1/72 scale War Bird Collection No.56 plastic model kit of the WWII British Royal Air Force Fighter Supermarine Spitfire – Mk.Vb / Mk.Vb TROP Tropical version.
- Ready to assemble precision model kit from Tamiya.
- There are 4 model types to choose from (2 types per model) Spitfire MkVb, and Spitfire MkVb TROP
- Detailed single seat cockpit with waterslide decals giving life to the control panel.
- Finely molded landing gear components.
- Has a single, three-blade propeller engine.
- Support stand included for displaying.
- Detailed pictorial instructions, which also includes a brief history regarding the Spitfire.
Length: 5" (12.8cm)
Wingspan: 6.1" (15.6cm)
Tamiya Product Number: 60756
Scale: 1:72
This plastic kitset requires assembly, paints and glue to complete.
Suggested Paint Colors (not included):
AS-10 – Ocean Gray (RAF)
AS-11 – Medium Sea Gray (RAF)
AS-9 – Dark Green (RAF)
X-11 – Chrome Silver
X-12 – Gold Leaf
X-13 – Metallic Blue
X-16 – Purple
X-18 – Semi Gloss Black
XF-1 – Flat Black
XF-18 – Medium Blue
XF-19 – Sky Grey
XF-2 – Flat White
XF-21 – Sky
XF-3 – Flat Yellow
XF-5 – Flat Green
XF-52 – Flat Earth
XF-54 – Dark Sea Grey
XF-56 – Metallic Grey
XF-59 – Desert Yellow
XF-60 – Dark Yellow
XF-64 – Red Brown
XF-65 – Field Grey
XF-7 – Flat Red
The mass production of the Spitfire started in 1936 and more than 20000 planes were produced until 1948. Among several variations of this main fighter of Royal Air Force, the Mk.V series was the most widely produced and more than 6500 planes were deployed. By early 1941, the majority of fighter squadrons were furnished with Spitfire Mk.I. Improvements were suggested by the pilots and every effort was made to maintain its performance advantages over its opponents. The main improvement was the use of the more powerful Merlin type 45 engine and a version with a mixed armament of four 7.7mm machine guns and two 20mm cannon was named “Mk.Vb”. Some Mk.Vb's has slipped wing tips for better low altitude maneuverability. In 1942, the Spitfire was also urgently required for operations overseas. One of the better known versions was the North African prepared Spitfire designated “TROP.”, for Tropical. To protect engine from sand, a Vokes air filter was affixed over the carburetor intake. Although the filter was successful, its large mass reduced the aircraft's speed. The problem was solved by 103rd maintenance unit stationed at Aboukir, who designed a smaller more streamlined unit that was equally effective. The spitfire went through numerous minor and major changes throughout its production life, and served with distinction on every battle front of the war.