This is a new OnDisplay feature by Chuck Shanley (crs) that has a little more background than normal so enjoy.

You Can't Have Too Many Spitfire

More Details:

The title is inspired by Mal Mayfield (Holdfast), in response to an Armorama post by (csch) “For Spitfire Lovers”. Had this Spitfire on my work bench at the time of the post and as usual had a little off the norm role for it planned. Inspired by the photo above,

"It’s reported that Hermann Goering, was once ask what he needed to win the “Battle of Britain” and he responded “Give me a squadron of Spitfires”.

No disrespect intended, many Allied aircraft wound up in Luftwaffe hands and were operated by KG 200, for evaluation and training purposes. I found this picture inspiring, as most of the pictures of captured aircraft show them in “repainted” condition. Typically the aircraft would have yellow undersurfaces and tail area, with full cross and swastika markings. This photo shows what must be a “recently acquired” Spitfire.

The distinctive yellow markings applied didn’t always work. They were intended to identify the aircraft to AA positions, so as to avoid being shot down by friendly fire. While researching I ran across an account of a captured B24, carrying dignitaries, being shot down by the field defense AA positions at the field they had just taken off from.

The Swiss also applied new markings to interred aircraft and operated them, with mixed results. Another B24 plainly marked as Swiss was shot down by Swiss defense AA.

Here are two websites that document the remarking of aircraft:

http://www.fleetairarmarchive.net/Aircraft/FAACapturedAircraftHomepage.html

http://www.luftwaffe-experten.co.uk/beuteflugzeuge.html

What scale is that model, 1/48 or 1/32? If it's the former, I'm curious about the source of the VW.

Hi Geoff

It's 1/72 scale. How do I know... because Chuck gave us a sneak preview over at

Armorama UK! :-)

Keep an eye on A-UK, because there's a bunch of new stuff coming, that will appear there before it hits the Big-A! :-)

All the best

Rowan

Hey,great diorama! I have something to say that's kind of off topic: I'm thinking of doing a B-17, the one ( I think there's only one...) that was captured, and I have a few questions: How can I get the yellow on the bottom just right, and where could I find decals that big for it? Any help is appreciated. Thanks for your time.

:-) Yep the Bulldog bread have already seen this Spitfire Dio. Nice one Chuck :-)
Mal

MEBM - There are two links at the bottom of the front page of the On Display feature you may wish to explore. Many black and white photos and a few color. My best guess at the yellow was MM RLM 04 GELB, it doesn't appear to be as hard/bright as Insignia Yellow FS 33538. As for deacls you'll have to check aftermarket guys like CAM. Can't wait to see pics of your 17

Nothing to do with Spitfires!...

But look at all those BULLDOGS!!! :-) :-)

Nice one guys!!

All the best

Rowan

Great Dio, Chuck

I like the setup, almost like the real thing.
Keep up the good work

Ken

Great Dio!

I like that a lot!

~Chip :-)

Excellent work crs.

Excellent Dio
Great inspiration!!!
Bravo.

It was Goehring that asked Adolf Galland 'what will it take to win the Air Battle for Britian?'
Galland replied, 'Spitfires.'
Galland got in trouble for that, among other things.
But he was indespinsable.

I recommend his book
The First and The Last

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0899667287/qid=1069994896/sr=2-2/ref=sr_2_2/104-4007085-7136707

I ran across several variants of the 1/72 scale VW from MW (Military Wheels?). MW is a manufacturer from Poland, I was surfing through their 1/72 scale HMMWV kits and bought the M1025. Based on the look of that kit, they look buildable but not as good as older Esci or current Revell of Germany modern 1/72 scale armor.

BTW, the Spitfire is one of my favorite British planes of all time. So many variants from the Battle of Britian to post war usage.

Great looking Dio, Chuck !!!!!



(++)

Sabot is right they are buildable BUT. The plastic is very soft an easy to work so that is their saving grace, the fit is not very good infact terrible, enough flash to make another model. So much for it's good points, I needed something besides the plane in the dio soooo. I fthe VW was the primary subject I may have spent another month or two on it but since it wasn't so be it. Gave them a try, won't be buying anymore MW kits.

firemann816 - thanks for straightening me out on that quote.

Great job, good idea for a dio, Wingman out.

very nice dio..congrats