Fighting colours of the new 1/24th scale Spitfire Mk.IXc
Welcome to this latest edition of our Workbench blog and all the news, updates and modelling exclusives from the fascinating world of Airfix.
As far as this year is concerned, it really does seem as if 2022 is the year of the Spitfire, at least from an Airfix and a Workbench blog perspective. We began the year with the pre 2022 range launch announcement of our new 1/24th scale Spitfire Mk.IXc project at a specially arranged event at IWM Duxford and since then, there has been no let-up in Spitfire information activity to bring you, be that taking development samples of this impressive new kit to several events and Airshows around the country, or informing Workbench readers about other Spitfire kit re-introductions joining the current Airfix range. As this is arguably the most famous aircraft in the world and always a popular subject with modellers, we don't think many will have an issue with this development, or indeed the fact that the Spitfire is once again our subject for this latest update.
As we enter the month which will commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Royal Air Force squadron introduction of the Spitfire Mk.IX variant, we are pleased to announce that this latest edition of Workbench will be a continuation of the development journey of our newly tooled 1/24th scale Spitfire Mk.IXc, as this time, we take a closer look at all FIVE scheme options which will be included with the initial release from this stunning new kit. With each one looking magnificent and each aircraft covered having a fascinating story to tell, we have not made your scheme choice an easy one, however, this update will hopefully help you make your selection ahead of the late summer release of our latest scale Spitfire tribute. Right then, let's take a look at some stunning Spitfire schemes.
Stop-gap Spitfire becomes fighting thoroughbred
With the Spitfire being such a famous aircraft and its association with the history of the Airfix range being so well-established, Workbench readers don't have to look too hard to find a blog which contains some Spitfire information. For this reason and particularly because our new 1/24th scale Spitfire Mk.IXc new tooling project has been such an important feature of our schedule this year, we are not going to repeat blog ground already covered in this latest update, but simply direct readers to our main Workbench hub, where you will be able to go back over seven years of previous blogs and discover something we have brought you previously, including Spitfire related features. For this scheme detail update, we will simply begin by using the product copy created to support this new kit, before moving on to look at each of the five scheme options to be included with this kit in turn.
1/24th scale Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IX - A17001
In the world of aviation, is there any aircraft which can even come close to matching the iconic status the Supermarine Spitfire enjoys, a legacy which is as strong today as it was during the wartime years? A modern monoplane fighter aircraft which made its first flight from Eastleigh Aerodrome on 5th March 1936, the Spitfire would earn its legendary reputation during the Battle of Britain, when the pilots of the Royal Air Force stood defiantly against the overwhelming might of the all-conquering Luftwaffe, an aviation beacon of hope for a nation and its people during their darkest hour. Elegant and graceful to look at, the Spitfire’s appearance masked the fact that this was a deadly fighting aeroplane and one which was adaptable enough to undergo almost constant development throughout the wartime years, allowing later marks of the fighter to post speeds which were almost 100 mph faster than the first machines to enter service. With a service career which extended well into the post war years, the Spitfire outlived all its aviation contemporaries and with over 22,000 Spitfires of all variants (including Seafires) eventually being built, Spitfires are still a regular sight at Airshow events all over the world, as an ever increasing number of restored airworthy aircraft continue to write the enduring Spitfire story. Even though the prototype Spitfire made its first flight over 85 years ago, the aircraft is still widely regarded as Britain’s most famous aircraft type and instantly recognisable to many millions of people the world over.
Designed for success, our new 1/24th scale Spitfire Mk.IXc kit is a faithful representation of this most famous aircraft and a variant which was rushed into service, but became something of a thoroughbred.
The Spitfire Mk.IX variant was arguably the most important mark of Spitfire in the entire production run and because of that, it is somewhat surprising to learn that it was actually something of a stop-gap development. The arrival of the Luftwaffe’s new Focke Wulf 190 fighter over the Western Front in August 1941 saw RAF Spitfire Mk.Vs operating over the Channel falling victim to the ‘Butcher Bird’ in ever increasing numbers and something had to be done. A major Spitfire upgrade was in progress, but the Mk.VIII was still some way off, as manufacturing facilities prepared their tooling jigs for the new aircraft, but there was a temporary solution. One of the major features of the new Spitfire was its use of a powerful new version of the Rolls Royce Merlin engine and it was proposed that fitting this new engine to a Spitfire Mk.V airframe would give the fighter a welcome performance boost.
The first 100 Spitfire Mk.IX fighters were actually Mk.Vc airframes adapted to take the new Merlin 61 two stage, two speed supercharged engine, with this combination producing a thoroughbred fighting aeroplane, one which was more than capable of challenging the FW190 and the latest ‘F’ variant of the Messerschmitt Bf 109. In fact, the new Spitfire was considered so successful that this would become the second most heavily produced variant in the entire production run and if including the aircraft powered by the licence built Packard Merlin 266 (Spitfire Mk.XVI) even eclipsed the Mk.V in production numbers. With further powerplant refinement taking place throughout the production life of this variant, the first Mk.IX Spitfires started to join RAF Squadrons from July 1942, with this famous mark of Spitfire going on to see service past D-Day and into the post war era. The last major Merlin engine powered variant of the Spitfire, this ‘emergency stop-gap fighter’ actually became something of an aviation classic.
Fighter pilot John Agorastos Plagis was of Greek descent and had the distinction of being the highest scoring Greek fighter ace of the Second World War. His parents had moved to Southern Rhodesia prior to his birth in 1919 and on the outbreak of the Second World War, the young Plagis applied to join the Rhodesian Air Force, but was refused by virtue of his parentage. Undaunted, he joined the Royal Air Force, learning to fly whilst still in Africa, but as a Greek subject flying in the RAF.
On his arrival in Britain, Plagis would make his operational flying debut during the final clashes of the Battle of Britain, before going on to fly offensive fighter sweeps into occupied France and the Low Countries. He would later volunteer for service on the Island of Matla and became one of the first pilots to fly a Spitfire from the deck of HMS Eagle and onwards to Malta on 6th March 1942. On their arrival at their new base on Malta, Plagis and the rest of No.126 Squadron were straight into the thick of the action and were destined for a torrid time on this beautiful, but beleaguered island. Their Spitfires were needed to repel almost constant air raids and often whilst facing overwhelming odds, but despite this and high attrition rates, Plagis and his fellow pilots started to score victories with some regularity.
On 1st April 1942, Plagis shot down four enemy aircraft during four separate sorties that day, but to illustrate the pressures the Malta based RAF pilots were flying under, during one of these sorties, he and three other pilots were sent against 180 Axis bombers, with a further 80 fighters protecting them. Amongst his victories on that particular sortie were a Ju88 destroyed and an Me109 damaged, bringing his total for the day to 4 aircraft destroyed, one damaged, and a further one probably destroyed, however, he did not emerge from the day's combat unscathed, as his Spitfire was badly shot up and he suffered several superficial wounds. On leaving Malta, Plagis had a victory total of 11 enemy aircraft destroyed, 2 probables and a further 5 damaged.
Scheme details showing the various presentations of Johnny Plagis' Spitfire our decal sheet supports.
On arriving back in the UK, Plagis was in pretty poor shape, exhausted and malnourished, he was in desperate need of a period of convalescence, which he was thankfully granted. Following his recovery, he would spend several months as an instructor, before returning to operational flying in September 1943 as the Commanding Officer of No.64 Squadron, where it didn't take long for him to start increasing his victory tally once more. By the beginning of June 1944, he had assumed command of No.126 (Persian Gulf) Squadron, flying Spitfire IXs, with his unit heavily engaged in actions supporting the Normandy invasion and the push into occupied Europe. Several of the unit's Spitfires had been funded by the Persian Gulf Spitfire Fund and carried names which reflected this association, including the one flown by Sqn Lr Plagis. His aircraft carried the fuselage code letter K, with an extra K carried on the rudder, apparently in honour of his sister Kay. Some pictures taken during his time flying this Spitfire show the aircraft with an impressive victory scoreboard painted under the port-side canopy and also with the name Kay above it. The aircraft is also noted sporting the name MUSCAT on its fuselage, highlighting its Persian association - modellers have been provided with various options to complete the model in the configuration they feel is the most accurate representation.
It is interesting to note that as this Spitfire operated right through and in the months immediately following D-Day, it was presented in various configurations of the famous identification markings and indeed, would later have them removed altogether. It also appears that ML214 carried invasion stripes of a non-standard width, being slightly narrower than usual. Flying extensively during the post D-Day period, Plagis was shot down over Arnhem in September 1944, however, he escaped injury and returned to operational flying just a couple of weeks later. Plagis and the rest of No.126 Squadron would trade their Spitfires for Mustang IIIs at RAF Bentwaters during December 1944 and would end the war with 16 confirmed aerial victories, even though it is highly likely that this is a conservative figure, with a number closer to 20 being a more accurate one.
Following its service with the RAF, ML214 would serve with the French Air Force from August 1946.
Spitfire Mk.IXc EN398 was built at the Chattis Hill assembly site in Hampshire, making its first flight on 13th February 1943 and less than a week later, arriving for squadron service with No.402 (City of Winnipeg) Squadron at Kenley. Once there, she would become the favoured mount of Flight Lieutenant Ian Keltie, initially wearing the codes AE-I, but at some time during the next few weeks being re-coded AE-B. The aircraft was unusual in that it was to benefit from the addition of some rather distinctive nose artwork on its portside cowling covers, in the shape of a large running 'Popeye' figure. The pilot claimed he was unaware of when or by whom it was applied, but suspected an artistic member of the ground crew embellished this and several other Spitfires with cartoon characters. He was unsure if they carried any particular significance to anyone in the squadron, but there is no doubting that they looked impressive and must have distracted any Luftwaffe pilots who managed to get close enough to see them during combat.
At that time, Keltie and the pilots of RCAF No.402 Squadron were engaged in a particularly heavy period of fighting, helping to stem the Luftwaffe's Focke Wulf tide, in addition to flying Rodeo missions, intercepting high-speed intruders and even escorting USAAF Flying Fortress bombers on their way too and from targets in Northern Europe. Keltie did not fly EN398 exclusively, but due to the artwork it carried, was probably the one he remembers most clearly. She certainly came into contact with plenty of Focke-Wulf Fw190 fighters, the aircraft which had been the scourge of the RAF over previous months, but it is not known if it was actually responsible for destroying any of the German fighters during the time it was operated by Keltie. It certainly had a couple of damaged enemy aircraft to its name.
Schemes B and C are different representations of the same Spitfire, but both help to tell the fascinating story of this particular Spitfire.
From the early summer of 1943, Keltie and the rest of No.402 Squadron moved to RAF Digby, however, Spitfire EN398 remained at Kenley to be used by the incoming replacement squadron, another Canadian unit, No.416 Squadron. Kenley was home to four RCAF Squadrons at that time, Nos 403 and 416 flying Spitfire Mk.IXs and Nos 411 and 421 flying the earlier Mk.V machines. On 16th March 1943, Wing Commander 'Johnnie' Johnson arrived to lead the Canadian Wing, which is where the story of Spitfire EN398 takes a fascinating turn and one which will make this and the following scheme options incredibly difficult to choose between.
Arriving at Kenley to take charge of No.127 (Canadian) Wing at around the time of his 28th birthday, James Edgar 'Johnnie' Johnson was one of the most respected fighter leaders at that time and already had at least seven confirmed aerial victories to his name, making him an 'Ace' pilot. One of the first jobs he had on his arrival at Kenley was to select a Spitfire to use as his personal mount and as such, he was attracted to a rather pristine looking machine which appeared to him to be still undergoing acceptance checks, even though it had already been at Kenley for several weeks. After completing a 50 minute test flight in the aircraft, Johnson duly selected Spitfire Mk.IXc EN398 to be his personal aircraft and as the Wing Commander, was allowed to have his initials as the aircraft's fuselage codes, JE-J.
As we now know, EN398 had previously been flown by Flight Lieutenant Ian Keltie and had the distinctive running 'Popeye' artwork on its fuselage. It seems likely that as the artwork had been removed once the pilot moved to Digby and may have been touched up and subjected to a period of cleaning and maintenance, this may be why Johnson thought the aircraft was new and had not been used operationally. Interestingly, from his memoirs, he continued to maintain that EN398 was a new aircraft and had not been used by another pilot - in addition to this, he was also certain that the Canadian maple leaf motif carried on either side of the fuselage under the windscreen was green, when the rest of the aircraft in the wing sported this detail in red. Our decal sheet includes both options for the modeller, so you can proceed with this detail in the manner you see most appropriate, possibly after reading one of the excellent books written about the wartime exploits of this famous pilot.
In addition to carrying his initials on the fuselage of Spitfire EN398, Johnson also had his ground crews make further modifications to his personal mount, as befits a man of his standing within the Royal Air Force. In most cases, the firing pattern of a Spitfire was to have the guns firing at slightly different angles, giving the average squadron pilot the best chance of scoring hits in a combat situation. Confident of both his flying and shooting abilities, Johnson had armourers harmonise his guns to converge their fire on a single point, optimised to a distance which he favoured when making an attack. In addition to this, he also had the fighter's gunsight changed for the one he used on his previous Spitfire, because he trusted this apparatus and it was also optimised in accordance with his fighting preferences.
One of the most famous Spitfires of the Second World War and a scheme option many of us will find difficult to overlook.
Using Spitfire EN398 on his first operational sortie as Kenley Wing Leader on 3rd April 1943, Johnson managed to destroy a Focke Wulf Fw190A fighter over the Pas-de-Calais, the start of a successful fighting partnership between the two. In a hectic six month period flying EN398, Johnnie Johnson managed to shoot down 12 enemy aircraft using this fighter and shared in the destruction of at least 5 more. On the odd occasion she was used by other pilots when Johnson was not rostered to fly, it continued to have success against the Luftwaffe, with at least one further victory and several other shared or probable successes. During a particularly hectic period of operational flying, this incredible Spitfire was never forced to break away from the fighting due to mechanical or technical failure, truly a Spitfire which helped to neutralise the threat posed by the Luftwaffe's Focke Wulf Fw190 fighter.
Once Johnson left the wing after accepting a position at 11 Group HQ, Spitfire EN398 was passed to the care of No.421 Squadron, but after just a couple of weeks of flying with its new unit, the aircraft sustained damage which required a return to Air Service Training at Hamble for repair - she would never fly combat operations again. The fighter would later be used in the post war training of French Air Force pilots, but was placed into long-term storage from March 1949. She was eventually scrapped during the Autumn of 1952.
As one of the world's premier fighting aeroplanes, the Spitfire was of interest to any air arm who could get their hands on them, including the Americans. Some American volunteer pilots travelled to Britain before the US had entered the Second World War, flying with the Royal Air Force and flying both the Hurricane and Spitfire operationally. Once America had entered the war, most of these pilots transferred to US units, exchanging their Spitfires for the mighty Thunderbolt, a massive fighter which was not called the Juggernaut for nothing. RAF pilots joked with their American colleagues that if they are attacked by a Messerschmitt, they could unstrap themselves and run around the fuselage to dodge the bullets. As we now know, the Thunderbolt was an excellent fighting aeroplane, however, American pilots who had time on Spitfires never lost their affection for the aircraft.
The USAAF did use the Spitfire operationally, with around 600 examples eventually seeing American service, something which again illustrates the high regard in which the aircraft was held. The 31st Fighter Group arrived in the UK during the summer of 1942, scheduled to fly the Bell P-39 Airacobra, which were following on behind. Having already flown the fighter in the ETO, RAF officials convinced the Americans that the P-39 was unsuitable for combat operations in Europe and furnished their pilots with Spitfires. The 31st FG used their Spitfires extensively during operations in support of the Allied amphibious landings at Dieppe, however, their time flying from bases in the UK would be short and by October, were sent to Gibraltar to take part in the impending invasion of North Africa.
During this vital, yet little known aspect of the Second World War, it was crucial for Allied forces that the Axis powers were removed from North Africa, so this could be used as a launch platform for further operations across the Mediterranean and into the Italian mainland. The Spitfires of the American 31st FG were heavily involved in these operations, flying fighter sweeps, attacking ground targets and escorting Allied bombers, often flying from recently captured enemy airfields. Moving on to cover amphibious operations against Sicily and at Salerno, their Spitfires were often required to operate from bases which were less than ideal, having nothing but the most basic of amenities for air and ground crews. A move to the airfield at Pomigliano brought about a welcome change in this situation, as it could boast a concrete runway and permanent accommodation blocks for group personnel.
This stunning scheme just looks so good on the Spitfire and in this larger scale, will make for a striking modelling centrepiece.
On 9th November 1943, Captain Garth Jared was appointed to the position of Squadron Leader with the 309th Fighter Squadron, at just around the same time that the Luftwaffe decided to pay their home airfield a visit. Attacking airfield infrastructure and parked aircraft, this was doubly frustrating for the pilots, as they had rarely seen the enemy over the previous few days. The unit's pilots were desperate for combat action, but despite flying regular combat operations, they rarely came into contact with the Luftwaffe. The majority of their sorties consisted of long patrols along the front lines searching for action, or providing escort for bombers heading for their latest strategic targets, but when they did encounter the enemy, the fighting could be savage. Despite now being under significant pressure, the Luftwaffe were equipped with excellent fighting aeroplanes and could still call upon the services of some seasoned veterans, more than a match for the Spitfires of the 31st Fighter Group.
Following the Allied landings at Anzio, combat operations became much more competitive, as the Germans realised the seriousness of the situation and how the Allies were now in a position to push ahead on multiple fronts. The Luftwaffe began to commit larger numbers of aircraft to combat, offering an opportunity for 309th FS pilots to increase their victory tallies. During the last week in March 1944, the pilots of the 309th FS were ordered to North Africa, where their new aircraft would be waiting for them, North American P-51B Mustangs. Leaving their trusty Spitfires behind at Pomigliano, the Mustangs would operate from a new base at San Severo, tasked with providing fighter support for bombers flying to targets in the heart of Europe.
This beautiful Spitfire was the personal mount of Garth Jared, who bent the rules somewhat by extending the fuselage codes of his aircraft by one additional letter, representing his initials. His aircraft also carried two victory markings, the name 'Eleonor' on both sides of the fuselage, which was presumably in reference to his wife or girlfriend, and also a representation of the squadron's badge on both sides of the engine cowling. The aircraft is painted in RAF Desert Air Force colours of dark earth, mid stone and azure blue, which it has to be said look absolutely stunning on a Spitfire and in 1/24th scale, will surely be something of an attention grabber.
Tragically, Garth Jared lost his life on 18th April 1944 when the P-51B Mustang he was flying was struck by anti-aircraft fire. He would be credited with 3 aerial victories with others either listed as damaged or probably destroyed - all these victories were scored against Luftwaffe fighters and all whilst flying in Italian skies.
This particular Spitfire was built at Castle Bromwich in late 1943 and delivered to the RAF at No.33 MU on New Years Day 1944. It was one of a number of aircraft which were later supplied to the French Air Force in early 1944 to be used in the tactical reconnaissance role by GR 2/33 'Savoie', the only French tactical reconnaissance unit to fly the Spitfire. Featuring clipped wings and a rather flamboyant finish, the aircraft was also decorated with the name 'Curieux' and a pair of sinister peering eyes, clearly in reference to the inquisitive nature of the units snooping Spitfires, with the name meaning curious, or nosey.
The Spitfires of GR 2/33 also carried a white 'Mouette du Rhin' (Rhine Gull) on both sides of the fuselage just behind the cockpit, making these some of the most distinctive Spitfires to see wartime service. With the surrender of France, the establishment of the Free French Air Force by the French Government in exile gave the French nation a real focal point for their continued resistance, highlighting how millions of French people were not prepared to accept German occupation. The squadrons were each linked with a city or region and was intended to send a clear message of national unity to those Vichy forces who chose to fight alongside the Germans and to show them how they had backed the wrong horse in this fight.
Sacré Bleu, a Spitfire in French Air Force markings! This one also has its peepers on you, signifying its use as a reconnaissance aircraft.
Highlighting the widespread use of an aircraft which was produced throughout the war and in great numbers, these French Spitfires were uniquely presented and help to tell a fascinating story not only about the legacy of the Spitfire, but also the vital contribution of French aircrews during the Second World War. This particular Spitfire would be lost on 4th January 1945, falling victim to ground fire whilst conducting its latest reconnaissance mission. The Spitfires of GR 2/33 would eventually be traded for American built Mustangs, however, this stunning scheme is an attractive and unusual presentation of a wartime Spitfire and one which will look particularly impressive when applied to a kit in this large 1/24th scale.
With regard to our new 1/24th scale Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXc kit, our previous reviews have shown just how accurate and how much detail our designer Chris has managed to incorporate into this kit and how it will be a stunning representation of this famous fighting aeroplane. The scheme detail review above now illustrates how modellers will have a difficult choice when attempting to select one of the five scheme options included with the kit when it actually comes to finishing their new Spitfire, with each one being appealing in their own way and with the stories behind them giving us a real affinity with each option. Should we go with the safe option of Johnnie Johnson's warhorse, or do we go with something completely different and select the French Air Force reconnaissance Spitfire scheme above? Thankfully, we leave this difficult decision to you, but can’t wait to see the Spitfire creations you all produce in the weeks following the release of this magnificent new kit.
This stencil placement guidance sheet covers all five schemes and shows the positioning of important additional detail when finishing our Spitfire model.
We are expecting our new 1/24th scale Spitfire to be available in late September/early October, but will bring you definitive confirmation in our next project update.
That’s all we have for you in this latest edition, but we will be back with more project updates for you next week. As always, we are interested to hear your views on all things Airfix and particularly in relation to our Workbench blog, so if you ever feel like dropping us a quick line, please use our workbench@airfix.com contact e-mail address.
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Related Products
Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXc
A17001 |
1:24
Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Ia
A05126A |
1:48
Further Reading
Related Products
Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXc
A17001 |
1:24
Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Ia
A05126A |
1:48
Further Reading
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