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Spitfire HF. VII, Serial
Number MD111. 131 Squadron, RAF. Pilot Unknown. Based at Culmhead,
Somerset, England. Early August,1944. Engaged in escort duties for
Bomber Command daylight raids. High Altitude fighter scheme of Medium
Sea Grey upper surfaces with PRU Blue lower surfaces. Note non-standard
narrow D-Day striping under the wings and fuselage. Model can also be
finished with full wrap around bands to represent MD111 as it looked in
mid July. Note most HF VIIs in this unit changed to standard wingtips
after June 17th. These aircraft were soon overpainted in standard
fighter gray/green camouflage. Note round mirror, short span ailerons, 4
slot wheels, retract. tailwheel, cabin pressure intake on stbd nose.
Spitfire HF. VII, Serial Number MB820. 124 Squadron, RAF. Flown by
Flying Officer Barrit. Based at Northholt, Greater London, England.
September 9th, 1943. Part of this specialized high altitude interception
unit, MB820 is painted in special Operation Starkey markings. Starkey
was a feigned invasion to misdirect the German Command’s attentions. On
September 9th, MB820 shared a victory when an Fw-190 was intercepted and
shot down at 31,000 feet. Note bands are only carried on the wings.
Upper surfaces in Ocean Grey and Dark Green, with Medium Sea Grey
undersurfaces. Spinner and fuselage band are Sky. Note round mirror,
short span ailerons, 4 slot wheels, retract. tailwheel, cabin pressure
intake on stbd nose.
Spitfire FR. IX, Serial Number MK716. 16 Squadron, RAF. Pilot
Unknown. Based at Balleroy (A.12), France. Early September, 1944.This
armed Photo Reconnaissance squadron flew low altitude PR missions. The
overall PRU Pink camouflage was developed for dawn and dusk operations.
It was found to be highly effective, but proved unpopular with the men
who flew them, who felt very conspicuous, and must have been razzed
mercilessly! As with MD111, wrap around D-Day bands can be painted to
represent MK716 during early July of 1944. Note single oblique camera
port, round mirror, and covered main wheels, which could be Pink or
Medium Sea Grey. Aero Vee carb intake.
Spitfire Mk. IXc, Serial Number MH883. 412 Squadron RCAF, 126 Wing,
2nd TAF. Flown by Flight Lieutenant George “Buzz” Beurling. Based at
Biggin Hill, Bromley, England. January, 1944. George “Buzz” Beurling was
the highest scoring Canadian Ace in WWII. He finished the war with 31
kills and 1 probable. 27 of his kills were achieved when he was flying
in defense of Malta. MH883 was one of two personal aircraft he flew
during the winter of 43-44. Standard Camouflage of Ocean Grey and Dark
Green over Medium Sea Grey under surfaces. Sky spinner and fuselage
band. Note 5 slot wheels, early style elevators, small carb intake.
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