It's been quite awhile since I've posted here. I'm afraid work and life in general have kept me away from the modeling table far longer than I would have liked. I hope all of you are doing well and advancing in your modeling abilities and having fun doing it!
As I slowly toy with the idea of picking up a model for the first time in many months, I'm thinking of starting a project for a coworker/friend. He has a painting of Douglas Bader's Spitfire Mk Va. I'm planning on doing a 1/48 scale diorama of that plane for him.
Here's the question...I seem to only be able to find a Mk Vb out there (namely Tamiya's). I was wondering if the external differences between the "a" and "b" are that great, or can a "b" variant pass for an "a"? If I've read correctly Douglas Bader's plane was lacking cannons and the ability to carry bombs. Is this true of all Mk Va's or is that variation specific to his plane?
Any help you guys could offer would be greatly appreciated. I'm really looking forward to getting my fingers glued together again and spilling paint on my clothes...it's been far too long!
Cheers!
John
P.S. Oh, and of course I'll need decals as well. I saw a set that had several British Aces on it, but haven't found any that are just for Bader's plane.
