Spitfire prototype colour

I do have a picture of the Spit prototype flying over the Supermarine works in Southampton in a temperate zone camouflage scheme. I recognized the civilian registration number on the fuselage as the prototype. It was possibly undergoing tests with the RAF.

Ah yes, one of lifes' mysteries, the actual color of the prototype Spit. Much debate and some controversy over this topic. I don't know that anyone knows for sure, but here's what I learned when I researched a build a while back. The original paint scheme was overall a light blue/gray, but not as dark or vivid as Azure. Think RLM65 with some very light gray mixed in until it looks slightly more gray than blue. The forward portion of the spinner was in the overall color, but the rear portion was a dark reddish brown. The 2 bladed prop was baremetal, but had a dark grey (or black?) sheath fitted to the leading edges. The Roundels were standard white/blue/red center, but the fuselage Roundels appear to have a white surround. Serial # was K5054, in black with a white outline and appeared on the rear fuselage and rudder. After a forced landing and some airframe damage, the aircraft was repaired and repainted. This time, the undersides were silver and the upper surfaces in standard disruptive camo of dark green and dark earth. The serials remained in the same position but were in black without the white outline. Also all of the Roudels on the camouflaged surfaces were given a broad yellow surround. I am sure others may have different info, but like I said, the experts have debated this one for a long time. Hope this helps and good luck on your conversion.

Keith, I went back and checked my old notes again and can offer this additional info. A British modeler offered this formula for the blue-gray using Humbrol: 4 parts Matt Aircraft Blue, Humbrol #65 and 1 part Medium Sea Gray, Humbrol #166. I don't use Humbrol personally, so I can't vouch for it, but it might be a starting point. Also, in my previous post I said the prop was bare-metal. The prop was actually very likely made of wood, but was painted in a bright reflective Silver or Aluminum color. Finally, the aircraft was in a gloss finish, not matte, so a final coat of Future or other gloss top coat would be in order. Hope this is helpful.

Thats great info mate, thanks. I was surprised how little info I could get on the interweb. And it's not actually a conversion - that was the initial plan, but in the end I just bit the bullet and bought the Pegasus prototype off eBay.

I'm still fascinated by this "sickly green" though, as described by RJ Mitchell's own son ( http://www.andybann.com/spitkitography.html ). Though my Spitfire book says Mutt Summers' first flight took place in a blue-grey aircraft, I'd love to paint the whole thing in zinc chromate! How about a diorama called "Don't Touch Anything!"?

Thanks again for the info.

Keith, can't help you on the sickly green reference. My research of available references would indicate the Bird was in the light blue-gray from the get-go. The finish was reflective, so it's possible the witness saw a reflected color that wasn't acually there. The Brit's didn't use Zinc Chromate as a primer, so I wouldn't reccommend that approach. Didn't know a kit was available for the prototype, but for your sake I hope it comes with decals. I built mine a few years ago by bashing a 1/48 Tamiya Mk I. The hardest part turned out to be getting the serial numbers with the white outlines.

RAF Tangemere (it's a musem now, not an airbase) has the prototype (and a Hurricane, but not the proto) in it's "blue" paint. I was able to go there a few years ago. I don't have a web address, but I know they have a "society" that their members belong to, so somebody out there knows it. Check out Hannant's in England they've likely got decals and stuff for it. G.L.