Late in 1940, the RAF predicted that the advent of the pressurised Junkers Ju 86P 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

This Italeri kit is one of their newer toolings and as such, is everything that a modern kit should be in terms of external detailing. In the US, the kit is overpriced thanks to being imported by MRC. As nice as it is, it is not a $21.00 kit, especially as you can get a newer and more detailed kit from Airfix for less money. The cockpit is nicely done, though it has a fairly solid cockpit floor. There is no detail on the sidewalls. The kit has a separate nose section so there is a seam that might need to be dealt with. Wings are a single lower piece with two upper halves. The kit provides the option for complete or clipped wing tips.

A separate entry door is provided and you have a separate rudder. Not sure why, but you are provided two separate three piece clear sets. Once cannot pose the canopy open as it is too thick to properly fit. One nice thing offered are a standard carb intake and two different sand filter intakes. Landing gear is nicely done and you are provided two different prop/spinner options. To my eyes, the separate Rotol prop blades seem to be too thin and not well shaped. The kit also provides a large ferry fuel tank. For those who like to add things such as props, exhaust, and landing gear after painting, this can be done.

Instructions are well done and provide Model Master paint references. Note that they have you paint the interior with zinc chromate green which is incorrect for any Spitfire. It should be British interior green. Three options are provided. One is the desert camo box art plane from 249 Squadron based on Malta in 1942. Another desert option is with 244 Wing in 1943. This has the Aboukir sand filter. A standard European camo plane with the 334 FS in 1942 is the third option. Decals are nicely done and provide stencils and wing walk area.

With the introduction of Airfix's line of Spitfires, this one probably won't be most people's first choice, however it does appear that it would be a less fussy build, even with the somewhat anemic props.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supermarine_Spitfire_(early_Merlin-powered_variants)

July 2024

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