Tamiya 61035-400 - 1/48 Super MC Spitfire Mk.Vb Trop. - Metallic Version  [61035-400]

All synthetic sprues are molded with a metallic finish

About the Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vb Trop. The Supermarine Spitfire is considered by numerous as the utmost beautifully designed solitary seat fighter appearing during WWII. The Spitfire experienced many major and small changes throughout its long production life. Early improvements triggered the Mk.V variety of Spitfires which became many widely produced variations of most Mk's. The main improvements was the furnishing of three wing armament designs, plus the utilization of the stronger Merlin type 45 motor. Probably the most numerous Mk.V ended up being the "b" winged variation which had a mixed armament of two 7.7mm device firearms as well as on 20mm cannon in each wing.

The Spitfire that demonstrated such superb performance over its homeland, had been also urgently needed for operations offshore. One of many better known versions was the North African prepared Spitfire designated "TROP", for Tropical. The biggest issue in desert operations had been the consumption of abrasive sands into the engine, which quickly wore down going parts. To overcome this trouble a Vokes air conditioner filter had been affixed on the carburetor intake.

Even though the filter was effective, its large mass paid down the aircraft's rate. The situation had been fixed by the neighborhood upkeep unit stationed at Aboukir, whom designated a smaller more streamlined product that was equally effective. The clipped wing versions, which had better low altitude maneuverability, had been commonly noticed in North Africa.