- 1. Spitfire prototype/early Mk.I. Suggested
kit: Tamiya Mk.I.
- Drawing 1 shows the prototype canopy in open position. The dotted line below
the windscreen shows the actual join line which will need to be filled in.
There are many detail changes which need to be made to the kit in order to
accurately represent these early aircraft. Careful study of your references
is necessary.
- 2. Mk.I Spitfire (flat hood and dimmer screen).
Suggested kit: Tamiya Mk.I.
- Drawing 2 shows the dimmer screen fitting as introduced on the prototype
and some very early Mk.I Spitfires.
- 3. Early Mk.I Spitfire (bulged hood and unarmoured windscreen).
Suggested kit: Tamiya Mk.I.
- The Clear-Vax canopy directly replaces the kit parts.
- 4. Standard Mk.I/II, early Mk.V. Suggested
kits: Tamiya Mk.I and Mk.V.
- The Clearvax canopy is sectioned for display in the open position.
- 5. High Speed Spifire. Suggested kit:
Tamiya Mk.I.
- This version requires modifications to the kit wingtips, a deeper right
underwing radiator, and a fixed-pitch 4-bladed propeller, in addition to the
Clear-Vax canopy. Careful study of photographs will provide the necessary
information.
- 6. Standard Spitfire PR canopy. Suggested
kit: Tamiya Mk.I.
- The Clear-Vax canopy directly replaces the kit item. Modifications to the
kit include removing all armament, and adding camera windows and various add-ons
pertaining to each variant. Once again, study of references is essential.
- 7. Spitfire PR IG (PR.VII). Suggested kit:
Tamiya Mk.I.
- This canopy fits in a similar fashion to the standard type.
- 8. Spitfire Mk.V (internal armourglass windscreen and
blown hood). Suggested kit: Tamiya Mk.V.
- This canopy fits in a similar fashion to the standard type.
- 9. Spitfire Mk.VI. Suggested kit: Tamiya
Mk.Vb.
- This canopy differs from the standard type in the following areas: clear-vision
panel on left of windscreen, flatter curve to top of canopy, extra horizontal
frame on rear section, no canopy rails or entry door. Other modifications
to the kit include extended wingtips, 4-bladed propeller, and cabin compressor
intake.
- 10. Spitfire Mk.VII/X. Suggested kit:
Hasegawa Mk.IX.
- This canopy is the early type with a clearvision panel on the left of the
windscreen. Late versions had canopy rails as in drawing 8.
- 11. Spitfire Mk.VIII/IX. Suggested kit:
Hasegawa Mk.IX.
- The Clear-Vax canopy has been sectioned for display in the open position.
- 12. Spitfire PR Mk.XI. Suggested kit:
Ventura PR Mk.XI.
- The Clear-Vax canopy is sectioned for display in the open position.
- 13. Spitfire Mk.XIVc. Suggested kits:
Fujimi Mk.XIVc.
- This canopy is designed for display in the open position.
- 14. Spitfire Mk.XIVe. Suggested kit:
Fujimi Mk.XIVe.
- This canopy is designed for display in the open position.
- 15. Spitfire Mk.XVI & Mk.22/24. Suggested
kits: Heller Mk.XVI, Ventura Mk.22 & 24.
- The Clear-Vax canopy is sectioned for display in the open position.
- 16. Spitfire PR Mk.XIX. Suggested kit:
Fujimi PR Mk.XIX.
- The Clear-Vax canopy is sectioned for display in the open position.
- 17. Spitfire Mk.21. Suggested kit:
Aeroteam Mk.21.
- The Clear-Vax canopy directly replaces the kit item.
- 18. Spitfire Mk.V/IX. Suggested kits:
Italeri Mk.V & IX.
- The Clear-Vax canopy directly replaces the kit item.
- 19. Seafire Mk.47 (late type). Suggested
kit: Ventura Seafire 47.
- The Clear-Vax canopy directly replaces the kit item.
SPITFIRE REFERENCES
There are many titles available. The most modeller-friendly are:
- Modeller's Datafile 3 (SAM Publications)
- Spitfire: The History, Morgan & Shacklady (Key)
- Aerodetail 8 & 27
- Modelart No.387.
Also recommended are:
- The Spitfire Story, Price (PRC)
- Replic Nos 57, 67, 68 & 91
- Spitfire in Action 39 (Squadron/Signal).