Spitfire recognition

Notably, the Spitfire XII in the photo has a fixed tail wheel (like many other Mk XIIs)!

Check out the upper photo on Page 201 of “the book” Vol I.

It shows S/Ldr Hinko Soic standing alongside MH592 in early 1945 – Aboukir filter, six exhaust stubs and a three-bladed prop.

(I’ll let Mark12 upload the image from his collection)

It is now displayed in Belgrade as “JK808” with a Vokes filter but still retains the six exhaust stubs.

Not necessary mate, I’m happy to accept your answer. I would have been very surprised if they hadn’t. It’s funny the random thoughts that go through your head in the wee small hours on night shifts.

I’ll try to Google a pic for you to verify, as I can’t think of any off the top of my head. Certainly some had individual exhaust stubs fitted, around D-Day especially.

Thanksfor that, I was wondering.

Certainly did.

One question that has been on my mind recently is exhust stubs, on the MkV in particular. Mk I’s& II’s had 3 per side Mk IX’s had 6 per side Mk V’s as far as I know had 3, does anyone know if any MkV’s ever carried 6 a side?

Thank you all for your posts. You’ve been very helpful.

Mark12: The schematic was exactly the sort of thing I was interested in. Is the full set of these schematics (i.e. for each Mark) in print or on the internet somewhere?

It looks like the Spitfire Survivors book is really terrific. The sample pages on the publisher’s website make it really tempting to spend the mortgage money!

Thanks again.

Bob

I will endeavour to locate an example in my files.

What did I tell you? :diablo:

Adrian

During the development progress of the Spitfire, a body, presumably the MAP, issued schematic illustrations of each new mark, identifying recognition features over and above previous models/marks.

I will endeavour to locate an example in my files.

Mark

Nobody has yet mentioned whether or not it is in Mark 12’s shed…

Adrian

…or a Seafire…. 😉

Anorak!

Richard

The length of the nose is also a recognition feature. Look for the position of the rearmost exhaust pipe relative to the leading edge of the wing.

There are both long and short nosed Merlin and Griffon variants.

“Short nose” Merlins include the Mks I, II, V and Seafires I, II, III.

“Long nose” Merlins include Mks VIII, IX, X, XI and XVI.

“Short nose ” Griffons are Mk XII and Seafire XV, XVII

Incidentally, the old Harleyford book, “Spitfire, the Story of a Famous Fighter”, lists over 120 separate variants/combinations of features!

On Amazon there are two “Spitfire Survivors” books. One has a forward by Alex Henshaw, the other is by Gordon Riley.

Those date back to 1984 and 1986 respectively. The new edition has just been published (well Vol I has).

Alex wrote the forward for the latest edition too.

See www.spitfiresurvivors.co.uk for more details.

10) Wing fitting – A, B, C, or E wing.

9. retractable tail wheel also griffon powered variants !

Steve

…or a Seafire…. 😉

If it looks like a Spitfire, sounds like a Spitfire then just accept it is a Spitfire…

1. Number of prop blades.
2. Cockpit: Malcolm hood or bubble
3. Armament: 20 mm cannon or machine guns.
4. Wing tips: clipped or not
5. Number of engine exhaust covers
6, Rad scoops
7, Upper engine cowl bulges
8, Rudder shape

9) Retractable tailwheel (certain Merlin variants)