Spitfire c and e Differences

[JohnT]

Well I am about to make a start on the 1/32 PCM Spitfire XIV. It comes as a c wing and I would prefer to do a particular e wing aircraft. After much reading and some confusion and clarification "I think" the only mods I need do is to move the 20mm canon position, modify the .5 browning position and then fair over the .303 ports and chutes. Panels need rescribed and the blister (which helpfully comes as a separate part) relocated.

Is that about it?

I know there were other internal structural details but thankfully I don't have to go there

In passing I am pretty sure some of the kit decal options are for the e and there are not optional parts in the box to make both versions

[johnd]

I believe that the cannon blister also changed size slightly as it was in a different wing bay. I wouldn't bother about this in my chosen scale of 1/72 but it may be more noticeable in 1/32. I'm afraid I don't recall the actual difference but it's something to look out for.

John.

[JohnT]

Thanks for that John. I will look into it. The more I read the less it seems I know!

[gingerbob]

One other thing that just occurred to me- the XIVe might have a gyro gunsight fitted (or it might not). This would be a pretty visible difference in 1/32. The throttle handle would then change, too, but that may be more than you care to worry about.

bob

[JohnT]

Bob

Thanks

Good shout

Something else to check out

I had in mind RM656 of 91 Sqn flown last on 3Aug 1944 by Flt Lt Jean Maridor

Profiles show her with codes and black/ white invasion stripes but I can't find a photo and at least one other 91 Sqn aircraft photo has the stripes over the aircraft codes

In my state of ignorance I will show the codes but meantime will keep looking for a picture

[Giorgio N]

The gun fairing on e-wing spitfires may be of 2 different type, the earlier having a straight taper and the later more cigar shaped. Better check what kind of fairing was used on your aircraft. In the worst case, there are some beautiful turned metal gun fairings from Master in every scale for every type of Spitfire armament

[Sky Pilot]

As this is an "e" wing related topic I thought that, rather than start a new topic, I will ask the following here :-

Were there many e wing spits not fitted with the 0.5 inch brownings, i.e with the browning ports blanked off ? Were there any e wing variants where the positions of the cannons and brownings reversed ?

It would be very helpful if links could be provided for photos of any of the above cases.

I am looking to build at least two Mk IXes using the Eduard kit but, unfortunately, all of the kit examples are for a/c fitted with cannons and brownings.

TIA

[Graham Boak]

No, it was not possible to reverse the fittings.

[Natter]

Try this:

http://spitfiresite.com/2010/04/concise-guide-to-spitfire-wing-types.html

http://spitfiresite.com/2010/04/sorting-out-the-e-american-armament-for-the-spitfire-mk-ixxvi.html

(sorry, links edited)

[Phil32]

I'm chipping away on and off at this kit and have also converted it to an E wing. I worked with the supplied parts and after a fair amount of fiddling, especially with the cannon barrels, we're looking good - Master barrells would still have been a better choice though!

While we're on it, watch the fueslage joining. I found that the dashboard splayed it which, having used the etch, took a lot of remedial work, also also a fueslage side was warped - this plus the lack of locating pins meant it was a pig to get together. Much putty and sanding later we again look good, but beware! Its a fun build though, not many parts and lots of challenge.

Oh that was the other thing - mine came with 2 compasses and no joystick. I just scratchbuilt one but again, be aware!