Subject: Re: Gallery Submission 1/32 Tamiya Spitfire Modification XXX Beer Truck
From: "Submissions for ARC" <[email-masked]>
To: "Robert Grob" <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 22 Apr 2013 00:18:04 -0700

Hi,
I just wanted to let you know your article went on ARC today.  Thanks again for sending it in.

Steve Bamford
ARC Air - Aircraft Resource Center
http://www.arcair.com

Live like there is no tomorrow;
Love like you've never been hurt.
Work like you don't need the money.
Dance like nobody's watching.
Sing like nobody's listening.
Live like it's Heaven on Earth.

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Robert Grob 
  To: [email-masked] 
  Sent: Monday, April 01, 2013 6:51 PM
  Subject: Gallery Submission 1/32 Tamiya Spitfire Modification XXX Beer Truck

  Gallery Article Template

   1/32 Tamiya Spitfire Modification XXX Beer Truck 

  by "grobber"
  --------------------

        Steve Bamford will insert full sized version of photo 01.jpg here 

  Hello All this is first gallery submission to Arc, I hope you enjoy

  "In the lighter moments of World War II, the Spitfire was used in an unorthodox role: bringing beer kegs to the men in Normandy. During the war, the Heneger and Constable brewery donated free beer to the troops. After D-Day, supplying the invasion troops in Normandy with vital supplies was already a challenge. Obviously, there was no room in the logistics chain for such luxuries as beer or other types of refreshments. Some men, often called sourcers, were able to get wine or other niceties from the land or rather from the locals. RAF Spitfire pilots came up with an even better idea. 

  The Spitfire Mk IX was an evolved version of the Spitfire, with pylons under the wings for bombs or tanks. It was discovered that the bomb pylons could also be modified to carry beer kegs. According to pictures that can be found, various sizes of kegs were used. Whether the kegs could be jettisoned in case of emergency is unknown. If the Spitfire flew high enough, the cold air at altitude would even refresh the beer, making it ready for consumption upon arrival.   

  A variation of this was a long-range fuel tank modified to carry beer instead of fuel. The modification even received the official designation Mod. XXX. Propaganda services were quick to pick up on this, which probably explains the official designation.   

  As a result, Spitfires equipped with Mod XXX or keg-carrying pylons were often sent back to Great Britain for maintenance or liaison duties. They would then return to Normandy with full beer kegs fitted under the wings. The Spitfire had very little ground clearance with the larger beer kegs.   

  Typically, the British Revenue of Ministry and Excise stepped in, notifying the brewery that they were in violation of the law by exporting beer without paying the relevant taxes. It seems that Mod. XXX was terminated then, but various squadrons found different ways to refurbish their stocks. Most often, this was done with the unofficial approval of higher echelons. 

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  I chose to do on of Johnny Johnson’s spitfires, the infamous "MK329", coded JE-J Jr. An invented serial for a plane built up from spares and wrecks, the E wing was often loaded with kegs of beer on the "Depth Charge Modification XXX" for use at the front.

         
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  For this build I used 

  •1/32 Tamiya Spitfire 

  •Eduard Seatbelts

  •BarracudaCast  Rocker covers

  •BarracudaCast Spitfire cockpit upgrade

  •Alley Cat Spitfire Mk IX E wing Conversion

  •RB Model Barrels (Beer not gun!!)

  •Victory Model Decals

  •A bit of wire for detailing 

  It was a thoroughly enjoyable build great fit beautiful detail I think every modeller owes it to themselves to take a run at this kit at least once. Anyway here are the pics, let me know what you think 

  "grobber"

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  Photos and text © by "grobber"