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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images below to see larger images
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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images below to see larger images
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