The Spitfire V was the first major version of the Spitfire after the Mark 1.
The mark V entered service in 1941. The letter after the Roman numeral indicated the wing armament of the aircraft with the 'b' getting two 20mm cannon and for 0.303inch machine guns. There were a number of improvements with the Vb inckluding new proellers either from Rotol or de Havilland. There was also the option of tropical intakes with improved filters for dustier environments. However the aircraft was starting to be outclassed by enemy aircraft, especially the Fw-190. To improve handling some aircraft had the wing tips clipped slightly shorter.
I have two version of the Airfix Spitfire Vb, one is the standardkit and the other is a limited edition Club version for specialised aircraft.
The specialised kit comes with two versions. The first is a night fighter from 111 squadron RAF in overall black.
The other is a clipped wing Spitfire of 278 squadron RAF used for air sea rescue.
The standard kit also has two versins. Firstly 317 Polish squadron RAF.
The other is a 249 (Gold Coast) squadron based in Malta with the tropical filter fitted to the nose.
The instructions for both kits are near identical and both start with the cockpit.
There are only really two differences. The specialist kit has instructions for clipping the wings. The other has the option for the tropical filter with or without a large ferry tank.
The decals differ but both look good.
The plastic is light grey and holds reasonable detail. Sprue A is the fuselage halves.
Sprue E has the wings along with the tropical filter.
Sprue C has interior parts, propellers and some intakes.
Sprue D has another propeller and various control surfaces. There is also some alternative exhausts and bombs.
Sprue B has cockpit parts and the tailplanes.
The clear parts include a few options for canopies, both open and closed. They look reasonably clear.
I have near identical groups iof extra parts for both kits. First is a set of brass 20mm cannon barrels. One set has replacement resin wing fillets.
The instrument panels will be replaced with prepainted photo-etch oarts from Yahu.
Eduard masks will be used for the canopies.
Steel seat belts will add a little detail to the seats.
I have the Fotbot set of decals for a few mark V Spits.
My initial thought was to do both kits as 111 squadron, one in black and the other brown and green. But that would make the aircraft the same except for markings. But doing one with clipped wings is also tempting.
Construction will start with the cockpit.