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

All plastic sprues are molded with a metallic finish

About the Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vb Trop. The Supermarine Spitfire is considered by many as the most beautifully designed single seat fighter to look during WWII. The Spitfire experienced many major and minor changes throughout its long manufacturing life. Early improvements triggered the Mk.V series of Spitfires which became the absolute most widely produced variations of Mk's. The main improvements was the furnishing of three wing armament configurations, therefore the use of the better Merlin kind 45 engine. The most many Mk.V ended up being the "b" winged variation which had a mixed armament of two 7.7mm machine guns as well as on 20mm cannon in each wing.

The Spitfire that demonstrated such superb performance over its homeland, had been also urgently necessary for operations overseas. One of many better known versions was the North African prepared Spitfire designated "TROP", for Tropical. The largest problem in desert operations was the intake of abrasive sands into the motor, which quickly wore out going parts. To conquer this trouble a Vokes air conditioning filter was affixed within the carburetor consumption.

Even though filter was successful, its large mass reduced the aircraft's rate. The problem was solved by the local upkeep unit stationed at Aboukir, who designated an inferior more streamlined device which was similarly effective. The clipped wing variations, which had better low altitude maneuverability, were commonly observed in North Africa.