Griffon or Merlin?

[C]

For me you can't beat a mark V, although in its blue colour scheme K5054 was a very pretty aeroplane.

Had R J Mitchell survived into the jet age would have much changed? - I'm not sure on this one, I reckon the logical progression of the Spit overseen by Joseph Smith would have continued. On the other hand we may have seen Mitchell's 4 engine bomber take to the skies.... On the jet side, who knows...

Charlie

[Tigurius175]

Spitfire earllier Mks are easily supreme

DEFINATELY NO clipped wings (The wings are the most beautiful feature on the spitfire. Clipping them is just cruel)

NO griffon (Merlin sounds better)

NO bubble canopy

NO extended rear fuselage

AND NO 5 bladed prop (3 is the best)

personal favourite colour scheme is the one demonstrated here  ;D



ESPECIALLY WITH THE BLACK AND WHITE UNDERNEATH!!!  ;D

[Wing Nut]

You just said exactly the opposite of what I was thinking...  ;D

[Tigurius175]

pleased to contradict you ....

I found some pics of black and white spitfire by the way:

[ChuckMajik]

I found some pics of black and white spitfire by the way

Why exactly were they painted like that anyway?

[C]

Why exactly were they painted like that anyway?

Identification, mostly to aid AAA. To the best of my knowledge it didn't really help...

Charlie

[Tigurius175]

Surely youv'e heard about how the Americans used P-38's in the D-day invasions? They used it because they thought that even the Americans would recognize such a distinctive silhouette and (maybe) not shoot at it...

[ozzy72]

[quote]Spitfire earllier Mks are easily supreme

DEFINATELY NO clipped wings (The wings are the most beautiful feature on the spitfire. Clipping them is just cruel)

[Flt.Lt.Andrew]

Spit Mark II with Merlin fastback.
None of this bubble canopy nonsense.


A.

[Wing Nut]

It's not like I have anything against earlier Marks.

[Hagar]

[quote]It's not like I have anything against earlier Marks. .... there are just parts I like better.

[ozzy72]

Agreed Doug, its the school of thought I come from. The MkIX/VIII were fantastic and the ultimate evolution of the Merlin Spit, and I wouldn't mind either however

[Woodlouse2002]

[quote]It's not like I have anything against earlier Marks.

[Wing Nut]

Again I am forced to notice the difference in opinion lies along the line of country of origin.  Americans tend (not always) to like later models while Brits (again, not always) prefer the earlier.  I wonder how much of that is because the Spitfire is your own and the role is played in what really was Britain's finest hour.  I would say if that is the case, you have every right to be proud of the earlier Marks...  

[Wing Nut]

BTW, I am curious; Has anyone ever heard of a Griffon being fitted to a Mustang?  :)