1/48 Tamiya Spitfire Mk Vb

Gallery Article by Gary Adams on Dec 28 2010

 

The 4th Fighter Group had a unique early history. Instead of being formed back in the States, it was activated around three RAF Eagle Squadrons, Numbers 71, 122 and 133 Squadrons. After transferring to the USAAC they continued flying the RAF Spitfire Vb’s from September 12, 1942 before receiving a fresh batch of Republic P-47C Thunderbolts beginning in February 1943.

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First of a planned 4th FG build by year, the Spit represents a Spit Vb that had earlier flown with the Eagle Squadron before seeing USAAC service by Leroy Gover with the 336th FS, 4th in late 1942 and early 43. It had many miles on it when phased out by the P-47C in 1943. Built from the Tamiya 1/48 kit, I added an Ultra Cast seat, Cooper Details wheels, and exhausts, and Eduard PE cockpit details. Finished with Mr. Color RAF colors, Eagle Strike decals, an oil wash, Prisma Color Silver pencil for paint chips, and chalk pastels. Rigged with EZ Line elastic thread.

Next in line for my 4th FG build will be an early P-47C. This was my first Spitfire build since I was a kid! Won't be the last....already have the "Big" Tamiya kit and all of Roy Sutherlands Barracuda upgrades. This was a very fun build!

Gary Adams

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Photos and text © by Gary Adams