Hi Colin,

Thanks for your input. I see what you mean but regarding the FR.IX there is some evidence that it was stripped down. At least one had cannon removed (I have seen a photo of this). I also know from records that most of the FR.IXs were factory conversions, not “on base”. The Radios that it did carry were moved forward and the oblique camera gear intruded on space normally reserved for radio.

The Type 35 was mounted on the left cockpit wall. As a pilot, I can’t quite get the utility of moving the selector..I would have thought that the Type 35 would have sat just as comfortably and accessibly above the rudder trim. I have seen no evidence (nor even suggestion) of where the selector would/could have been moved to. In fact in a drawing of the cockpit layout it makes comment that the gun camera footage counter can be fitted at that spot in lieu of the Type 35.

Perhaps, though, this is a clue. Maybe the Selector fits forward of the Type 35, re-examining the cockpit photo’s I have, this seems possible. It would be a tight fit though from the look of it.

I must admit that having the selector and the ’35 would be a bonus and look good in the cockpit….but I want it to be as accurate as possible.

Re “Dicing”. I think that because of the low level these missions were flown as quietly as possible. It was hard for the enemy to intercept an outgoing Recce at 35000 over the channel, not nearly as hard to catch a low flying Spitty heading home. Oxygen starvation was, of course, not an issue either. Low level navigation was more so. Position information may have been helpful!

I confirm it is the dusky off white/ pinkish FR.IX that I am building. They appear to have had mostly normal armaments but lacked the bullet proof windscreen, sporting the PRU version instead.

I am still researching flight plans and operating proceedures.
cheers