Spitfire Squadron - Part 2

Spitfire Squadron … Part 2

On the apron to the hanger there are two Spitfire L.F. Mk.Vb (L.F version of Merlin engine optimised for low level flight and Type B wing with 4 .303" Browning machine guns and 2 20mm Hispano Cannon). The L.F. Version engine was typically also combined with clipped wings, where their wing-tips were replaced by short fairings to improve the aircraft’s rate of roll. These latter changes were implemented in 1942, in an attempt to counter the then superior low level performance of the Fw 190. 

The development of the Spitfire was, however, relentless and a further look at these Mk.Vb would point to them actually being the new Mk.Vc (C or Universal Wing, which in addition to the Type B configuration were strengthened to make them capable of supporting a single 250 lb bomb under each wing and a 500 lb bomb beneath the fuselage). The first Spitfire to be modified to carry underwing bombs was a Malta-based Mk Vc, EP201 X-V of 229 Squadron in late summer of 1942. 

This gave me opportunity to incorporate into my diorama, not only the bombs and trailers which came with my airfield vehicles, as part of Airfix’s WWII RAF Bomber Re-Supply Set, but also to add a munitions Nissen hut, which for additional safety I positioned away from the hanger and sunk into the hillside. These Spitfires are, therefore, configured for low level fighter bomber missions against enemy airfields, communications and installations. 

Continuing the challenge to time box this diorama into a specific season of a specific year … the presence of these two cropped wing Spitfire Mk.Vc in fighter bomber mode, means that we’ve now moved on a year from my last post and are looking at a scene from at least the end of 1942.

To be continued ….