SpitfirePRIV Wings

[spitfirepr1v]

Hi All

I have still to start my PR spitfire models, as each time I check the details I find a new question or teaser arises; so here goes with the latest problem that I hope some of you blokes can help me out with .

I bought "Merlin PR Spitfires" by Wojtek Matusiak and "Merlin PR Spitfires in Detail" by Malcolm Laird , both are excellent for PR Merlin engined Spitfire stuff.

The PRXI had the same leading-edge fuel tanks in the wings pioneered by the PR.IV, known as "D" or bowser wings.

Now I always thought the wings would have been as clean as possible to give the most aero dynamic shape for speed.
But in "Merlin PR Spitfires in Detail" on page 4 there is a photo of BP888 which shows wheel well strengthening bars on the upper wing surfaces ( like some MK VB). BP888 was a true production PRIV.

Did all the PRIVs have these bars ?

Thanks
Richard

[COLIN SHIPTON-KNIGHT]

Richard,

As far as I know they did.

It is probably more accurate to say that different marks of the Spitfire had differences between their wings. Some aircraft had different all up weights and hence differences between the undercarriages.

Some had longer legs, some had very small differences in the various angles that the undercarriage went through in retraction. Different sizes and types of tyres.

You can see this in the various marks with bulges and reinforcing strips on the upper surface of the wing.

The PR XIX for example has a streamlined looking strip above the wheel well. You have to look closely..

www.airplane-pictures.net/image50949.html

www.flickr.com/photos/24101413

PR XI

www.thescale.info/news/publish/Spitfire-XI-detail-photos.shtml

Hope this helps.

Have we been in email contact? Have loads of Spitfire stuff you are welcome to.

Colin

[ollieholmes]

Im glad to know my eyes are not playing silly buggers with me and there is something there.

Richard,
What scale will your collection be in? Im slowly gathering bits for a collection in 1:48 at the moment.

[spitfirepr1v]

Colin

Thanks for the guidance and the websites, also yes we have emailed over "Ken" and your Fab CD.

Ollie

I have attached a poor copy of the PR IV Spit in question . I am working in 1/48 scale hoping to produce a PR IV, XI (an early production Merlin engine 61 type) and XIX (unpressurised).

I have now found another teaser just when I thought it was time to start. Browsing in my RAF Museum "AP 1565 notes"I found the PRIVs have a vent pipe on the upper port wing for their extra oil tank carried in the wing !
Does anyone know what this vent pipe looked like ?
That PR gang ....always modifying their aircraft.

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