Spitfire prototype - Any experts here?

[Theo J.]

Spitfire Prototype Color Scheme

The best color image I could find was in a FlyPast Magazine Special Issue entitled 'Spitfire 70', and published in 2006. It features a color air-to-air photo of the K5054 replica, painted in a slightly metalic silver-blue. It's probably as well-researched a replication as can be found, although you might try the magazine's website at <www.flypast.com>. Hope that helps...

 

[Edgar Brooks]

Just in case you thought that I'd let this one lie fallow, I've come across another fascinating piece of information. With all this talk of K5054 being painted in one of Rolls-Royce's car colours, it would appear that no-one has ever asked Rolls-Royce, themselves. Apparently, in 1936, R-R did not paint any of their cars, they just produced the chassis and engine, with the bodies being done by specialist manufacturers. This ties in with my (lack of) findings, when I researched the records of their paint manufacturers (now closed down,) and couldn't find any colours, of any sort, being supplied to them, in the 1930s. I did find a Mediterranean Blue, post-war, but no formula, unfortunately. The only blue, still, to which I've had reference, is this in-house colour on their lorries and vans. I'm planning a visit to their Bristol facility, to look at, and photograph, their rebuilt XIV, in preparation for a new 1/24 kit, so, maybe, I'll find out more then.
Edgar