1:48 Scale Supermarin Spitfire Mk. IIA Profinish

[Keith Heitmann]

One of the most glorious fighters of all time, the Supermarine Spitfire, was active in all theatres of war during World War II. It achieved its greatest successes, together with the Hurricanes of RAF Fighter Command, during the Battle of Britain in 1940. Many pilots became aces in those few months, but losses were also high. The legendary fighter ace Wing Commander Douglas Bader achieved more than 6 kills during this period and in 1941 he was flying 2 Spitfires with the initials "D-B" before he was finally shot down and held prisoner until the end of the war.

Pre-painted for you!
An excellent idea for all those who value a perfect paint finish.
These domanding scale model aircraft kits for sill level (3) are professionally pre-painted.
ProFinish kit allow modeller to add a perfect model to his/her collection in the twinkling of an eye!

Model details

Scale 1:48
Release date 09/2003
No. of parts 34
Length 188 mm
Wingspan 225 mm
Skill Level 3

Original details
Type description Single-engine fighter
Year/Period 1938
Origin GB

[Phil Walker]

Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't the Spitfire also called the "P-40"? I do remember actually building one like this in my past if it is. Although the one I built being of the same scale had MANY more pieces, decals to deal with, AND you had to paint it. It was put out by Revell too, so just curious as it did taked me 2 weeks to complete when I had but 3 hours a day to work on it in my YOUNGER days!

Sincerely,
Phil

[Keith Heitmann]

No, the P-40 was American made by Curtis and the Spitfire was British made by Supermarine. Two totally different aircraft.

P-40 (below)

[Phil Walker]

OK, the P-40 was the "Flying Tiger". Now I have it, but have done both and as stated above as far as EVERY detail. I do remember the decals and painting so well is why I know I have done both. I especially remember the decals and paining of the spitfire in particular is why I know I did do it. Just didn''t remember the actual numbers of both as I know they both have a "number". So, now I have the details at least. Afterall, it has been a LONG time. ;D

Sincerely,
Phil

[Keith Heitmann]

The Americans tended to number their pursuit/fighter designs starting back in the 1920s and from then on. The names were basically secondary, at least until they started to gain some fame for record setting or military service.

The "P" stood for "pursuit", the way the military defined its fighter aircraft between wars. After WW2, the new formed USAF changed the designation from "P" to "F" for "fighter". And the WW2 P-51 became the Korean War F-51.

The British on the other hand tended to name their aircraft and indicate upgraded models with with various "Marks". The "Marks", abbreviated "Mk.", were indicated in Roman numerals. The Spitfire came in several "Marks" during its military service starting with the Spitfire Mk. I. The series ran long enough after the war so that the last Marks were in the 20s like Spitfire Mk. XXI.

The British still use this name/mark number system for most of their military gear, while the U.S. still uses the number/name system.

[Phil Walker]

Yes, that is understandable they'd stick to "their" number and name system as we do. Come to think of it though the Spitfire I did was only a MK. II WITHOUT the "A", so that could be as I do see a MINOR difference in the picture vs. mine.

Sincerely,
Phil