SECOND WORLD WAR AIRCRAFT
Plate 1. P-51D Mustang, USAAF, Blondie
Tamiya 60322
Scale: 1/32 North American P-51D Mustang
Awesome kit. Fits like a glove.
Plate 2 P-51D Mustang
Aircraft 44-73304 was flown by Lt. Marvin W. Arthur of the 334th Fighter Squadron, 4th Fighter Group, based at Debden, England.
Plate 3. Spitfire VIII, RAAF, Grey Nurse
Tamiya 60320.
1/32 Supermarine Spitfire
Awesome kit. As good as the P-51D
Plate 5. Spitfire XIVc, RAF
Pacific Coast Models 32015
1/32 Supermarine Spitfire
The kit is well-shaped and looks magnificent when built. Construction was not for beginners.
This is my favourite Spitfire due to its long nose and giant, 2,050hp, Rolls-Royce Griffon 65 V-12 liquid-cooled engine. Top speed was 720km/h!
Plate 4. Spitfire VIII
This aircraft was flown by Australian Ace, Robert (Bobby) Gibbes. RGV stands for Robert Gibbes Australia (V is the code for Australia). An aircraft with these markings flies at air shows today.
Plate 6. Spitfire XIVc, RAF
This aircraft (RB188) was nicknamed 'Brunhilde' and had a picture of a witch riding a V1 flying bomb on its port nose (not shown). It was flown by Flight Lieutenant H.D. "Johnny" Johnson of No. 91 (Nigeria) Squadron. The aircraft has invasion stripes on the fuselage and lower wings. It chased and shot down V1s over southern England.
Plate 7. The author in a Spitfire XVI, Hendon, London
Note the clipped wing tip. Photo summer 2025.
Plate 8. Spitfire XVI
The Mk.XVI has a full bubble canopy, while prior Spitfires had a partial bubble.