Spitfire walkway markings (Mks Vc & XII)

[johnd]

My understanding of whether to use asymmetric or symmetric walkway lines on Spitfire upper wings depended on the radiator/oil cooler combination. Those with two radiators (e.g. Mk.IXs) would have symmetric, those with a cylindrical oil cooler under the port wing (e.g. Mks I, II, V) would have asymmetric. The reason for this was walking over the radiator area on the earlier marks could result in damage to the core.This clearly had to be fixed on two radiator models.

Recently I began to wonder what flavour of walkway lines were carried on airframes with the cylindrical oil cooler and a C wing, such as the Mk.Vc and Mk.XII. I'd always assumed asymmetric but keep seeing models and illustrations for the symmetric variety. Maybe the strengthening on the C wing included the area above the radiator?

Thanks,

John.

[gingerbob]

Vc: (source http://www.formerdays.com/2012/02/spitfire.html)

On EBoB (Mk.XII) the starboard wing has the black strip running inboard to the root, like the above Vcs. I can't tell how the port wing walkway is. Ah, here's one:

bob

Edited July 2, 2013 by gingerbob

[johnd]

Great, thanks! As is ever the way I came across that Mk.XII shot, in a book that I'd somehow missed before, just after posting...