Spitfire Seaplanes

[doodah]

I wish to build a scale RC model Spitfire Float plane.
Can anyone please advise where i can get some schematics.
I believe there were two successfull types produced. (there was also an early type using another planes floats)
Type 355 base on MKVb
Type 385 based om MKIX
Any pictures / sketches / info appreciated

 

[ozhawk40]

Here's a couple taken from "Spitfire the History" by Morgan and Shacklady.

Seems to be what you are after. A great book to have for any Spitfire question!

Hi to a fellow west ozzie.

 

[ccheese]

Good info there, ozhawk. Wonder why they didn't try a single float ala
Japanese "Rufe" ????

Charles

 

[doodah]

Thanks very much ozhawk, exactly what i was looking for.

 

[Graeme]

Good info there, ozhawk. Wonder why they didn't try a single float ala
Japanese "Rufe" ????

Charles

Good question Charles. I was thinking better stability on the water and that Supermarine had a lot of twin float experience with their prewar racers. I know that the Arado 196 was trialled with a single float and rejected in favour of twin floats. I don't know why the Japanese preferred single floats.

 

[doodah]

Graeme and Charles,
I am still unclear on a few things.
Can you please help me with...

THE TAIL.
I Understand the ventral fin additions but what about on top?
Does the MKV (355)have the standard rudder profile and the MKIX (385?) the larger modified rudder straight leading edge ?

THE FLOATS
Do either of you have any detail on float frame cross sections ( i may have my terminology wrong here.)

FLOAT SUPPORTS / STRUTS ( bit between the wing and the floats)
Likewise do you have any idea of the cross sectional shape of these.
Are they flat?
Are they foils? IF so what shape?


I know i am asking a lot but the info is in these forums.
I saw some drawings somewhere on these forums the other night that blew me away. Havent been able to find them again since. Did a search but got 3000 plus results.

 

[Graeme]

Sorry doodah, I personally can't find the cross-sectional drawings that you're after. Hope someone can help you. Good luck with your model!

 

[doodah]

Graeme,
No big deal, thanks anyhow.
if no one knows what shape things once were, how can you get it wrong!!

 

[Spits]

For Spit drawings they are held at the Hendon museum in England but unarchived.With our stash we have a few wing drawings but mainly for the internal changes for fitting the floats.The MkV would retain the early rudder profile while the IX would be in a later batch and would use the MkVIII type rudder.Will see what I can dig up.Also try this forum here...
Historic Aviation - Key Publishing Ltd Aviation Forums
Good hunting..

 

[skypilot]

I think I have a picture or two of my Spitfire on floats on this link. I'm just now finishing a rebuild of that same plane which crashed due to radio failior. http://skypilot.synthasite.com

 

[Messy1]

Interesting idea. Good luck on your project. Be sure to post some pics when you get that far.