Griffon-Powered Spitfires

Warbird Tech Series Volume 32
By Kev Darling
Specialty Press, 2002
104 Pages, Softbound
ISBN 1-58007-045-0
$16.95

Reviewed by Chris Banyai-Riepl

The Supermarine Spitfire is one of those planes that has been the subject of many books written over the years and one has to wonder if there is room for more. My answer is that as long as it’s well done and adds to the existing volumes of work then yes, and that’s exactly what this book does. Focusing solely on the Griffon-engined examples of the Spitfire, this book takes the usual Warbird Tech look at this famous fighter. This book is purely a type reference and those looking for operational information won’t find it here.

The technical layout of the book is great, however, with all the major types covered from the Mk. XII through the Seafire line and all the way up to the Spiteful and Seafang. While not engined with a Griffon, there is also mention of the Supermarine Attacker, which took the laminar wing from the Spiteful/Seafang and mated it to a new fuselage housing a Nene jet engine. There are plenty of photos throughout the book, covering both external and internal details, as well as a center color section showing mostly restored aircraft. Also found throughout the book are lots of drawings showing everything from the camera layout of a PR.19 to an access hatch diagram for the Spiteful.

In short, if you’re looking for information on the later marks of Spitfire and are curious as to why they were designed the way they were, this is an excellent reference. The large amount of photos and drawings make it a great title for modelers interested in adding that extra little bit as well. If you’re interested in getting a copy for yourself, you can order it direct from Specialty Press either at their website or by calling 800-895-4585. There is a $4.95 shipping & handling fee added to every order.

Our thanks to Specialty Press for the review sample.