Malta's Blue Spitfires

[HawkerTempest5]

Always looking for some new inspiration for models to add to my collection (and wanting a bit of a change from Seafires) I have decided to build a Spitfire from the defence of Malta period. I have several decal options but no firm information on the colour schemes used. Whilst some aircraft certainly had the Dark earth brown/Mid stone over Azure blue desert scheme, many had a blue colour scheme applied and it is one of these Blue Spitfires that I

[ozzy72]

Roger from my records I can only find info. relating to planes on Wasp being painted up in 'Sand and Spinach', I have nothing regarding the USN blue colours, this may have been done later from paint stores and never officially acknowledged. I'll keep digging.

Mark

[Felix/FFDS]

One of the UK modelling magazines had an article on the defence of Malta, but I do not recall seeing any "blue" Spitfires referenced.

[Felix/FFDS]

Reference - Sc ale Aviation Modeller INternational (SAMI), April 2002 "Defenders of the George Cross Island"  p348

"Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vc, BR124/U-2, No. 603 Squadron, Operation Calendar USS WASP, 20 APRIL 1942.  Spitfires were repainted while aboard the carrier in what pilots described as a ' dark blue' (most probably Non-Specular Sea Blue) on all upper surfaces, leaving the original markings visible.  This was intended as a temporary measure to make them less visible during the ferry flight.  Temporary codes in white ("1" was allocated to No.601 Squadron, "2" to 603 for the ferry flight only).  Aircraft was destroyed in an air raid 8 days later".

So the blue was painted over the Dark Earth/Mid Stone camouflage (BR124 serial in black, but set against the original Dark Earth background which  was not painted over );  Azure Blue undersides.

Hope this helps

[HawkerTempest5]

Thanks for that info chaps, it all helps. One interesting bit I dug up late last night on the web was from another posting about Spits on Malta. A guy on there said his Grandfather was an RAF mechanic aboard USS Wasp during the transit of Spits to Malta. According to him, his Grandfather said the Spits were repainted several times during transit, so much so that people expressed concern over all the extra weight of paint! Does not say anything about what colour they used however.

[Felix/FFDS]

I will try to scan some photos and illustrations for you.  In one, there's a "blue" Spit next to a Wildcat.  The blue was certaintly darker than the Wildcat's non-specular Sea Blue of the period (1942).

[xFLAMESx]

Just seen the post - dunno if this will help..........

[HawkerTempest5]

Thanks for that, but it's not quite what I'm looking for. That plane is a post war MkXVIe painted in the personal colours of Air Marshall Sir James Robb. It is authentic if not quite RAF standard. This aircraft has since been repainted into a late war grey/green colour scheme and is based in Canada I belive.

I will try to scan some photos and illustrations for you.  In one, there's a "blue" Spit next to a Wildcat.  The blue was certaintly darker than the Wildcat's non-specular Sea Blue of the period (1942).

Felix pal, if you could do that it would be most appreciated  ;D