Mk VB and VB(trop) (Types 349 and 352)

The VB became the main production version of the Mark Vs. Along with the new Merlin 45 series the B wing was fitted as standard. As production progressed changes were incorporated, some of which became standard on all later Spitfires. Production started with several Mk IBs which were converted to Mk VBs by Supermarine. Starting in early 1941 the round section exhaust stacks were changed to a fishtail type, marginally increasing exhaust thrust. Some late production VBs and VCs were fitted with six shorter exhaust stacks per side, similar to those of Spitfire IXs and Seafire IIIs; this was originally stipulated as applying specifically to VB(trop)s.[80] After some initial problems with the original Mk I size oil coolers, a bigger oil cooler was fitted under the port wing; this could be recognised by a deeper housing with a circular entry. From mid-1941 alloy covered ailerons became a universal fitting.[

Spitfire VC(trop), fitted with Vokes filters and disc wheels, of 417 Squadron RCAF in Tunisia in 1943.

A constant flow of modifications were made as production progressed. A "blown" cockpit hood, manufactured by Malcolm, was introduced in an effort to further increase the pilot's head-room and visibility. Many mid to late production VBs – and all VCs – used the modified, improved windscreen assembly with the integral bullet resistant centre panel and flat side screens introduced with the Mk III. Because the rear frame of this windscreen was taller than that of the earlier model the cockpit hoods were not interchangeable and could be distinguished by the wider rear framing on the hood used with the late-style windscreen.

Kit Contents:

•  Plane model
•  Assembly instructions 
•  U.S. aviation USAF 4th squadron FN 951 pilot Captain Frank Hill North Africa airbase 1943
•  U.S.A USAF aviation 4th squadron ER 178 pilot Robert Levine, La Sebala airbase Tunisia 1943
•  Aviation of Great Britain RAF 92 squadron BR476 pilot H. Wedgewood air base Egypt October 1942
•  Polish Aviation Squadron .Polish Fighting Squadron 145 RAF Bu Grara Airfield air base Tunisia 1943.
•  Aviation Polish squadron 317 RAF air base Helwan Egypt 1943.
•  British Air Force RAF 244th EP-210 Wing Royal Air Force Air Force Base Egypt November 1943