 Vickers-Supermarine
Spitfire F Mk.22/24
By Michal Ovcacik & Karel Susa
Mark I Ltd., ©2006
ISBN 80-86637-03-4
Softbound, 28 Pages
The latest Mark I Guide is out, covering another workhorse
of the RAF, the Spitfire. Well, not the whole Spitfire line, as that would
make for one giant book, but rather the twilight years of the venerable
design, the F Mk.22/24. This mark featured the powerful (and big) Griffon
60 series engine, which required a much larger vertical fin to counter
the torque. That was not the only change, and the design underwent some
rather dramatic changes with this variant. This book examines this Spitfire
version in a thorough manner, both in text and in photos.
The text is brief yet surprisingly complete. It covers the development
and production of the type, along with some operational records. Additionally,
there are a few paragraphs devoted to the colors and markings of the F
Mk.22/24. Complementing this are tables covering production lists, deliveries,
squadron allocations, and technical data. Moving outside the main text,
there is plenty of information found in the captions of the photos. The
photos are what really make this title shine, as there are dozens of great
shots, both of operational Spitfires and museum examples. These photos
include many close-up detail shots, so the modeler will be quite excited.
Complementing the photos are several full color profile illustrations
bringing the F Mk.22/24 to life. Additionally, there are sketches of the
cockpit and other detail areas, helping accent the detail photos. Finally,
armament is given a bit of attention, both with regards to the cannons
and the underwing stores. All together this makes for a very complete
history of this attractive Spitfire variant.
For those who have a few of the Airfix kits stashed away, this is a
book well worth picking up. From the detail photos to the color profiles,
there will be more than enough inspiration to dig out those kits and delve
into them. My thanks to 4+ for the review copy. |
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