1/72 Supermarine Spitfire - Mk.Vb/Mk.Vb TROP
Item #60756

Product Description

About the Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vb/Mk.Vb Trop.
The mass production of the Spitfire started in 1936 and more than
20000 planes were produced until 1948. Among several variations
of this main fighter of Royal Air Force, the Mk.V series was the
most widely produced and more than 6500 planes were deployed. By
early 1941, the majority of fighter squadrons were furnished with
Spitfire Mk.I. Improvements were suggested by the pilots and
every effort was made to maintain its performance advantages over
its opponents. The main improvement was the use of the more
powerful Merlin type 45 engine and a version with a mixed
armament of four 7.7mm machine guns and two 20mm cannon was named
"Mk.Vb". Some Mk.Vb's has slipped wing tips for better low
altitude maneuverability. In 1942, the Spitfire was also urgently
required for operations overseas. One of the better known
versions was the North African prepared Spitfire designated
"TROP.", for Tropical. To protect engine from sand, a Vokes air
filter was affixed over the carburetor intake. Although the
filter was successful, its large mass reduced the aircraft's
speed. The problem was solved by 103rd maintenance unit stationed
at Aboukir, who designed a smaller more streamlined unit that
was equally effective. The spitfire went through numerous minor
and major changes throughout its production life, and served with
distinction on every battle front of the war.

Suggested Paint Colors

AS-10 - Ocean Gray (RAF)
AS-11 - Medium Sea Gray (RAF)
AS-9 - Dark Green (RAF)
X-11 - Chrome Silver
X-12 - Gold Leaf
X-13 - Metallic Blue
X-16 - Purple
X-18 - Semi Gloss Black
XF-1 - Flat Black
XF-18 - Medium Blue
XF-19 - Sky Grey
XF-2 - Flat White
XF-21 - Sky
XF-3 - Flat Yellow
XF-5 - Flat Green
XF-52 - Flat Earth
XF-54 - Dark Sea Grey
XF-56 - Metallic Grey
XF-59 - Desert Yellow
XF-60 - Dark Yellow
XF-64 - Red Brown
XF-65 - Field Grey
XF-7 - Flat Red