Tamiya Spitfire Mk.I No. 609 Squadron, flown by Pilot Officer John Dundas, Nov. 1940
Tamiya's Spitfire Mk.I. Battle of Britain, fall 1940. John Dundas was shot down and KIA
28 November, was busy for 609 Squadron as several scrambles and alerts came through against Bf 109s. The last came at approximately 15:30. Dundas was piloting X4586. Two squadrons, 152 Squadron and 609 made contact with Bf 109s from Jagdgeschwader 2 ("fighter wing 2"), led by the most successful German ace of the war thus far — Helmut Wick. Minutes after contact had been made and the battle joined, Flight Lieutenant Fieldsend heard the familiar voice of Dundas shout "I've finished a 109—Whoopee!". Squadron Leader Robinson congratulated Dundas but nothing was heard from Dundas, or his wingman Pilot Officer Paul A. Baillon, flying R6631.
It is believed Wick had shot down Baillon in a diving attack for his 56th aerial victory. Baillon managed to bail out, but was never recovered. Momentarily distracted, Wick flew across Dundas' path. Dundas fired a short burst, hitting Wick's Bf 109 at around 17:00 German time, over the sea near the Isle of Wight. It has also been suggested that Wick fell victim to Pilot Officer Eric Marrs, who also made a claim in the battle. Wick was seen to bail out of his aircraft, but he was not rescued and his body was never found. Moments later Dundas was probably shot down by Wick's wingman, Rudolf Pflanz who claimed a victory and saw the Spitfire crash into the sea with the pilot still inside. Like Wick, Dundas' body was never found. On 24 December 1940, Dundas was posthumously awarded a second DFC.
Excerpts edited from:https://peoplepill.com/people/john-dundas-3
Extraordinary kit. Build primarily box stock. All markings were painted using stencils made in CAD and imported into Silhouette Cameo 4 cutter. I recently was awarded gold medal and "Best Tamiya Model" at IPMS Alamo Squadron, ModelFiesta 43.
Love this! How does this kit compare to the Eduard spitfires?
I have both kits. The Eduard Spit is assembled and ready for painting but not complete. Tamiya kit is better engineered, easier to assemble and less “fiddly”. I think the Eduard will finish nicely but will take more work and patience. That’s my opinion.
Excellent build, Joe @mercenarymodels
Your painting skills are amazing. Beautiful work.
Definitely a looker. Great job! Would you share with us whether the camouflage colors are your own mixes or direct from one or more manufacturers?
Love early Spitfires
Excellent Spitfire, Joe!
Nice sharp build, and congrats on the award!