Warbird Information Exchange

I don't want to stir up a hornet's nest...but here goes.

If one were to own just one model of the following WWII A/C which model/mark would be the one to die for.

Spitfire
Bf-109
FW-190
P-40
P-39

I'm not talking about the better performer or even the history aspect (BoB & Mk 1 Spit, Battle of Midway & SBD-3 for example). I'm talking along the lines of operational aspects. Which model was in more operations, more squadrons or had a wider variety of color schemes.

Easy ones would be P-51D out of the Mustang's stable of birds, or the F4U-1D/FG-1D for the Corsair. These two obviously saw the most action, a larger variation of markings, over a wider time frame and larger operating area, of the P-51B or the F4U-4.

And no, I didn't win the powerball. I'm just curious.

Thanks,

Mac

Of the selection you gave us, without question, the Spit.

Mudge the definitive

Spit ofcourse, Mark XI.

Hands down one of the best prop driven aircraft ever built and by far the most gracefull

Dave

That would be the Bf 109, hands down, game over, kthxbye.

Just take care to fly it from grass airfields, and don't let it get away from you! (The Fw 190 would be a close second, and would be a helluva lot easier to operate because of the gear setup, FWIW)

Lynn

_________________
Wisdom, courtesy of shrike: "In aviation, as well as marriage, it's often just as important to be seen to be doing something as is to do it properly in the first place."

For me, it would have to be the P-40, probably and "E" Model. At six foot, four inches tall, I think I'd have a few problems fitting in the other cockpits! (but if I could fit in it, I'd choose the Spit!)
Jerry

Spitfire XII, my all time favorite. EN224 is out there and coming back together too so it's not a complete fantasy.....of course I'd need a lottery win....but one can dream

A Spit, so I could shoot Lynn's 109 out of the skies.

_________________
Olivier Lacombe -- Harvard Mk.4 C-GBQB

Of that list, definitely a Spitfire. A Mark XIV to be more precise.

Walt

Curtiss P-40E


.....does that mean I am dead?

I think the P40 probably served in the most places.

Paint jobs, ME 109.

Best plane, FW190, the late model ones, late A's and the D's. They had some pretty good paint jobs also.


If it's just a which one do you like, or think is best kinda question, I'm going with the 190.

_________________
DEEP THOUGHTS BY KIDS:
"If we could just get everyone to close their eyes and visualize world peace for an hour, imagine how serene and quiet it would be until the looting started. Age 15 "


Deep Thoughts,
Jack Handy

"Which model was in more operations"

Without any hint of a doubt, the Bf-109 which began flying combat during the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939) and continued flying (in different variants) past 1948 with the Czech and then the Israeli Air Forces, and up into the 1950s with the Spanish Air Force.

As for the favorite one? Why, a P-51 Mustang, of course! Spits are not my cup of tea. : )

Saludos,


Tulio

G'day everyone

Well perhaps I will stir up the Hornets nest!

Not the Spitfire, its a race horse, goes well in short distances, looks good and has a wonderful winners reputation. for me, I'd go for the workhorse, capable of working in all temperatures and climates, used by everyone, even the germans and Japanese (although these were captured) and maintained a good kill to loss ratio. Was a genuine nuts and bolts aircraft that allowed it to remain serviceable in locations were others struggled, like in the tropics etc, could operate from just about any location, grass, gravel, mud, matting etc. Most importantly, it has a reputation for being a battle winner in more than one significant event.

The Curtiss P-40 without a doubt.

Digger

davem--

Yep. Fortunately, beforehand, you were struck with this powerful urge to bequeath that lovely silver bird to good ol' Steve over in Ontario...

Seriously, glad 1034 is still in good hands. I wonder by how much your family's ownership of the Kitty is a record? Sixty years...most cool.

Cheers

S.

P-40E for me too - a shape as voluptuous as Betty Grable...

_________________

All right, Mister Dorfmann, start pullin'!
Pilot: "Flap switch works hard in down position."
Mechanic: "Flap switch checked OK. Pilot needs more P.T." - Flight report, TB-17G 42-102875 (Hobbs AAF)

I've been in Japan too long & my English has started to suffer.

What I meant to say was out of EACH of the following WWII types, which would be the one model/mark to die for.

Spitfire
Bf-109
FW-190
P-40
P-39

Also add to the list the Zero.

Also, can you guys be more specific why that particular version.

RareBare, why the Mk XIV Spit?

davem, why the P-40E as opposed to the P-40B?

Dan Johnson II, why a Mk XII over RareBare's Mk XIV?

Tulio, shame on you for bringing the "M" word into this!!

Thanks again, guys.

Mac