They Fought to Rebuild
Czechoslovak Spitfire Pilots in the RAF
1942 - 1943

Spitfire Mk.Vb Early and Late

Eduard Limited Edition Dual Combo
1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

Late in 1940, the RAF predicted that the advent of the pressurised Junkers Ju 86 P bomber series over Britain would be the start of a new sustained high altitude bombing offensive by the Luftwaffe, in which case development was put in hand for a pressurised version of the Spitfire, with a new version of the Merlin (the Mk VI). It would take some time to develop the new fighter and an emergency stop-gap measure was needed as soon as possible. This was the Mk V.

The basic Mk.V was a Mk.I with the Merlin 45 series engine. This engine delivered 1,440 hp (1,074 kW) at take-off and incorporated a new single-speed single-stage supercharger design. Improvements to the carburettor also allowed the Spitfire to use zero gravity manoeuvres without any problems with fuel flow.

Several Mk.I and Mk.II airframes were converted to Mk.V standard by Supermarine and started equipping fighter units from early 1941.

The majority of the Mk.Vs were built at Castle Bromwich. Three versions of the Mk.V were produced, with several sub-series.

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.

Eduard's latest boxing of their lovely Spitfire Mk.Vb is a Dual Combo Limited Edition boxing labelled "They Fought to Rebuild".

This boxing allows you to build two models – one Spitfire Mk.Vb early and one Vb late. This is done by two subtly different fuselage parts.

In keeping with the Czechosolvak theme, all 12 marking options are Czechosolvakian pilots serving in the RAF during the defence of Great Britain and in attacks on targets in occupied Europe.

Eduard has clearly done their homework with the Mk.Vb, deftly navigating a minefield of features and options.

Let’s take a look at this Limited Edition offering in detail.

Eduard’s 1:48 scale “They Fought to Rebuild” package provides two kits and the instructions deal with them separately.

The package comprises 408 parts in grey plastic, 42 parts in clear plastic, colour photo-etched fret; die-cut, self-adhesive masking sheet. Many parts are marked “not for use” while others are optional, further reducing the actual parts used.

An attractive poster is also included.

Two fuselage sprues are supplied. One of these is Sprue C, which we have seen before in a number of Eduard's eralier Spitfire Mk.I and Mk.II releases.

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Thumbnail panels:

This fuselage accommodates the external armoured glass fitted to the front of the windscreen. This may be seen by the recessed area at the front of the opening for the windscreen. It is also moulded with a slightly raised cover over the armoured fuel tank.

The other fuselage is two Sprue Ds. Sprue D represents the later Mk.V with the internal armoured windscreen glass.

There is a raised fillet moulded to the fuselage just below and on either side of the windscreen.

The recessed area at the front of the opening for the windscreen is shallower on this fuselage too.

Next we have the wings. The wing sprue for the Mk.Vb is labelled differently for the upper and lower wings – Sprue L for the upper wings and Sprue M for the lower.

Sprue L, the upper wing halves, are the same as the upper wings included with Eduard’s previous Mk.IIb releases.

Sprue M is brand new, and differs from the previous Mk.IIb lower wing in the shape of the cannon bulges and the arrangement of several panel lines and hatches.

This is really nice attention to detail.

For comparison, here (below) is the lower wing sprue from the Mk.IIb kit. Note the subtle differences - the more symmetrical bulge shape and the different hatches and panel lines.

We’ve seen the remaining sprues - M, P, R and S - in earlier Eduard Spitfires too

Detail

Eduard combines plastic and colour photo-etched parts in this ProfiPACK kit, delivering a high level of detail straight from the box. The cockpit benefits most from the photo-etch with a nice multi-layered instrument panel, coloured harness straps and scale-thickness pilot's armour.

Two varieties of colour photo-etched instrument panels are offered. A plastic panel with raised bezels and a decal instrument dial layover is also included.

The wheel wells and undercarriage parts are really well detailed.

Engineering and Options

The kit is broken down conventionally. The fuselage is full-length with the only insert being the forward wing root.

The lower cowl is separate too.

Ailerons, elevators and the rudder are all separate, while the flaps are moulded closed. This is another sensible decision, as the flaps were rarely seen dropped at any time other than on final approach to landing. All flying control surfaces depict fabric covering.

The elevators are moulded as a matched pair, joined in the middle with a plastic connector. This will ensure that the droop (or otherwise) is consistent when the elevators are glued in place.

The canopy side door is a separate part, with the option of posing the door open or closed.

The clear parts are free from distortion and quite thin.

The closed canopy options comprises a combined sliding section and rear section, while the open canopy supplies a separate sliding section to sit over the rear clear part.

Markings

Markings are supplied for a generous twelve subjects. In keeping with the Czechosolvak theme, all 12 options are Czechosolvakian pilots serving in the RAF during the defence of Great Britain and in attacks on targets in occupied Europe.

All options are finished in the Day Fighter Scheme of Ocean Grey and Dark Green on the upper surfaces and Medium Sea Grey below with one sole exception - an overall Night painted night fighter. Another one of the subjects wears the unique Dieppe stripes on the engine cowling.

The unique and national markings are supplied on one big decal sheet.

Additional national markings are offered on a smaller sheet.

Two smaller sheets provide the stencil markings.

Like its nemesis the Messerschmitt Bf 109 G, the Spitfire Mk.V was a pastiche of proven formula and makeshift improvisation until later, more powerful and standardised versions became available.

Despite its stop-gap heritage, the Spitfire Mk.V served with more than 140 RAF Squadrons and took the air war to the skies beyond Europe. The Mk.V was the first Spitfire to see combat over the Western Desert, the Mediterranean, the Soviet Union, the Indian sub-continent, the Pacific and more.

4,489 Spitfire Mk.Vs rolled off the production lines.

Eduard has lavished well-deserved attention on this vital workhorse.

Eduard’s 1:48 scale Spitfire Mk.Vb kits are beautifully detailed, accurate, boast lovely fine surface textures and offer most of the options that you will ever need for this sometimes complicated subject.

I have built a number of these Eduard Spitfires and can confirm that they are a pleasure to put together too.

Eduard’s 1:48 scale Spitfire family has been an instant classic since their initial Mk.IX release and this Mk.Vb maintains the high standard.

Purchased by the reviewer.

Review Text Copyright © 2024 by Brett Green
Page Created 28 November, 2024
Last updated 28 November, 2024

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