The Last of the Line

Spitfire XIX, probably from 541 or 542 Sqdn RAF Benson, on a PR

mission during June 1944. The last of the development line of this

iconic aircraft to see WW2 service. Composite of airshow photo and

skyscape from a recent trip to Canada. Your comments appreciated.

looks good to me!

This just may be the most seamless one yet - well done. As far as the plane goes, its funny how much you have to squint to see any K5054 left in this one, isn't it?

I agree with Peter. This could be mistaken for a genuine air-to-air shot. Like the 2 Hurri's previously, it's brilliance is in the simplicity (though I do appreciate your more complex work as well!). Cheers, Alex

Thanks, all, for your generous comments. The huge increase in capability from the original design to the quite staggering performance (ceiling - 45,000+)of the last Mks serves to underscore the brilliance of the original concept. Mind you the Brits have a pretty good record of stretching a basic design - Canberra B2 to PR9 - Manchester to Lanc to Lincoln to Shack to Shack3 (4 turnin' and 2 burnin') is quite a leap. The above is a bit of hybrid, but still nice, with the donk coming from a Shack (happy days!) with water/meth injection disabled - lovely noise too!

 

Peter, currently working on a Hawker Hind pic (post sometime soon - maybe)and noticed that the RAF serial on the Hind is K5414 - the Hind was actually accepted into service after the proto Spit!!!

 

Alex, the 'simple' ones are actually more difficult as light imbalance and little imperfections (imperfect - moi!)are more immediately obvious in a single subject. The MkXIX went through 10 iterations to get there.

 

Regards to you all............Pat.

You know, the hind being accepted into service after the proto Spit is something I never noticed - funny, after seeing photos so many times! Very intriguing point. And very, very true about the ability to stretch the original design on and on - as remarkable as the Spit is in this regard, I think the Canberra has it beat. Not to mention the South African Shacks, the last of which I think was just retired last year!

Still a beautiful photo - and you know I am not exactly a big fan of composites, but I am certainly appreciative of your efforts. Perhaps if more of them looked like yours I would not be so dismissive of them. Always a pleasure,

 

Peter.

Fantastic composite! This would look good hanging on my wall.