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Showing results for tags 'RAAF Vc'.
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With my RAAF Mk VIII A58-303 waiting for serial numbers (due tomorrow) and the RAAF 451 Squadron Mk XIV at the painting stage, I decided to take on another RAAF subject. This time to convert the Airfix 1/48 Vb to a Vc standard and use the DK decal sheet. The chosen subject is an early Australian Vc BS219 (Australian serial A58-84) the top one on the decal sheet. A number of things influenced this decision besides the general enthusiasm for anything Spitfire: 1. I have had a RAAF Vc on the modelling bucket list for some time 2. There is good information on this aircraft and an excellent description by Peter Malone @Magpie22 in his Aeroscale decal sheet review on Hyperscale http://www.clubhyper.com/reference/raafvcpm_1.htm, I have to see if Peter has done a review of the DK sheet. He immediately answered a question in my head - did the RAAF Vc have the IFF fitted? The answer is no. I have to even drill out the fuselage insulator. 3. I like the Jiminy Cricket motif. By the way, if you prefer the bottom right motif there is good info on this aircraft being the recovered and restored wreck A58-146 EE853. The following article is interesting reading http://www.saam.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/SAAM-Profiles-RECOVERY-OF-SPITFIRE-UP-O.pdf and finally, 4. This aircraft may of had the early Vc wide cannon blisters. Not being the Spitfire expert, I am now checking whether this means that I can use the cannon blister position size and location on the Airfix Vb wing. This will be one less correction. Please respond if you know the answer. Maybe @Troy Smith can chime in. (EDIT: answered my own question - I will need to make a wide cannon blister.).You can see I am already using my Mk XIV build to make a narrow blister mould in anticipation of this modification. I know the XIV has the outboard cannon and very slightly larger blister, rear mounted, but it will be good basis for the Vb to Vc mod if the narrow blister is needed. Here's the decal sheet, it shows the squadron codes "ZP" in DK's interpretation of RAAF Sky Blue and the aircraft "X" in white. I need to check references if this is correct. Also DK has the underside in Azure Blue as opposed to RAAF Sky Blue, possibly correct for an early Aussie Vc. I have ordered the Airfix kit which should arrive with good timing on completion of the Mk XIV. I'll then post the obligatory sprue shots. In the mean time, the fun part, more desk top research on this particular aircraft. Any input is welcome. Another Spitfire, surely the last for a while. I'll have 4 to get home to Australia in hand carry. Ray