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may need some help on this

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a mentor
it's a Supermarine Spitfire but as there were more than 20 different models, the precise instance is difficult to ascertain

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supermarine_Spitfire

The MK I had a two-bladed prop and the Griffon powered models were all four-bladed.

More Spitfire Mk Vs were built than any other type, with 6,487 built, followed by the 5,656 Mk IXs
Champdriver
It would be a little easier to identify aircraft if the photographer would at least add the bare minimum info, like place and date. Still, a nice photo.

This Supermarine Spitfire is a Mk. IXe and was built at the Castle Bromwich factory in 1943, the first test flight was by by Alex Henshaw. That's a famous name in British aviation, racing in the 1930's and as a test pilot for Supermarine. Read his two books, "The Flight of The Mew Gull" and "Sigh For a Merlin".

Spitfire N730MJ, is powered by the famous Merlin engine and the fuselage Squadron codes on the sides are GZ ?. The question mark is not a misprint.
The explanation for the odd codes are in the link I have here. http://www.warbirdregistry.org/spitregistry/spitfire-mj730.html

Now about Merlin and Griffon powered Spitfires. Merlin's and Griffon's turn in opposite directions. Looking from the front, the Merlin turns CCW and the Griffon turns CW. On the Spitfire the Merlin's had 2-3 and 4 blade props. The Griffon had 5 blades, or, on the 6 blades it was a contra-rotating prop.
The Griffon engine Spitfires had large bumps in the cowlings over the engine exhausts too. If the prop and cowling is off, the engine valve covers are very different between the Merlin and Griffon.

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