Military Model Scene

I have recently mentioned a couple of smaller 1/72 Spitfire variants that Eduard have released recently, while this time they have a 1/48 Spitfire, the Mk.IXc Late version.  With the larger scale model , and as a ProfiPack series kit, there is even more detail in this one.

The Mk IX was developed in answer to the appearance of the Fw 190 in Luftwaffe service, and its' success against the Spitfire Mk V then in service with the RAF.  The answer was to use the existing Mk V airframe,, but with some updates and strengthening to enable it to take the heavier, and more powerful, Merlin 61, which had two superchargers.  This achieved the desired results, being faster and able to operate to even greater height and it did prove a match for the 190.  Over 5500 examples were built, and it remained in service to the end of the war and beyond.

As a ProfiPack series kit, it includes painting masks as well as the etch fret details that include the pre-painted instrument panel, which is as ever an impressive detail to add to the cockpit of the model.  The cockpit is the starting point for the build and includes detailed side walls, bulkheads and seat, as well as the etch instrument panel.  The etch details also include pre-coloured seat belts which add a good look to the detail of the pilot's seat.  The completed unit is then fitted between the fuselage halves when you join them together.

In assembling the upper and lower wing panels, you add the internal walls of the wheel wells.  The external detail is very neatly done throughout, though there remains room to add even more detail if you wish to.  Not included within the box but also available in the Eduard product ranges you can buy additional detailing sets for this 1/48 Spitfire.  These include an even more detailed cockpit tub, with resin and additional etch details: if you want the flaps down, then detailed etch flaps can be added: detailed gun bays can be put into the wings: five-spoke wheels: fishtail exhausts: surface panels and also impressive, a detailed engine.  Any combination of these with the kit could result in a highly detailed model that will look great in a ground based diorama of a maintenance scene or a crashed aircraft.

Back to the kit, one of the variants is linked to fitting bomb racks under each wing, a tempting variation for a Spitfire model in your collection.

There are 6 options provided for in terms of colours and markings in the kit. -

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A. Spitfire LF Mk.IXc MH712, flown by W/O Henryk Dygala of No 302 Squadron during the Summer/Autumn of 1944.  It carries the Black/White invasion stripes under the wings and centre fuselage, though removed from the upper surfaces.  It also features the pointed tail more familiar with a Mk VIII and being a Polish pilot it is also unusual for having some nose art, not too commonly seen on Spitfires.   This is the option with the bomb racks fitted.

B. Spitfire HF Mk. IXc MJ296 flown by F/Lt Otto Smik, the CO of B Flight, No 312 (Czechoslovak) Squadron from North Weald in late August 1944.  The markings also include his personal score on the cockpit door.

C. Spitfire LF Mk IXc MJ586, flown by Pierre Clostermann in 602 Squadron while based at Longues sur Mer airfield in Normandy on 7 June 1944.  Invasions stripes only on the lower surfaces again.  This French fighter ace became best known for his book  'The Big Show' which focussed on his time flying Tempests.

D. Spitfire LF Mk IXc MJ250of 601 Squadron based in Italy during the Summer of 1944.  The Squadron was operating from airfields at Perugia, Loreto and Fano during that period.  It has a quite different scheme as it was stripped down to overall bare metal, with the exception of the upper engine and fuel tank cowlings, which remained in Ocean Grey/Green camouflage, and it is likely they were taken from another aircraft.

E. Spitfire LF Mk. IXc ML135, an aircraft flown by Canadian pilot Jerry Billing with 401 Squadron, flying from Tangmere airfield on June 7 1944.  In standard camouflage of the time it is also the only option which includes full D-Day invasion stripes on upper and lower surfaces.

F. Spitfire LF Mk. IXc ML135 again flown by Jerry Billing, but this time in France on July 1st 1944 when he was shot down and crash landed South of Carentan.  By this time the D-Day stripes had been removed from the upper surfaces and the name 'Dorothy' was written under the cockpit.

 

There is also a separate page to show the positioning for all the airframe stencils which are included as transfers.  All in all another excellent model to add to a collection of 1/48 Spitfires.

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Thanks to Eduard for this example.

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Robin