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PostPosted: 10 Jul 2018, 09:32 
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Hi,
I am planning to build Spitfire Mk. XVI number 5621 as on this graphic:
Image
I was trying to find reference pic but haven't found any. Does anyone have some references?
I saw some build kits, some with large code numbers on lower wing, some without. What is correct?
I've already purchased Eduard overtrees Mk. XVI bubble top with early type wings) and overlept (PE). Custom made roundels and fuselage codes are already at home.

Image

Thanks for your help,
Patrik


Last edited by patrikf on 12 Jan 2019, 23:39, edited 1 time in total.

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PostPosted: 10 Jul 2018, 20:01 
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Hi Patrik. I've checked photos in Steven McLean's excellent book titled The Spitfire in South African Air Force Service. They all show underwing codes on the later Extra Dark Sea Grey/Medium Sea Grey camo introduced in 1950 as per the camo on your subject #5621. The book notes the following regarding #5621 : 1 Squadron 22 June 1953. According to the book, 1 Squadron Spitties had yellow or blue spinners. When looking from below, the left wing looking forward has the serial number facing forward and back on the opposite wing. Hope this explanation is clear :D


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PostPosted: 10 Jul 2018, 20:53 
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Many thanks Mistral for precise informations on that spit. For my work purpose, I've decided to copy mk.VIII manual and add some SAAF roundels, numbers. It looks awful but it will do its job. Note that upper surface and Lowe surface roundels and numbers are out of scale.
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PostPosted: 11 Jul 2018, 07:40 
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Joined: 30 Jun 2004, 22:33
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Patrik,

Spitfire 5621 was a Spitfire Mk IX, not a Mk XVI. The aircraft did have a cut down fuselage, bubble canopy and a pointed rudder, as in the profile. Note that it it also had cut-down wing tips, again as on the profile, not the standard wingtips as in your drawing. The aircraft wheels had four spokes.

Regards,
Piet


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PostPosted: 11 Jul 2018, 08:47 
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Piet, thanks for your detailed informations. I am little bit surprised that it's not 16 :|
I guess it would be best to build No. 5503 with AXB code or No. 5553 with code KAX in two tone camouflage since I already have Mk. XVI at home.
I will keep my decals for No. 5621 for Mk. IX which I'll purchase in future.


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PostPosted: 11 Jul 2018, 09:25 
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Digging more and more thought this forum. Did SAAF ever used Mk. XVI or only IX? If the XVI was used, what serials it was?
I am looking at alleycat decal sheet which is marking all spits as Mk. XVI, but some of them are marked also as IX on other pages.


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PostPosted: 11 Jul 2018, 09:39 
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Post war, from http://www.saairforce.co.za/the-airforc ... ire-mk-ixe

Quote:
Following the end of the Second World War, Britain offered it's Commonwealth air forces a gift of surplus aircraft in recognition of their role during the war. This included 80 Spitfire Mk IXs, while a further 56 Mk IXs were purchased at £2,000 each.

Fifty of the older F.IXes were powered by the earlier Merlin 60 engine, while 86 were later production HF.IXe with broad-chord rudders, tear-drop canopies, Merlin 70 powerplants and 'E' type wing. Some later models had the clipped wing.

SAAF serial numbers were from 5501 to 5637.

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PostPosted: 11 Jul 2018, 09:58 
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Hi Patrik

The Mk XVI was virtually identical to a late MK IX externally, including the teardrop canopy. The Mk XVI had the American Packhard build Merlin 266 , a greater capacity forward fuselage fuel tank and some differences in the electrics. The SAAF only used late MK IX's post war, both with teardrop canopies and without. The under-wing serials were 15 inch, roundels 24 inch and fin colors 18 by 24 inches.

Hope it helps. Piet should be able to give details on which aircraft had the teardrop canopy.

Joker


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PostPosted: 12 Jul 2018, 10:33 
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Many thanks to all of you for your help.
I am now considering purchasing Eduard Brassin top cowl for Mk. IX. I just don't know if it makes sense, because I see only small differences.
For all those interested in Mk. I - V spitfires, Eduard should start releasing them in 2019 \:D/
I would like to start this build once I finish my Mirage IIICZ build.


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PostPosted: 08 Aug 2018, 08:51 
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I am currently waiting for decal sheet from alleycat models. It seems that it will take some time... I don't want to start this project until everything is in my stash.
So my spit duplicated and also some brassins arrived.
So that's my own Eduard "limited edition dual combo" :)
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PostPosted: 12 Jan 2019, 23:38 
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While waiting for some IKEA showcase I decided to update my work bench with AMMO-Hobby Zone paint racks. I am also finishing most of my started kits.
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And here it is finished :)
Image

Jist to start something new and reduce my stash, I pulled out this :lol:
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And get there
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PostPosted: 13 Jan 2019, 07:09 
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Nice on all fronts. :smt023

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PostPosted: 13 Jan 2019, 19:21 
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Patrik, are you affiliated with Eduard ?


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PostPosted: 13 Jan 2019, 19:41 
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Many thanks Dean :D
Nope, they're just pretty cheap in the Czech Republic :lol: Lot cheaper than New tool Tamiya kits. And also I somehow love their spits.. Easy to build, great details.
Most of my kits in my stash are made by Eduard :mrgreen:


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PostPosted: 13 Jan 2019, 21:45 
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I had some time so I airbrushed and painted most of interior parts. I decided to give Vallejo another try and sprayed everything with Vallejo gloss coat. I'll let it dry till tomorrow to let it cure. I plan to wash interior. Hopefully gloss coat will be hard enough to last wiping.
I am looking forward to closing of fuselage. It'll be quick build :mrgreen: :lol:
In this case, it'll be famous KoAX spit. Gray ones in next round :D

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