Spitfire XIV & 18 wheels

[johnd]

Hello all...

I'm interested to know which wheels would be fitted to Spitfire FR XIVes and FR 18es, particularly the post-war ones. I had thought they were all equipped with the four spoke variety but have recently come across comments that these models had three spoke wheels. Any thoughts?

Thanks,

John.

[72modeler]

I'm pretty sure the Spitfire experts will reply shortly, but based on an examination of photos, it appears that wartime Mk XIV's had 4-spoke wheels and FR18's had 3-spoke wheels, which makes sense, as the FR18's had a beefed-up undercart and extra fuel tankage compared to Mk XIV's, and the 3-spoke wheel was stronger and could better cope with the increased all-up weight. Be careful when using photos of restored XIV's, though, as many appear to have been fitted with the 3-spoke wheels. Hope this helps.

Mike

[Edgar]

Standard wheel, for the XVIII, was the 4-spoke, but with the wider hub (12" against earlier 10") of the later XIV. Wouldn't stop a "make-do" changeover to a 3-spoke, in an emergency, of course, but that was what was specified.

Edgar

[johnd]

Thanks, Mike, yes it does help. I'd forgotten about the strengthened undercarriage on Mk. XVIIIs.

Thanks too, Edgar. I can't help noticing more and more 3 spoke wheels the more pictures of XVIIIs I look at though...

John.