Wingy thing question

[Miko]

Miko, it'll be the Airfix kit, yes I'll have to work it but I guess we'll see how it goes

Provided it has black and white invasion stripes I doubt many would notice, or mention it!

Looking forward to see how you get on, the jury is still out for me with recent Airfix kits.

We’ll, every days a school day!:thumb2::smiling2:

Sure is! wouldn't have it any other way!

Miko (Learn to test, Test to learn - the moto of the Empire Test Pilot School)

[A_J_Rimmer]

I'll be interested to see where you go with this, as I can't imagine there were many original configuration MK.Va's still operational by mid-1944 - certainly not in the ETO anyway, as they would be far outclassed by most other types by that point. As others have said, many Vbs and Vc's appear to have been used in secondary roles such as spotting and SAR, or OCU, so it's not hard to stretch the imagination to see a Va in that role - as I said, I'm looking forward to seeing were you go with it and what you come up with.

If they were converted to a PR type, then I'm pretty certain, looking through my ref books, that they would have either had the guns removed and the wing converted to a PR type wing with bigger tanks, or would have received a B or C wing. I don't think I've ever read anywhere of a PR or FR Spitfire with .303 only armament but hey, I'm more than happy to learn something new!

I don't suppose the lads in the museum gave you any references?

[A_J_Rimmer]

This is quite an interesting Thread - https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/...participation/

[Airborne01]

.... Not if it was a Borstal mate!! :tears-of-joy: :tears-of-joy:

I learnt lots ...
Steve

[Lee W]

I'll be interested to see where you go with this, as I can't imagine there were many original configuration MK.Va's still operational by mid-1944 - certainly not in the ETO anyway, as they would be far outclassed by most other types by that point. As others have said, many Vbs and Vc's appear to have been used in secondary roles such as spotting and SAR, or OCU, so it's not hard to stretch the imagination to see a Va in that role - as I said, I'm looking forward to seeing were you go with it and what you come up with.

If they were converted to a PR type, then I'm pretty certain, looking through my ref books, that they would have either had the guns removed and the wing converted to a PR type wing with bigger tanks, or would have received a B or C wing. I don't think I've ever read anywhere of a PR or FR Spitfire with .303 only armament but hey, I'm more than happy to learn something new!

I don't suppose the lads in the museum gave you any references?

No it was word of mouth from an old crab fat who had served 16 years... all those years ago!
I did double check and question again the Mk Va and he said yes, photo reconnaissance?! Modifications? Just openings for cameras! Nothing was mentioned about weaponry.
I suppose it was like taking a knife to a gunfight?!

[Tim Marlow]

In a theatre where the allies had total air supremacy being overtly outclassed probably wasn’t an issue. In fact, using a second line aircraft, that was probably being used for training, to carry a camera and report back on progress makes absolute sense.

[A_J_Rimmer]

In a theatre where the allies had total air supremacy being overtly outclassed probably wasn’t an issue. In fact, using a second line aircraft, that was probably being used for training, to carry a camera and report back on progress makes absolute sense.

All very true Tim.

As I said, I can't find anything in my books about it, but that doesn't mean anything, especailly if someone has a first-hand account. I'm always up for learning a new bit of Spitfire history.