1/72 Tamiya Supermarine Spitfire Mk. Vb

by Jan Jezl

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  Czech Republic National Day 2006 

 

This subject represents a Supermarine Spitfire Mk. VB of 310th squadron located in Redhill during the first week of July 1942. (BTW, this squadron was the most famous and successful Czech squadron during the WWII).  White strips on the nose (and tail wings) were present only for couple of days during beginning of July 1942. Their purpose was better and faster identification of allied aircraft during operation "Rutter". This operation never took place, instead of it was executed operation "Jubilee", but at that time the stripes were no longer present.

So why I chose this camouflage while its life was so short? First, I wanted to build Spitfire in at least little bit different marking than usual, second – it was flown by Czech pilot and last kick off was announcing of special "thematic build" on one of the Czech discussion forums which was named "striped aircraft" (or was it stripped? ;-))

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The model is Tamiya Mk VB 1/72 and I think that it says everything touching quality of the model. Yes, it is great model! In addition I decided to upgrade it with Aires interior, Aires weapon set and Part landing flaps.

Well, the build took me about two months, but I am quite pleased with the result. The finished model also turned out to be quite successful in competitions, as participation on five competitions resulted in four first places and one second (on championship of Czech Republic - "masters" category)

Jan 

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Photos and text © by Jan Jezl