• Fly with a Spitfire - "Can I arrange for a flight in a Spitfire?"

Labels: site updates, warbirds, webmaster

• A Truly Emotional Start-up is a video clip from the film "Perfect Lady", which covers full restoration story of ML407, a two-seater Sptifire TR MK. IX also known as the Grace Spitfire.
   
• The World's Worst Special Effects Movie? falls definitely into amateur category, but all the Airfix dogfighting in the backyard made me feel like I was back in the 1960s. Check it yourself.
   

Labels: modelling, site updates, warbirds, webmaster

• The armament of the Spitfire has been covered in the Variants & Technology section before, but it just so happened that we have received one more article expanding on this subject. Read Cannon or Machine Gun? - The Second World War Aircraft Gun Controversy by By Anthony G. Williams.
   
• The Video Section features a new video clip released by Airfix, showing a dogfight between their two new kits announced for 2010: Spitfire Mk. I and Bf 109E.
   
• Today we have also a new item presented in Product News & Reviews:  British Built Aircraft, a series of books by Ron Smith.

Labels: history, modelling, reviews, site updates

• My new article in Variants & Technology is entitled Sorting Out the "E" - American Armament for the Spitfire Mk. IX/XVI. It elaborates on the use of Browning heavy machine gun as armament for the Spitfire, and the confusing designation mess that followed. By Martin Waligorski.
  
  
• New in the Scale Modelling section is a new 1/32 model from Finnish modeller Yrjo Knuuttila, who presents his PCM Spitfire Mk. IXC.

Labels: history, modelling, site updates

Part of my work on Spitfire history is roaming various archives for interesting primary source material. It is surprising to see that there's something interesting to be found on the Spitfire in almost any major international archive, be it the State Library of Victoria, Birmingham City Archive, or, as in the case of one of today's updates, the Royal Danish Library. In these days when increasingly more archive searches can be performed directly on the web, research is only becoming more fun!

• New pair of images have been added in Historic Photographs section. The first today is Skagen Ind, a Danish presentation Spitfire Mk. VB.
  
  
• "On a flat piece of ground..." is another new photo discovery from Australia, but one that brings more questions than answers. Experts on Spitfire operations on that continent are requested for more information.
  
  
• Polish contributor Radek Jurczyk makes his premiere apperance today in our Art & Memorabilia gallery. This one is entitled "Safe Return".

Labels: history, site updates

• Tonight I review a new decal sheet aiming at providing a rather unusual and colourful choice of markings for the superb Tamiya 1/32 Spitfire - Dutch Decal Junkers Ju-88A-4, Spitfire F.Mk.V/IX l'Armée de l'Air. This review can be found in Product News & Reviews.
  
  
• We also have a few additions in our gallery of Historic Photographs. The first photo originates from RAF 50th Anniversary celebrations, 1968. Have fun guessing all the aircraft put on display at that time!
  
  
• The second item for today is entitled A flock of seagulls - a beautifully atmospheric photo of a Spitfire Mk. Vb of No. 317 Squadron.
  
  
• Captured and recaptured uis the title of our last photo for today. It is the testimony of the fate of many Allied aircraft which force-landed on German-held territory.
  

Labels: history, reviews, site updates

• Two new additions have been made in our Art & Memorabilia gallery. Vladimir Urbanek presents The Great Siblings, his newest work which in a playful and sympathetic way encompasses the Britishness of the Spitfire!
  
  
• Another brand-new piece for the new year comes from Herman Veltorp of the Netherlands. "Come and Get Me" - which makes you almost feel the strain of the maximum climb.
  

Labels: site updates

• Tonight I present a new Camouflage & Markings feature. Spitfire PR Mk. XIX - Cold War Warrior depicts some interesting post-war recconaissance Spitfires and their stories. Colour artwork for this article has been kindly provided by Hannants and originates from their recent Xtradecal sheet.
  
  
• We also have a new book review for today - Foreign Planes in the Service of the Luftwaffe by Jean-Louis Roba.

I have a great deal of email to catch up with, so that's all for now. Enjoy!

Labels: reference, reviews, site updates

• A new addition in History Articles is entitled "I Used to Sit in a Tree and Pretend I was a Pilot". Steve McGregor tells the story of W/Cdr Don Andrews, one of the Australian Spitfire pilots serving in the UK.
  
  
• In Product News & Reviews, Magnus Fridsell brings us a book review of On and off the Flight Deck: Reflections of a Naval Fighter Pilot in World War II, personal memoir of Henry 'Hank' Adlam.

Work and family commitments tend to pile up this time of the year, so this is probably our final update before Christmas. I take this opportunity and wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[Card by waldopepper, via Flickr]

Labels: history, reviews, site updates

• Firstly, I have made a change in the navigation menu to the left. The Spitfire Site News section has been renamed to What's New - a title which, I believe, better reflects the very purpose of this blog! This is only a name change, the contents remain the same.
  
  
• Secondly, I have added a new function to the menu: Search This Site. As the name implies, this is our very own search function, allowing you to search throughout this site and discussion forums. Its usefulness should become apparent if you consider that the Spitfire Site now counts over 1,000 individual web pages! The search box is provided by Google, and I was positively surprised by its performance. Give it a try.
  
  
• In Reviews, we have two new 1/48 decal sheets, both from Lifelike Decals of Japan. Read my review of Lifelike Decals sheet - Supermarine Spitfire Mk. XVIe Part 1.
  
  
• The second review for today is, expectedly, of a follow-up product - Lifelike Decals' Supermarine Spitfire Mk. XVIe Part 2. Both sheets are welcome additions for the 1/48 ICM Spitfire Mk. XVI kit.

Labels: reviews, site updates, webmaster

• The first new addition in our Review section is Xtradecal Supermarine Spitfire PR Mk. XIX. Magnus Fridsell founds it to be an essential addition to the new 1/72 Airfix kit.
  
  
• Iliad Design of Canada provided us with three sheets from their product line. Oddball Spitfires is an option for those looking for unusual marking options for a Spitfire.
  
  
• In the third review today, I examine Iliad Design's Pre -War Spitfires - a welcome complement to the 1/48 Airfix kit.
  
  
• Iliad Design is also the publisher of Silver Spitfires - the last sheet reviewed today, which offers options to model a Spitfire in striking silver finish.
  

Labels: reviews, site updates

• The appearance of Airfix Spitfire as star prop of the recent BBC show Toy Stories has been mentioned here before. Our newest addition in Articles is called A "May" Day in Cosford - James May's Largest Ever Airfix Spitfire; it is a recollection of the record 1:1 Spitfire modelling project from the perspective of one of the participating teenagers.
  
  
• Also, we have a photo feature showing how the competed Airfix 1:1 Spitfire looks today. Glued with pride, it rests outside the Cosford Air Museum, Shropshire.

...in the meantime, James May's Toy Stories series and its message to promote traditional, old fashioned toys such as Airfix, Meccano, Lego or toy trains, has been well received in the UK. I you have missed the show, you can watch all episodes, including the Airfix one, online at the BBC site (a feature regrettably restricted to UK visitors only). Also, the show has now its own site jamesmaystoystories.com, which promises a book and a DVD to be issued soon.

• Back on the subject of Spitfires, we have two new exciting additions in the Historic Photographs section. The first one is called Landing the Seafire.
  
  
• The second photo, and the one which I haven't seen before, presents Don Andrews' Gremlin - A Spitfire Mk. IX in interesting markings.
  
  
• We have also two new additions in Art & Memorabilia. The first one is a small Memory of Alex Henshaw.
  
  
• Finally, Penny Spitfire is another interesting Spitfire-related relic of World War II.
  

Enjoy.

Labels: history, modelling, site updates

• Today's addition in History Articles is An Alternative Battle of Britain - 3-part essay which shows by example how the aerial warfare of 1940 was understood by the general public of the time. Why wasn't the Bf 109 a flop that everyone understood it to be? By Brett Holman.
  
  
• The Art & Memorabilia gallery has been enriched with yet another stunning oil painting by Vladimir Urbanek, entitled "Evening Victory".
  

Labels: history, site updates

• Airfix Spitfire, the kit which has been shaping the aviation interest of entire generations back in the 1960s and 1970s, is being replaced - by an updated new kit in the Airfix catalogue. Read my 3-part review of the brand-new Airfix 1/72 Spitfire Mk. IX.
  
  
• On the subject of new Spitfire kits: on our Discussion Forums, you can also follow Magnus Fridsell's online build of the AZ Models Spitfire Mk. I. Updates are being posted as the work progresses.

Talking about the Airfix Spitfire kit, its role in the history of recent generations has been nicely brought to light in the recent BBC show lead by Top Gear celebrity James May. In a bid to demonstrate that old toys such as Meccano, Airfix and Lego are still relevant, May gets a class of schoolchildren to help him build the biggest Airfix Spitfire ever, a whopping 1:1 scale plastic kit!

James May's Toy Stories were aired on Tuesday 27 October. Having been in Cosford a week later, I have seen the actual model, and can witness that the children involved did a remarkable job - and in only three days. I will be posting more pictures of it shortly.

• Watch the trailer for James May's life-size Airfix Spitfire at the BBC site

Labels: modelling, site updates

• Tonight I review a new book, and one that impressed me: Swift To Battle - 72 Fighter Squadron RAF in Action by Tom Doherty, a unit history written - differently.
  
  
• We have also a new addition to the Art & Memorabilia gallery, another fine pencil drawing by Pavel Rampir: Canadians with the 2nd TAF.

Enjoy.

Labels: history, reviews, site updates

Why ads?

The Spitfire Site has been envisioned and is maintained as an enthusiast site. We can make good use of the (modest) income generated from ads to cover our operational expenses, including web hosting, web and image editing software and the cost of maintaining this publication. I'm doing every effort to keep the ads well integrated in the site's layout and, most importantly, relevant to our readers.

• New addition in Videos is a video presentation of Tamiya's new 1/32 Spitfire Mk.IX kit filmed during its first public presentation at the Tokyo Hobby Show in October 2009. This 6-minute clip contains a walkthough of the kit's main features and an interesting interview with its chief designer Katsumi Tokunaga.

Labels: modelling, site updates, videos, webmaster

• Product Review - BarracudaCals Spitfire Mk. IX Series with markings for four colourful Spitfires.
  

Labels: reviews, site updates

• Pavel Rampir returns today with pencil drawing of a Clipped-wing Spitfire Mk. VB


• The second contribution is a début on these pages by Pedro Chiappe from Buenos Aires - Galland.
  

Labels: site updates

• Tonight I'm pleased to present the full Photo Report from PMS UK Scale Modelworld 2009. It is an extensive 6-part feature from this prime modelling event, featuring many of the aircraft models in the competition area. The 400+ photos have been organized in slide shows for convenient viewing.
  
  
• I have also spotted a beautiful scratchbuilt Hawker Tempest model at the show, a creation which fully deserves separate attention - see the Fabulous Tempest!
  
  
• A new colour profile in the Camouflage and Markings section is that of a Spitfire predecessor - Supermarine Type 224. Submitted and described by Graham Ward.
  
  
• We also have an addition to our Art & Memorabilia gallery: Lethal Dance, a new airbrushed piece by Herman Veltorp.
  


• Last but not least, a review of a new line of 1/72 Spitfire kits from the Czech Republic. AZ Models 1/72 Spitfire Mk. I, examined by Magnus Fridsell.

Labels: modelling, reference, site updates

Labels: site updates, warbirds, webmaster

Two updates have been posted today.

• Remeber the last week's video of an NitroPlanes RC Spitfire ARF kit that didn't want to fly properly? It left me anxious to see if and how the airframe could be fixed (shearing off the radiator... taping over the wheel wells... wondering what Joe Smith of Supermarine would say about that :). Today I'm glad to say that the second part of this video, including all the answers, has been posted on YouTube. I have inserted it at the bottom of the original article, so have a look: A Spitfire that didn't fly so well, now a two-part documentary feature!

• We also have a beautiful new piece in Art & Memorabilia gallery. Pavel Rampir has documented a tragic moment entitled Last Moment of Wing Commander in his newest pencil drawing.

That's all for this week; October has been a very good month in terms of updates with many sigificant new articles added to the site. Next week, I'll be preparing for departure to Telford for the IPMS UK Scale Modelworld show. I know I'll meet many of you - the readers and contributors - there, and I'm looking forward to it! Should you wish to make any particular arrangement, my email address is at the very bottom of this page.

Labels: history, modelling, site updates, videos

• A new addition in Scale Modelling is a beautiful 1/32 creation by Hans-Pater Tschanz of Switzerland: D-Day Spitfire Mk. V
  
  
• In Camouflage & Markings, we have also a new study of Spitfires in Greek post-war service, researched and illustrated by Ioannis Mansolas. Enjoy.
  

Labels: modelling, reference, site updates

• New addition in Scale Modelling is Tony Prince's excellent guide to achieving an accurate model of a Spitfire XIV in 1/48 scale. The process involved considerable kit-bashing!
  
  
• Moving from static scale modelling to RC, the Video Section features a fun and informative review of a Spitfire that didn't fly so well...
  


• Lastly, there is a good dose of eye-candy for the weekend. Spitfires in the Air is a collection of beautiful in-flight photographs by BillKatyGemma, presenting various Spitfires currently flying in the UK. Available in the Photo Galleries section.

Labels: modelling, site updates, videos, warbirds

• Read the in-box Review of Tamiya 1/32 Spitfire Mk. XIC, which is the new addition to Product News & Reviews, and has been cross-posted in Modelling.

The excellent kit images in this review have been promptly provided by Dave Johnson from New Zealand (thanks, Dave!).

Labels: modelling, reviews, site updates

• A new addition among our Product News & Reviews is an impressive new book by Tom Docherty Swift To Battle: 72 Fighter Squadron RAF in Action.
  
  
• Continuing on the subject of books, a review of today is Spitfire - A Test Pilot's Story by Jeffrey Quill. This is one of the essential titles for any Spitfire nut.
  
  
• Lastly, a small new addition to the Scale Modelling section; Raul Hrubisko presents his 1/72 model of a Striped Spitfire Mk. I.

Click to enlarge image
[Neil Lanwarne, via Flickr]

Labels: history, modelling, site updates, warbirds

• Australian Debut is a new article in the History section, bringin some new light onto Spitfire's long and difficult deployment to Australia. By Peter Malone.
  
  
• We also have two new Photo Galleries. The first one shows a unique Royal British Legion Spitfire Replica - a remarkable full-size Spitfire replica built specifically to allow everyone to have a seat in the cockpit!
  
  
• Goodwood Revival is a traditional festival of historic motorsport, but the 2008 also had an impressive "air component". See the Goodwood Revival 2008 beautifully captured by Bill M.

Labels: history, site updates, warbirds

• A new addition in History Articles is entitled El Quequeisque - The Story of a Football Spitfire. It's a remarkable story behind a Spitfire which was named after a football team. By Rafael Ruiz and Martin Waligorski
  
  
• A new image has also been added to the Historic Photographs collection. Vince Neil from Florida shares memories of his encounter with a Spitfire in London, 1960, with a picture that asks for more information.

Labels: history, site updates

• "I am quite proud of my Spitfire, and fly it regularly" - I wish that I could say the same thing... This statement comes from Colin Bassham who presents his woefully impressive RC model of a Spitfire Mk. VIII.
  
  
• New in Product News is the presentation of a forthcoming new monthly international magazine, Model Aviation World.

Labels: modelling, reviews, site updates

• We all know that radar was invented in Britain, right? How much truth lies in the the well publicized scenario of British radar superiority at the onset of World War II? Gregory C. Clark Deflates British Radar Myths of World War II in this new, four-part addition to History Articles.
  
  
• Shown before in the Scale Modelling section, but now expanded to full articles, is a pair of K5054 Spitfire prototype models built and finished by Mark Davies. The first is CMR 1/72 Spitfire Prototype K5054 at the time of its first flight.
  
  
• Mark Davies also presents a companion model of the same aircraft in its later blue-grey livery.

Labels: history, modelling, site updates

• See images of ML407 Grace Spitfire, a well-known double-seater Mk. IX operating from Duxford and frequently flown by the only female Spitfire display pilot in the world.
  

Labels: site updates, warbirds

• The Very High-Flying Prince is a story of the record high-altitude fighter of the war and the extraordinary pilot who flew it. By Martin Waligorski.
  
  
• Nils Mathisrud presents Spitfire Mk. V - The Norwegians, a pair of colourful Spitfire Mk. V markings presented here courtesy of Vingtor Decals.

Enjoy.

Labels: history, reference, site updates

• New in the Scale Modelling section is an excellent kit-bashed Spitfire FR Mk. IX in pink colour scheme, modelled and presented in detail by Jim Kiker.
  

Labels: modelling, site updates

• Movie review of Battle of Britain appears today in Product News and Reviews. This classic is currently also available in Blueray.
  
  
• The second addition comes in the Video Section and is a detailed presentation of Spitfire LF Mk. XVIe TE462 from East Fortune National Museum of Flight, Scotland.

Labels: reviews, site updates, warbirds

• Here is a book review that I probably should have written already last year: Leo McKinstry's Spitfire: Portrait of a Legend. Posted in Product News & Reviews.
  
  
• A new set of 33 images has also been added in the Gallery section. These originate from a relatively minor show, CHAA Wings & Wheels in Ontario, Canada, but include some great photos of a Spitfire accompanied by vintage sports cars.
  

Labels: reviews, site updates, warbirds

• Today's addition in our Art & Memorabilia gallery comes from a reader in India. It is a trace of wartime aircraft fundraising campaigns which at the time reached the furthest corners of the World. An unexpected but mostly welcome addition to this site, thanks!
  
  
• The Video Section features two new new official video clips from Il-2 Sturmovik: Birds of Prey, a console game which I described yesterday. The first clip is the Birds of Prey Multiplayer Trailer, showing the multiplayer options of the game.
  
  
• The second video, perhaps even more interesting, is Birds of Prey movie showing the Battle of Britain scenery, which is most impressive indeed. Don't forget to turn on the HD switch for best visual experience.
  

Labels: history, site updates, videos

• A new addition in History Articles has nothing to do with aerial combats, campaigns, or aircraft, yet I hope that you will find this story as irresistable as I did. Read about The Amazing Career of Officer Billy de Goat - the memorable animal mascot of No. 609 (West Riding) Squadron.
  
  
• We have also a new book review - Spitfire in Combat by Alfred Price. First published in 2003, this book is of renewed interest as its paperback edition hit the bookstores this Summer.

Labels: history, reviews, site updates

• Blue Skies Over Darwin is the title of another Spitfire painting by Troy White.
  
  
• Red Nose - Australian artist Noel Barnes sent us this image of his newest work, a portrait of Spitfire Mk. VIII MT928 ZX-M.
  
  
• An older entry by the same artist, Sqn/Ldr McKay and his Spitfire, has been updated with all-new photos of Noel's painting.

Labels: site updates

• Perhaps a slightly unusual addition to Product News & Reviews section is the forthcoming sale of Alpine Fighter Collection's Hurricane Mk. IIA, P3351. This is the first time an airworthy Hurricane is put on auction, and P3351 has an unique history indeed.
  

Labels: reviews, site updates, warbirds

• All this eye-candy is available in this 6-part video coverage of the 2009 edition of Duxford's Flying Legends show produced by Wheels Up (Chris Janssens) from Belgium.
  
  

Labels: site updates, videos, warbirds

• First, however, is a correction to yesterday's update, where a broken link sneaked in. If you haven't yet seen Vingtor Decals excellent new Spitfire sheet Hurricane Mk.II & Spitfire Mk.V, 331 & 332 (Norwegian) Sqn. RAF, do so now.
  
  
• Now on to the Video section. The first addition for today is the spectacular Dutch F-16 & Spitfire Flypast at the Eastbourne Airshow 2009 .
  
  
• Spitfire display at the 2009 East Fortune airshow is an example of some beautiful display flying, performed this year by Anthony Hodgson in a Spitfire TR Mk. IX.
  
  
• From Biggin Hill, we have a mock combat between Spitfire and a Spanish Buchon, acting as BF 109.
  
  
• Another place, another airshow was the appearance of Sweden-based Spitfire FR Mk. XVIIIe in Norway.
  
  
• Moving on to computer-generated imagery, IL2 Birds of Prey has been an eagerly awaited new game in the IL2 line. We offer an impressive video preview of the game, showing its Battle of Britain scenery. The game will be released mid-September.
  
  
• Many gamers produce their own videos from IL2, but few do it as nicely as shown in this meeting between Spitfires and Bf-109s in IL2 Sturmovik 1946.
  
  
• Another atmospheric and well-done IL2 CGI is entitled Spitfire down!.

Enjoy!

Labels: site updates, videos, warbirds

• New pair of images have been added in Historic Photographs section. The first one comes from the 8th Air Force bomber base at Bovingdon, which once - however temporarily - hosted a full complement of No. 312 Squadron Spitfires.


• In defence of the Anzio beachhead is the title of the second photograph for today. It is a document of US Spitfires operating in support of operation Shingle.

Labels: history, site updates

• Spitfire Gift Ideas can be found at the menu to the left, and will from now on form the part of the Community department.
  

Labels: site updates, webmaster

• Friendly fire is a rather well-known photo of an American Spitfire which force-landed at the beaches of Salerno. Full story follows.
  
  
• There is a general opinion is that RAF and commonwealth aircraft were rather below par with regard to personal markings, but there certainly were many exceptions contradicting the rule. The Australian pilot Jack Newton and his personal Pegasus emblem is the subject of our second photograph for today.

Labels: history, site updates, webmaster

• A new addition in our Art & Memorabilia gallery is the McLaren Spitfire - a family product with Spitfire connections that go beyond the looks.

Labels: site updates

One more photograph has been added today.

• "Spitfires can take it" is an image originating from HMSO publications of the time, interesting because it shows typical effects of a belly landing in a Spitfire.

Labels: history, site updates

• Deployment to France is a document of one of the first airstrips used to transfer fighter squadrons into France after D-Day, B4 Bény-sur-Mer.
  


• Little is known about overseas volunteer pilots in the ranks of the RAF, pilots which often came from the least expected places. Such as Trinidad or Barbados, as documented by this photo.

Labels: history, site updates

• A new addition in Scale Modelling is a pair of Spitfire models presented by Czech modeller Jiří Fiala - in the article entitled President's Spitfire.
  
  
• Also, with regard to the recently posted book review of Spitfire Girls. In response to my review, I have received a letter from Carol Gould, the author of the book. This has now been added at the end of the original article.
  
  
• I have also been contacted by Black Robin Resinz and updated the pricing information in yesterday's review of their 1/48 Spitfire Mk. XII Conversion Set.
  
  

Labels: modelling, reviews, site updates

• In Product News and Reviews, check the new modelling product from Black Robin Resinz of New Zealand - 1/48 Spitfire Mk. XII Conversion Set.
  
  
• Arguably less exciting read, but an important addition due to the rapidly growing number of our visitors is the Privacy Policy for the Spitfire Site.

Labels: modelling, site updates, webmaster

• Fresh from a printing press and only released last week is Carol Gould's book "Spitfire Girls". I'm pleased to be the first on the web to offer a review of this new publication.
  
  
• Another subject altogether is what may be the ultimate Spitfire gadget - a tiny 1/72 flying R/C model of this aircraft from Plantraco which opens up an entirely new prospect of putting up a dogfight in your living room!

Labels: reviews, site updates

• The hundredth posting in out collection is, fittingly, a photograph which to my knowledge hasn't previously been published. The last Spitfire from Exeter shows a curiously dressed Spitfire hauled from a repair workshop in this city. An intriguing photo which raises many questions.



• Also in this update is Seafire's combat debut - an evidence of the Seafire's first operational use during Operation Torch.
  


• Lastly, as mentioned above, check our previous mystery photos and see if you can help laying down the puzzles!

Labels: history, site updates

• A new addition in Camouflage and Markings is the article written with the indispensable help of Bjørnar Norås and Nils Mathisrud from Norway. A Question of Foreign Markings tells the full story behind one of the most unusual markings to be seen on a Spitfire in the closing months of World War II - PV181 of the Norwegian ace W/Cdr Rolf Arne Berg.
  
  
• We have also an interesting, if unusual new addition in our Art & Memorabilia gallery. Mecha Spitfire is one of those attractive Japanese toy-robot-anime-comic mashups. Have a look.

Labels: history, reference, site updates

• Spitfire Mk. Vc in Sicily is an intriguing photo, but the one in need of additional information to identify the aircraft, units and people. Added yesterday to the Historic Photographs collection.  

Labels: history, site updates

• New in the Reference section is Y2-K Spitfire of F/Lt Arnold Roseland - colour analysis of the Spitfire Mk. IX serving with No. 442 Squadron RCAF, now a subject of a restoration project.
  
  
• In Product News & Reviews, we present JAYS Models Line of 1/72 Spitfire Kits.


• Finally, in Art & Memorabilia gallery we have a commendable Tribute to Pete Brothers, a contribution by Dutch artist Herman Veltorp.
  

Labels: history, reviews, site updates

• Supermarine Spitfire Variants - Single-Stage Merlin-Powered  is the title of this two-part illustrated guide which goes through all marks of the first line of Spitfire development, from the Mk. I to Mk. VI fighter variants, and from the Mk. I PR Type A to PR Mk. XIII photo-reconnaissance versions. By Jeff Webb, illustrated by various archive photographs.
  

Labels: reference, site updates

• New pair of images have been added in Historic Photographs section. The first one is a rather unique gun camera footage from the period of the Battle of Britain, documenting an attack of a Spitfire Mk. I of No. 609 Squadron RAF on a formation of Heinkel He 111s.
  
  
• The second image and a story that goes with it are dedicated to Diana Barnato-Walker, one of the most prominent "Spitfire women" of the ATA.

Labels: history, site updates

• Read Spitfire Pilot - Life Prematurely Ended, a story of F/O Russell Lyon.
  
  
• Also, don't forget to check out the latest topics of our discussion forum too - lots of interesting subjects arrived recently!

Labels: history, site updates

Click to enlarge image

• A new video clip brought to the Video Section is Sunset flying in Omaka; a much-anticipated appearance of the the newly restored Spitfire Mk. IX PV270 in the markings of Al Deere.
  

Labels: site updates, videos

• First is the image of V-1 defender - the famous Spitfire Mk. XIV flown by Sqn/Ldr Richard Newbery.
  
  
• The second image comes with a request for more information. A rather ordinarily looking photo from a RAF airbase shows the handover ceremony upon USAAF arrival in Britain. We're looking for the name of the place and maybe some additional information about the circumstances.

Labels: history, site updates

• Tomasz Hajzler's presents his Spitfire Mk. IX - a conversion of the 1/32 Hasegawa Spitfire Mk. Vb to an early Mk. IXc. His model is the latest addition to our growing Modelling section.
  

Labels: modelling, site updates, webmaster

• New image added in the Historic Photographs section is entitled Backing up the invasion. Enjoy.
  

Labels: history, site updates

Labels: history, site updates

• Dutch airbrush artist Herman Veltrop's debut on these pages is the painting of Mark Hanna's MH434 in the air
  
  
• Double victory is James Baldwin's dynamic rendition of a combat between the Spitfire Mk. IX BS451 of No 303 (Polish) Squadron with the notorious German Focke-Wulf Fw 190 on 17 August 1943.
  

Labels: site updates

Labels: reference, site updates

• The same 1/3 Spitfire model is now featured in a video presentation submitted by the modeller J P Cousinet of France.
  
  
• How about a working Merlin engine in 1/5 scale? This one was engineered in metal by Barry Hares from the UK. See the live demonstration in this video.
  
  
• 1/4 Scale Spitfire Sound System for That Merlin Growl. A common problem in R/C modelling is that the sound of the small engine cannot match the song of the full-scale original. See (and hear) the solution to this problem in the form of onboard sound system for the Merlin. Impressive!
  

Labels: modelling, site updates

• Tactical reconnaissance with Spitfire Mk. XIV - this image shows Spitfire FR Mk. XIV, serial number RM795 of No. 414 Squadron RCAF at the time of VE-day
  


• The second photo, originating from the time of the Battle of Britain and entitled Under entirely wrong management does not show a Spitfire, yet I felt that it was interesting enough to be included here.
  

Labels: history, site updates

• See Closer to the Real Thing - 1/3 Scale Replica of the Spitfire Mk. IX presented by Jean Pierre Cousinet
  
  
  
• Another addition for today is a Photo Gallery of Spitfire 60th Anniversary, Duxford of 10 years' ago. This show made history by putting up a display of no less than sixteen (!) Spitfires in the air for simultaneous flypast
  

Labels: modelling, site updates, warbirds

• In History Articles, we have a Pictorial feature on Eagle Day, 1940. The force opposed by RAF Hurricanes and Spitfires during the Battle of Britain is presented in the photographs of official German correspondents. Many wartime photographs were released recently by Bundesarchiv into the Creative Commons domain, and this is a selection of these.
  
  


• Another newly acquired asset is the photograph of No. 613 Squadron Spitfires F Mk. XIV at RAF Ringway in 1947, a new addition in our steadily growing gallery of Historic Photographs. It's good to see a photo of post-war Spitfires, we'd be glad to have more of them, so please keep them comin'!
  

Another editorial news is the arrival of my new drawing software. As mentioned previously, I intend to refresh my long-neglected computer graphics skills and try to produce some colour profiles of the Spitfire on my own, improving on the first effort published here. The package, Corel Draw X4, arrived in my mail last week. After some ten years of inactivity in the graphics field, the big question was which graphics software to select for this project. The choice was very much between only two options, Adobe Illustrator CS4 and Corel, both coupled with rather substantial outlay. I have evaluated voth and although many people say that the professionals prefer Adobe, Corel Draw still feels as familiar and straightforward as the last time when I used it. I hope that the learning curve is not not too steep as to prevent me from producing something useful in the foreseeable future. Wish me luck!

Labels: history, site updates, webmaster

• The first image shows one of the earliest Spitfires Mk. I placed on a compass swing
   
• The subject of our second image is wet winter in Italy, 1945
  
  

Labels: history, site updates

Labels: history, modelling, site updates

• New in the Scale Modelling section is Airfix's Biggest Spitfire - Improved, a 1/24 Airfix kit built and detailed by Andy C.
  
  
• Australian Spitfire Mk. Vc built by Aleksander Gorski is a fine example of another Airfix Spitfire kit, this time in 1/48 scale.

Labels: modelling, site updates

Today's additions in the Art & Memorabilia gallery are two Spitfire-related advertisements anno 1941.

• "Rotol constant speed airscrew"
• Rolls-Royce Merlin advertisement, 1941
  

Labels: history, site updates

• A trio of No. 253 Squadron Spitfires in Italy. This is one of these images which offer a wealth of interesting detail; there is also a story behind it.
  
  
• Another Mk. V is this enigma French Spitfire which flew with the Mediterranean Allied Coastal Air Force. Perhaps someone could provide more details about this aircraft.
  
  
• Lastly, another photo from the Italian campaign depicts an airfield of No. 417 Squadron RCAF in Sicily.
  
  

Labels: history, site updates

Today's addition is a pair of new photographs in the Historic Photographs section. Public domain images of the Mk. VII are somewhat rare, and I'm happy to have located these in the archival collections of the NASA.

• Two images show Spitfire Mk. VII EN474 during NACA tests at Langley in July 1944.

Labels: history, site updates

• You can read Natalie Bennett's review of Spitfire Women of World War II in our Product News & Reviews section.
  

Labels: reviews, site updates

• James Baldwin returns with his newest piece, showing the duel between F/Lt John Dundas (609 Squadron) and the German air ace Major Helmut Wick (JG 2), presented here with a description of the event.

Labels: history, site updates

• Johnnie Johnson's Spitfire - Revisited provides detailed analysis of EN398, W/Cdr Johnnie Johnson's personal aircraft.

Labels: reference, site updates

• A new addition in Camouflage & Markings is Greycap's Personal Spitfire - a portrait of JE-J, probably the most famous Spitfire IX of them all, W/Cdr Johnnie Johnson's personal mount.

Labels: history, reference, site updates

• Removing the Merlin engine, a rather well-known photo showing the removal of a Merlin 45 engine from a Spitfire Mk. V in a workshop at a USAAF Fighter Station.
  
  
• Rolls-Royce Merlin demonstrations were carried by Rolls-Royce throughout the war to educate squadron mechanics. Here is a photograph from one of such courses.
  

Labels: history, site updates

• Operation Starkey, an interesting air-to-air photo taken on 9 September 1943.
  
  
• Borough of Southgate was the Spitfire Mk. VC serial number AA963, funded by the people of the North London suburb of Southgate. Two images of thios aircraft come with a commentary and a request for help to establish its eventual fate.
  

Labels: history, site updates

• A new entry with two new images has been added in Historic Photographs section. It is another American Spitfire, but this time one whose provenance has caused some confusion in various publications. See The markings don't always tell the whole story - BM635.

Unfortunately I have also noticed a technical problem. The possibility to browse by category (meaning browsing by Spitfire mark) has mysteriously disappeared from the Historic Photographs main page. As these links are script-generated, there must be some bug. I will investigate into it and try to fix the it as soon as possible.

Labels: history, site updates, webmaster

• The reviewed book is D-Day : The Air Battle by Ken Delve.

Labels: reviews, site updates

• Presentation Spitfires. The popularity of Spitfire Funds resulted in the proliferation of aircraft funded by the public, each adorned with a name chosen by its donor. It is a vast and only recently documented subject, presented here in the article by Ray Sturtivant and Henry Boot, previously published in D.C.O., the magazine of the Spitfire Society and republished here with kind permission of Ray Sturtivant's family.

A sad news which became known to me during my inquiry about this article is that Ray Sturtivant, a prolific aviation historian and book author, passed away on 9 August 2008 at the age of 82. He was perhaps best known for his meticulous research into the RAF and FAA history. Among his books are the milestone The Squadrons of the Fleet Air Arm, Spitfire International and his last book, Gifts of War: Spitfires and other Presentation Aircraft in Two World Wars, for which the today's article is a prelude. Ray and his work will be greatly missed.

Labels: history, site updates

• Another Spitfire Mk. V presented in the gallery WZ-R, 309th Fighter Squadron.
  
  
• The second photo for tonight is Dowding and "The Few" Battle of Britain pilots, photographed during a reunion in 1942.

Labels: history, site updates

• Sqn/Ldr Donald Osborne Finlay was a pre-war athlete and Olympic medalist who became a Spitfire pilot and a commander of No. 41 Squadron in the early war period.
  
  
• "Observer Corps", one of the many presentation Spitfires, was Finlay's personal mount in Hornchurch in the winter of 1940/1941. This is also the first Mk. II in our gallery.
  
  
• Balkan Air Force shows a row of Spitfires Mk. Vc of No. 352 (Yugoslav) Squadron RAF in their national markings.
  
  
• Lastly, here is a photo of the long-lived BM316, a Spitfire Mk. Vb, an aircraft with a long career and service record with the RAF, RNZAF, RCAF and USAAF.

And, as a final note for today, modellers of all kinds may find it interesting to see just how much can be done with the old trusty 1/72 Airfix Hurricane - in this article by John Wong at Hyperscale.

Labels: history, site updates

• New in the Product News & Reviews section is John Nation's thorough review of SpitSim - a Spitfire cockpit simulator developed by the UK company Sim Control.
  
  
• Also in the same section, we have a preview of two New Spitfire Decal Sheets in 1/32 Scale - something for our modelling visitors.
  

Labels: reviews, site updates

• In the first article of this update, Erik Whipple builds no less than three Hasegawa Spitfires in 1/48 Scale. Eriks finds that the oft-maligned Hasegawa Spitfire kits are quick and easy builds, and the results speak for themselves.
  
  
• Mark Davies returns with another Czech Master Resin 1/72 Spitfire TR Mk. IX, this time a more unusual variant in the group of CMR’s Spitfire kits.
  
  
• Lastly, Sim Menzies presents a gaggle of No. 19 Squadron Battle of Britain Spitfires.

Labels: modelling, site updates

• High Flight. How about some poetry at the Spitfire site? I feel that this one fits the subjct perfectly, especially if you consider it's origin. High Flight by John Gillespie Magee, Jr.
  
  
• Johnnie Johnson's famous Spitfire Mk. IX. It is my great pleasure to introduce a new artist on this site, James Baldwin. James' speciality is watercolor and pencil, and this drawing of the Spitfire IX is a great piece, exhibited here with pride and joy.

Labels: history, site updates

Without further delay, here's this week's update:

• New product review has been added in the Product News & Reviews section. This time I review a DVD entitled Spitfire Mk. V BL628 - The Return of Marion produced by Ecosphere Publications. It provides a unique insight into the pre-flight trials of the Spitfire Mk. VB recently restored in New Zealand.

Also, I have been working with eliminating problems with some of the shortcut hyperlinks at the front page of the site. These have been caused by a slight change to RSS feed formats introduced recently, but I hope that everything is back to normal again. Enjoy the site.

Labels: reviews, site updates, webmaster