'Threads'

A Discussion on Wally McLeod's Spitfire IX MK636 (as covered on our decal sheet)
source:  Hyperscale  (thanks to Brett Green for permission)

(Bold Italics are added by the Webmaster to clarify the text or correct known errors.  Some comments have been edited for clarity)

Chris Cowx
Fri Jul 19 2002
I have a couple of questions regarding Wally McLeod's Spitfire IX MK636.
-Early or late intake?
-Large or small cannon blisters?
-early or late style rudder and elevators?

My guess is small cannon blisters, late intake, and early control surfaces, but just hoping to confirm before calling Ultracast!

Robert Bracken
Fri Jul 19 2002
The cover artwork by Ron Lowry for Spitfire: the Canadians features Wally McLeod's 2I-E - the one you want to do. There is a photo of Wally in my book , with what I believe is that aircraft behind him. Chances are it had the wheel covers, but hard to say for sure. The other aircraft on the cover, 2I-N was flown by Ed Ferguson, from Chippawa, Ont, and they did often fly together. After this period, Ed had 2I-P all the time. Wally became Canada's top RCAF "ace" , since Buzz Beurling was considered "RAF" for most of his career. It appears McLeod was lost in combat with JG 4, while flying a later 2I-E 

Bob Swaddling
Fri Jul 19 2002
Yes I agree on the wheel covers. That is why I suggested a photo reference, since many times they were removed and not replaced. I don't know of any real good shots of Wally's a/c and figured that if anybody had one that you would be the one.

SM Fochuk
Fri Jul 19 2002
From the photos that I have seen of 144 Wing birds, the majority, if not all came equipped with wheel covers. I am not sure how they were fastened on, but I suppose, just like hub-caps on cars, the tend to go astray from time to time.

Bob Swaddling
Fri Jul 19 2002
MK636 would have:
-late intake
-early rudder
-late elevators
-small cannon blisters
It would probably have had five spoke wheels too, but photo reference is best.

SM Fochuk
Fri Jul 19 2002
Most likely would have had the wheel covers.

Bob Swaddling
Fri Jul 19 2002
I agree.