

Sounds good. BTW, did you know that Airfix have also issued this kit, with extra parts, as a MkV, which can be found at around £40 ?
Might save some work, and then you'll have a Mk1 as well !

 

[weetam]

SZYMANSKI Tadeusz

the aircraft he flew during the early days of the war was Spitfire Vb - AD119 SZ-X and Spitfire Vb - W3230 SZ-O,

purely for practical reasons (i dont have the decals for it, so am retro-masking the id letters) ive decided to go with SZ-X (its easier to mask off!!!!)

 

[Wurger]

The AD 119 was flown by Skalski as well, as memo serves.

 

[stona]

One small note regarding post #7. Those are not solid hubs, but hubs fitted with a cover, which was easily removable. It obscures the wheel, so the type of wheel would have to be deduced from the date and type.

AD119 produced August 1941 at Castle Bromwich, I'd say built as a Mk V

Cheers

Steve