RNLAF Spitfire Mk. IX 1/48
This article is part of a series:
- My first post, the RNLAF (KLU) F-104G Starfighter
- Here’s another one. The F84G Thunderjet.
- A 3rd RNLAF fighter I want to show you.
- The RNLAF Northrop NF-5A Freedom Fighter
- The North American F-86K(aasjager) of the RNLAF (1956-1964)
- RNLAF Spitfire Mk. IX 1/48
- RNLAF Noorduyn AT-16 Harvard IIB
- The Fokker D.XXI of LVA
- The RNLAF F-86F Thunderstreak
- F-16A MLU RNLAF 322nd Squadron "Polly Grey" 60th anniversary 2003
- Brewster B-339 of ML-KNIL Ve Vliegtuiggroep 2e Afdeling (Tamiya 61094 1/48)
Here's another OOB build. The kit is Italeri's 2696 Spitfire Mk. IXc "Beer Truck“. A relatively simple kit, but fun to build. Hope you like it! A bit of history on the Spitfire in Dutch service below.
After WW2, the Air Force had to be re-established in the Netherlands.
The Dutch Spitfires operated under supervision of the RAF in England during the war remained in the UK after the war was over. But in September 1946, 322 squadron was "re-established" (having previously been established during the WW2 on June 12th 1944 and operating from Woodvale Base UK), and was equipped with the aircraft that came over from the UK.
However, the Spits did not become operational for RNLAF before 1949.
A fighter flying school was established at Twenthe where Spitfire trainers arrived in late March 1948. The aircraft first had an RAF livery, but were later painted aluminum. Twenthe officially became an AFB in January 1949.
The Spitfires would also be deployed in the Dutch East Indies where later the “Police Actions”took place (in fact it was an euphemism for a colonial war). After Indonesia became independent , most of the planes returned to the Netherlands.
The cradle of the Dutch Military Aviation, Soesterberg AFB, was put back into service at the end of August 1951 when 322 squadron returned from the Indies and continued flying with the Spitfire (and at a later stage with the Meteor). Until 1954, some 58 Spitfires were used by the RNLAF, mainly at Twenthe AFB.
Nice natural metal finish, Alfred, that makes a very good canvas for the colorful markings. What did you use for your "metal"? Is there a lower surface camouflage color that overlaps the front of the wing and horizontal stabilizer, or is that color a reflection?
Congratulations on completing this very attractive build!
Thanks Christopher @brummbaer
Metal finish is Alclad airframe aluminium over a gloss black enamel base coat. The effect on the front of the wings and horizontal stabilizers must be some sort of reflection caused by the sunlight as I photographed the model in the garden. Finally some sunshine in the Netherlands after weeks of dull days 😊☀️
Another beautiful addition to your RNLAF collection, Alfred @alfred
Great achievement on the metal paint and it shines nicely in the sun.
Weathering is top notch as well.
Thanks a lot @johnb !
Finally some spring weather in our “Kikkerlandje” 😊
Another gorgeous result, Alfred! A great, very informative article, as well, regarding the Spitfire in Dutch service!
Congratulations!
Thanks Spiros! @fiveten
Fantastic metal finish!
Thanks 🙏 @lis
Looks great - those markings stand off nicely against that NMF finish.
Thanks @gkittinger Greg!
Very nice. We don't see many Spitfires i n NMF, looks good!
Thank you Chas @chasbunch
Looks very nice in this colour scheme.