Before the Battle of Britain

[Pen-Pusher]

Probably the most iconic aircraft associated with the Battle of Britain is the Spitfire though in truth, numerically there were much fewer than many people imagine. However the Spitfire captured everyone's heart, including Adolf Galland's who famously lost favour with his boss by expressing a yearning to have a squadron of them!! It is only right then I start this series of builds  with that remarkable aircraft.

In 1936, before the first flight of the prototype the Air Ministry placed an order for 310 Spitfires. However, in spite of the promises made by the Chairman of Vickers-Armstrongs it soon became clear that this would not happen. In 1936 the Supermarine company employed 500 people and was already engaged in fulfilling orders for 48 Walrus amphibian reconnaissance aircraft and 17 Stranraer patrol flying boats. In addition, the small design staff which would have to draft the blueprints for the production aircraft, was already working at full stretch. Although it was obvious that most of the work would have to be sub-contracted to outside sources, the Vickers-Armstrongs board was reluctant to allow this to happen. When other companies were able to start building Spitfire components there were continual delays because either parts provided to them would not fit or the blueprints were inadequate. Indeed, the sub-contractors themselves faced numerous problems building components which in many cases were more advanced and complicated than anything they had faced before.

As a consequence of these delays, the RAF received its first two Spitfires off the production line in July 1938, while the first Spitfire to enter squadron service was received by 19 Squadron in early August of that year. For a time the future of the Spitfire was in serious doubt, with the Air Ministry suggesting that the programme be abandoned and that Supermarine change over to building the Bristol Beaufighter under licence. The managements of Supermarine and Vickers were eventually able to convince the Air Ministry that production would be sorted out and, in 1938, an order was placed with Morris Motors LImited for an additional 1,000 Spitfires to be built at huge new factory which was to be built at Castle Bromwich. This was followed in 1939 by an order for another 200 from Woolston and, only a few months later, another 450. This brought the total to 2,160, making it one of the largest orders in RAF history.

Early in the Spitfire's operational life a major problem became apparent; at altitudes above about 15,000 ft (4,572 m), any condensation could freeze in the guns. Because of this the system of gun heating first fitted to K5054 was introduced on the 61st production Mk I. At the outset of World War II, the flash-hiders on the gun muzzles were removed and the practice of sealing the gun ports with fabric patches was instituted. The patches kept the gun barrels free of dirt and debris and allowed the hot air to heat the guns more efficiently. Early production aircraft were fitted with a ring and beadgunsight, although provision had been made for a reflector sight to be fitted once one had been selected. In July 1938, the Barr and Stroud GM 2 was selected as the standard RAF reflector gunsight and was fitted to the Spitfire from late 1938. These first production Mk Is were able to reach a maximum speed of 362 mph (583 km/h) at 18,500 ft (5,600 m), with a maximum rate of climb of 2,490 ft/min at 10,000 ft (3,000 m). The service ceiling (where the climb rate drops to 100 ft/min) was 31,900 ft (9,700 m).

The early Mk.1's were powered by the 1,030 hp (768 kW) Merlin Mk II engine driving an Aero-Products "Watts" 10 ft 8 in (3.3 m) diameter two-blade wooden fixed-pitch propeller, weighing 83 lb (38 kg). From the 78th production airframe, the Aero Products propeller was replaced by a 350 lb (183 kg) de Havilland 9 ft 8 in (2.97 m) diameter, three-bladed, two-position, metal propeller, which greatly improved take-off performance, maximum speed and the service ceiling. From the 175th production aircraft, the Merlin Mk III, with a 'universal' propeller shaft able to take a de Havilland or Rotol propeller, was fitted. Following complaints from pilots a new form of blown canopy was manufactured and started replacing the original flat version in early 1939. This canopy improved headroom and enabled better vision laterally, and to the rear. At the same time the manual hand-pump for operating the undercarriage was replaced by a hydraulic system driven by a pump mounted in the engine bay. By incorporating these modifications Spitfire Mk.1's were able to achieve a maximum speed of 367 mph (591 km/h) at 18,600 ft (5,700 m), with a maximum rate of climb of 2,150 ft/min at 10,000 ft (3,000 m). The service ceiling was then 34,400 ft (10,500 m).

Some years ago Airfix released a new mould 1/72 Mk.1/Mk 11a (A02010) which included a separate sprue holding the original two-bladed propeller mentioned above. This 47 piece kit moulded in the new light grey plastic we have become accustomed to in recent years, also contained an alternative 'flat' canopy to accompany the two-blade prop version. This kit sadly is no longer available in the company's catalogue being replaced by their Spitfire Mk.1A (A01071A) a compromise which simply losses the alternative mouldings for the earlier kit but it can be found in the second hand market quite easily.

On inspection, the kit is finely moulded with no flash and some nice touches in detailing. The interior detail especially is much improved on earlier issues of the Spitfire (seven previous versions in all) and demands some careful painting. The decals for the Mk.1 are superb with one curious a/c based at Duxford (See box art and decal instructions below) which only had roundals on the port upper and starboard lower wings. Now for the build.....

[Pen-Pusher]

Decal instruction (one of two)

[Pen-Pusher]

The alternative props for the Mk.1 are supplied on an extra sprue..

[Pen-Pusher]

Both canopies are included with the early 'flat' version seen on the right...

[Pen-Pusher]

Admittedly the 'fit' of some parts needs a little care and attention, especially around the places where the main fuselage meets the wing assembly. I'd certainly advise a few dry-fits first as a little correction work might be in order? I say 'might' as my particular kit was damaged at the port wing fillet but was easily repaired. What is impressive is the amount of detail in the cockpit which gives great potential for any open cockpit enthusiasts. alas, on this particular model, much of this will remain unseen...

[Pen-Pusher]

The panel lines though accurately placed seem a bit heavy for this scale (1/72) so a judicial coat of liquid poly will be required to soften them down a bit before painting...

[Pen-Pusher]

When finally assembled, the main components go together well and minimum filling and sanding is required. I decided to offset the rudder a bit but would like to have seen the actuator links included.

[Pen-Pusher]

Ready for some hairy-stick work now. A quick build, nothing complicated - frustrating u/c leg fit (or not) but all-in-all, enjoyable. Must admit, there's something quite rugged about the early Spit with that massive two-bladed prop...

[Haddock]

Are we now to be treated to a fleet of Spitfires?
Haddock.

[Pen-Pusher]

Possibly a 'Flight', 'Squadron' or 'Wing' - but not a Fleet you ole' Sea Dog!

[zak]

Possibly a 'Flight', 'Squadron' or 'Wing' - but not a Fleet you ole' Sea Dog!

Collective nouns - well, I never.

[Pen-Pusher]

All wound up... or should I say 'wired' thanks to you?

[Pen-Pusher]

First 'thin' application of paint. As the Vallejo 'Dark Earth' isn't quite right for RAF machines, I've reverted to Tamiya acrylics for this one. Some worry about the wisdom of multiple coats using thinned paint so gauge for yourself, This model had had four coats so far of a 50/50 paint/thinner (both Tamiya) mix and no substantial detail is lost. I'll do the dark green next before a last coat of dark earth.

[Bigkev]

Hi Pen Pusher,
Have you tried using Tamiya Retarder in the paint mix, it means you can paint the surface better before it dries out, so less coats are needed.
Worth a try.............
Cheers,
Bigkev

[Pen-Pusher]