{"title":"GBR Supermarine Spitfire US_AAF","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"airfix-a17002-1-24-supermarine-spitfire-mk-viii","title":"Supermarine Spitfire Mk VIII","description":"\u003cp\u003eProduct Info\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis new super-kit features several new parts to enable the accurate creation of a Mk.VIII, using our 2022 release of the Spitfire Mk.IX.c as the base kit. The new parts include;\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n    \u003cp\u003eUpper and lower wing surface, including leading edge fuel tanks and gun camera position.\u003cbr\u003e\n    Short span ailerons\u003cbr\u003e\n    Retractable tailwheel section\u003cbr\u003e\n    Revised instrument panel\u003cbr\u003e\n    Repositioned fuselage light\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most impressive features associated with the enduring legacy of the Spitfire is how its basic design was able to be adapted and upgraded so effectively throughout the Second World War and how the final variants of this magnificent aircraft were far more capable that the ones which first arrived at RAF Duxford during the summer of 1938.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWith the Spitfire undergoing almost constant development to enable it to stay at the forefront of fighter technology during WWII, this vital work was interrupted by the introduction of the Luftwaffe's fearsome new Focke Wulf Fw190 in 1941, an aircraft which was superior to the Spitfire Mk.V which was in widespread service at the time.\u003c\/p\u003e \n\n\u003cp\u003eA new Spitfire variant, the Mk.VIII, was at an advanced stage of development at the time, however, actual production was still some way off, as manufacturing jigs had not been installed in factories at that time. A stop-gap solution proved to be the introduction of the hybrid Mk.IX, an aircraft which fortunately proved to be something of a revelation and more than a match for the Focke Wulf.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe planned Spitfire Mk.VIII would continue into production and was essentially a fighter intentionally designed and engineered from the outset to be the next version of the fighter and a major production variant. Powered by the latest variants of Merlin engine, the Mk.VIII featured a strengthened fuselage, retractable tail wheel and the adoption of a new broad-chord rudder, with versions optimised for high, medium and low altitude operations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis variant of Spitfire served primarily with units based overseas, with the RAF in the Mediterranean, Middle and Far East and the RAAF in the South West Pacific. Many pilots who flew several marks of this famous fighter regarded the Mk.VIII as the best flying Spitfire of them all.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eGrey Nurse History\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eNo. 457 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force became known as ‘Grey Nurse Squadron’ after repainting their newly arrived Spitfire Mk.VIIIs with distinctive shark mouths. Originally tasked with the air defence of Darwin, the squadron was soon moved northwards to Morotai and eventually Labuan to primarily conduct ground attack missions against the Japanese forces. The aircraft portrayed is that of 457’s commanding officer, Sqn. Ldr. Bruce Watson DFC.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51234349973771,"sku":"A17002","price":89.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/airfix-a17002-supermarine-spitfire-mk-viii.jpg?v=1749030647"},{"product_id":"airfix-a50192-1-72-d-day-fighters-gift-set","title":"D-Day Fighters [gift set]","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe importance of the role air power played in the months leading up to D-Day cannot be overstated, with the Allied powers knowing that securing superiority of the skies over the proposed landing beaches could be the difference between success and failure of the entire operation.\u003c\/p\u003e \n\n\u003cp\u003eThat being the case, Allied air forces were committed in ever-increasing numbers from the end of 1943, attacking airfields, supply infrastructure and other strategic targets, and mounting hundreds of diversionary attacks. This was all intended to keep German forces guessing as to the location of the anticipated invasion, but all the time diminishing their ability to respond to the landings when they came.\u003c\/p\u003e \n\n\u003cp\u003eWith so many Allied aircraft expected to be in the air supporting Operation Overlord, Allied Commanders were concerned about the possibility of their aircraft coming under attack from friendly forces both in the air and from anti-aircraft units on the ground.\u003c\/p\u003e \n\n\u003cp\u003eThey issued a directive that all aircraft (with some exceptions, including four-engined heavy bombers) be painted with identification markings around their wings and rear fuselage, under the strictest levels of security.\u003c\/p\u003e \n\n\u003cp\u003eThe order to begin applying markings to troop transport, aircraft was not issued until 3rd June 1944, with other units receiving their instructions the following day. This move placed additional pressure on airfield staff already working at maximum capacity.\u003c\/p\u003e \n\n\u003cp\u003eOn D-Day itself, over 13,000 individual sorties were flown by Allied aircraft in support of the amphibious landings and although around 127 aircraft were lost for various reasons during those operations, it's thought that the adoption of invasion makings significantly reduced numbers succumbing to incidents of friendly fire on that momentous day.\u003c\/p\u003e \n\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough the Luftwaffe were conspicuous by their absence on D-Day itself, they fought tenaciously in the weeks and months which followed, highlighting the fact that they were far from finished.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default 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Title","offer_id":51346127978763,"sku":"7466","price":11.66,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/eduard-7466-supermarine-spitfire-mk-ixc.jpg?v=1748867868"},{"product_id":"tamiya-60320-1-32-supermarine-spitfire-mk-viii","title":"Supermarine Spitfire Mk VIII","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe True Successor to the Mk.V\u003cbr\u003e\nThe legendary Spitfire was the representative British fighter of WWII. Many variants were built and among these was the Mk.VIII, a variant developed to be the replacement for the RAF's previous mainstay Spitfire, the Mk.V. The Mk.VIII was fitted with a Rolls-Royce Merlin 60-series engine, larger radiators, and an air filter as standard. Other improvements included fuel tanks added in the wings, retractable tail wheel, shortened ailerons, and enlarged rudder and elevators. From the latter half of 1943, the Mk.VIII were deployed to the Mediterranean and Pacific Theaters and saw service with RAF, USAAF, RCAF, and RAAF units.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAbout the Model\u003cbr\u003e\n1\/32 scale plastic assembly kit of the Spitfire Mk.VIII. ★Overall Length: 302mm, Overall Width: 383mm. ★Features of the Mk.VIII, including the retractable tail wheel, shortened ailerons, and wing fuel tanks, have all been accurately reproduced. ★You can select either retracted or deployed landing gear and tail wheel even after assembly. ★Parts to depict standard and extended wingtips included ★Features moveable ailerons, rudder, and elevators. Flaps can be depicted in either up or down position. ★Parts for 30 and 90 gallon fuel tanks included. ★Comes with 3 kinds of markings to depict the aircraft from USAAF, RAAF, and RCAF units. ★Comes with 2 pilot figures, 1 seated and 1 standing.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tamiya","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51471829270795,"sku":"60320","price":121.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/tamiya-60320-supermarine-spitfire-mk-viii.jpg?v=1749109971"},{"product_id":"icm-48065-1-48-supermarine-spitfire-mk-viii","title":"Supermarine Spitfire Mk VIII","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn 1943 began production of the Spitfire Mk.VIII modification with retractable tailwheel and increased range. These fighters served in the Mediterranean and Far East in USAAF and RAAF units.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSome Spitfire airplanes received American-built Packard Merline engines and designated as Spitfire Mk.XVI. Late-production aircraft had bubble-top canopies. Spitfires Mk.XVI were suited to low altitudes as fighters and fighter-bombers and were used in the end of war in Europe.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ICM","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51497381134603,"sku":"48065","price":14.85,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/icm-48065-supermarine-spitfire-mk-viii-1.jpg?v=1751311077"},{"product_id":"icm-48324-1-48-conquerors-of-europes-sky","title":"Conquerors of Europe’s Sky","description":"\u003cp\u003eAt the beginning of World War II, U.S. aviation possessed aircraft of varying types and sophistication levels. While American fighters initially lacked significant advantages over enemy aircraft, designers soon created outstanding combat planes to overcome this deficit. In 1942, North American developed the P-51 Mustang, which became one of the world’s finest piston fighters. British combat aviation also entered the war with diverse fighter types, with the Spitfire emerging as their standout aircraft.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Spitfire not only became Britain’s most mass-produced fighter but remained in service in several countries until the 1960s. In U.S. front-line bomber aviation, the B-26 Marauder played a notable role, seeing widespread use in the European theatre during 1944–1945. The exceptional combat experience and expertise of U.S. and British pilots, combined with their aircraft’s superior technical capabilities, enabled them to turn the tide of the air war in Western Europe and achieve air supremacy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eModel Features\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n    \u003cp\u003eSet includes P51 Mustang, Spitfire, and B-26 Marauder\u003cbr\u003e\n    Includes decal sheet for each of the planes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\n\u003cp\u003eModel Information\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n    \u003cp\u003eScale: 1:48\u003cbr\u003e\n    Number of Parts: 362 pieces\u003cbr\u003e\n    Includes detailed assembly instructions\u003cbr\u003e\n    Highly detailed sprues with high accuracy made from quality plastic\u003cbr\u003e\n    Box size: 294 x 230 x 58 mm\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ICM","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51497423700235,"sku":"48324","price":80.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/icm-48324-conquerors-of-europes-sky-1.jpg?v=1751311456"},{"product_id":"airfix-a05125a-1-48-supermarine-spitfire-mk-vb","title":"Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vb","description":"\u003cp\u003eIllustrating the strength and adaptability of its basic design, the Supermarine Spitfire saw constant development throughout the Second World War, with over 20,000 aircraft eventually being produced in 24 different marks. The Mark V variant was actually something of a stop-gap upgrade from the aircraft which fought during the Battle of Britain, but with 6,487 produced, it would prove to be the most heavily produced mark of Spitfire.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51532641829131,"sku":"A05125A","price":26.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/airfix-a05125a-supermarine-spitfire-mk-vb.jpg?v=1749147677"},{"product_id":"eduard-82157-1-48-supermarine-spitfire-mk-vb","title":"Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vb","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe ProfiPACK edition kit of British WWII fighter plane Spitfire Mk.Vb in 1\/48 scale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAll Spitfires are mid version with armor glass before the windshield and have under the wings asymetrical bulges.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n    \u003cp\u003eplastic parts: Eduard\u003cbr\u003e\n    marking options: 7\u003cbr\u003e\n    decals: Eduard\u003cbr\u003e\n    PE parts: pre-painted\u003cbr\u003e\n    painting mask: yes\u003cbr\u003e\n    resin parts: no\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Eduard","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52885283995915,"sku":"82157","price":26.96,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/82157_vko_krabice_z2.jpg?v=1770491732"},{"product_id":"eduard-8282-1-48-supermarine-spitfire-mk-ix","title":"Supermarine Spitfire Mk IX","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe ProfiPACK edition kit of British WWII fighter aircraft Spitfire F Mk.IX in 1\/48 scale.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n    \u003cp\u003eplastic parts: Eduard\u003cbr\u003e\n    marking options: 5\u003cbr\u003e\n    decals: Eduard\u003cbr\u003e\n    PE parts: pre-painted\u003cbr\u003e\n    painting mask: yes\u003cbr\u003e\n    resin parts: no\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Eduard","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53076838023435,"sku":"8282","price":26.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/8282_01_z2.jpg?v=1777314539"},{"product_id":"kotare-32006-1-32-supermarine-spitfire-mk-vb-early","title":"Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vb (early)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe legendary Supermarine “Spitfire” is undoubtedly one of the most famous, and perhaps the most beautiful, aircraft of all time. Designed from 1934 under the guidance of Supermarine Aviation Works’ chief designer Reginald Mitchell, Joseph Smith and “Alf” Faddy, the prototype first flew on 5 March 1936. The Supermarine built, 1030hp Rolls-Royce Merlin II\/III powered, 8 Browning .303” machine gun armed, Spitfire Mk.I entered service from mid-May 1938. The rear fuselage was adorned with raised rivets for ease of construction while the main planes and front of the fuselage were flush riveted, puttied\/filler primed and sanded smooth for improved performance. Numerous improvements were introduced throughout production. Some Mk.I were armed with 2 Hispano 20mm cannons which proved to be so unreliable that they were withdrawn from service in early September 1940. The problems were solved later that year, at which time it was reintroduced with an additional 4 Browning .303” guns and designated the Spitfire Mk.Ib (“B” wing), at which time the 8 Browning .303” gun armed aircraft was re-designated the Mk.Ia (“A” wing).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThe Castle Bromwich Aircraft Factory (CBAF) built 1150hp Rolls-Royce Merlin XII powered Spitfire Mk.IIa and Mk.IIb featured many of the later Mk.Ia improvements although the key difference was the new engine which had a Coffman (explosive) cartridge starting system.\u003c\/p\u003e \n\n\u003cp\u003eA 1390hp Rolls-Royce Merlin XX powered Spitfire Mk.III prototype had been in development since January 1940 which incorporated numerous improvements introduced throughout Mk.I\/II production as well as many new innovations. In early 1941 an urgent need for improved performance saw the installation of the 1440hp Rolls-Royce Merlin 45 into approximately 365 internally strengthened Mk.Ia\/IIa \u0026amp; Mk.Ib\/IIb airframes thereby creating the stop-gap Mk.Va and Mk.Vb.\u003c\/p\u003e \n\n\u003cp\u003eEarly production Mk.Vb (as featured in this model) completed from early-1941 incorporated Mk.I\/II airframe improvements introduced up to that time including constant speed DeHavilland \u0026amp; Rotol propellers, a carb intake ice\/snow guard, fireproof bulkhead, deletion of the 47gal fuel gauge in the instrument panel, engine driven undercarriage controls, windscreen de-icing, Martin-Baker hood release (jettison) system, composite seat, pilot’s armour plating, IFF Mk.II, a single parachute landing flare chute, electrical test door in the port wing fillet, raised rivet wireless and accumulator doors, Plessey flare device, and reinforced tailwheel strut. They also featured the improved “B” type wing, metal skinned ailerons, improved cannon shell ejection chutes, symmetrical\/double-bulged and early asymmetric underwing cannon fairings, two-cell radiator, and an improved oil cooler design.\u003c\/p\u003e \n\n\u003cp\u003eMid production Mk.Vb completed from mid-1941 saw the introduction of additional types of DeHavilland and Rotol propellers, more efficient “fishtail” exhaust manifolds, tyres with concentric side-wall rings, armour under the seat and an emergency exit crowbar. Later production Mk.Vb saw the introduction of a 24 volt voltage regulator behind the pilot’s headrest, rearranged gun heating and oxygen systems, wheel covers, external “slipper” fuel tanks, balloon hoods, internal windscreen armoured glass, a square reflector gun sight Mk.II, clipped wingtips, tropical air intake filters, and deletion of the landing lights, parachute flare and pilot’s headrest. Very late serving aircraft could be found with multi-ejector exhaust manifolds, bomb carriers, and elevators with increased balance areas. Some of these modifications were retrofitted to earlier aircraft. A Mk.Vc was put into production from early 1942 and introduced the “C” wing, with modified undercarriage geometry, which could be armed with up to 4 Hispano 20mm cannons or 8 Browning .303” guns, although it was usually fitted with 2 cannons and 4 Browning guns.\u003c\/p\u003e \n\n\u003cp\u003eNumerous additional engine, airframe and armament improvements were made to the Spitfire before production ceased in 1948, by which time over 22000 had been produced in 2-dozen variants with the most notable being the 1030hp Mk.I, 1470hp Mk.V, 1720hp Mk.IX, 2035hp Mk.XIV, the photo-reconnaissance Mk.XI and the navalised Seafire Mk.III.\u003c\/p\u003e  \n\n\u003cp\u003eEarly production Mk.Vb featured the colours and finishing details of their respective airframe manufacturers. The interior areas were primed with light grey before being painted aluminium, except for the cockpit between frames 8 \u0026amp; 11 which appear to have been painted with grey-green (Supermarine), different from the green seen on early and mid-production Mk.I\/Ia, and very pale grey-green (CBAF). Major internal components supplied by sub-contractors could be delivered in various shades of grey-green or aluminium or even black.\u003c\/p\u003e \n\n\u003cp\u003eUpper surfaces were initially painted Dark Earth and Dark Green in varying shades applied with hard (Supermarine) and soft (CBAF) demarcation lines in the A pattern. The undersides (including the wheel wells, undercarriage struts and wheel hubs) were finished with “Sky Type S”. Although Night (black) was reintroduced for the underside of the port wing from late November 1940 until late April 1941, no Mk.Vb appear to have been finished this way at the factory, although Mk.Vb converted from earlier production Mk.Ib would have had Night applied at the units, before being repainted again with Sky Type S. Spitfire sub-assemblies were usually supplied pre-painted so a single aircraft could exhibit a variety of shades, and sometimes the camouflage pattern would not match perfectly from one sub-assembly\/component to the next. Early production Mk.Vb serving after mid-August 1941 would have received the new “Day Fighter” camouflage scheme with Ocean Grey (or mixed grey) applied over the previous Dark Earth, and Medium Sea Grey applied over the previous “Sky Type S” undersides. These new colours could be brush painted or sprayed on depending on what equipment was available at the time.\u003c\/p\u003e \n\n\u003cp\u003eAdditionally, extensive weathering and re-painting (hand brushed as well as sprayed) also helped ensure that a wide variety of tonal differences could be seen. While we have tried our best with our paint suggestions, there is no doubt many will disagree with us. Which is OK.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Kotare","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53296343515403,"sku":"32006","price":80.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0777\/1809\/4091\/files\/d854917e-K32006_20Kotare_201-32_20Spitfire_20Mk.Vb_20_Early_20box_20art.jpg?v=1786488151"}],"url":"https:\/\/anglia-models.com\/de\/collections\/gbr-supermarine-spitfire-us_aaf.oembed","provider":"Anglia Models","version":"1.0","type":"link"}