BUNDLEA14 The 1:48 Spitfire Collection

Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vb

Product code: A05125A

This remarkable 1:48 scale model of the Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vb represents one of the most widely produced versions of this iconic fighter aircraft. Comprising 143 parts and offering two genuine paint options, this Skill Level 3 kit boasts a wingspan of 234mm, allowing enthusiasts aged 8 and older to assemble a model of an aircraft that played a significant role during the Second World War.

Key Features

• 1:48 scale model with 143 plastic components for intricate assembly
• Includes two genuine paint options for diverse display possibilities
• Skill Level 3 kit designed for modellers aged 8 years and above
• Impressive wingspan of 234mm upon completion
• Represents the most produced Spitfire variant from the World War Two era

History

Demonstrating the robustness and versatility of its core design, the Supermarine Spitfire underwent continuous evolution during the Second World War, resulting in the production of over 20,000 aircraft across 24 distinct versions. The Mark V variant served as an interim upgrade from the aircraft that participated in the Battle of Britain, and with 6,487 units manufactured, it became the most extensively produced version of the Spitfire.

BAE SYSTEMS is a registered trade mark of BAE Systems plc.

Individual price: £29.99

Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Ia

Product code: A05126A

This remarkable 1:48 scale replica of the Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Ia consists of 149 components, providing an engaging project for hobbyists aged 8 and older. Boasting a wingspan of 232mm and intricate detailing, this level 3 kit embodies the legendary interceptor that stood as a symbol of The Few during the Battle of Britain. The kit includes options for two distinct paint finishes, enabling you to depict specific aircraft from Fighter Command's pivotal moments.

Key Features

• 1:48 scale model with 149 plastic components for a detailed build
• Wingspan of 232mm accurately reflects the Spitfire's graceful design
• Skill level 3 kit designed for modellers aged 8 years and up
• Includes two paint options to represent various aircraft
• Highly detailed plastic parts recreate the iconic Mk.Ia version
• World War Two era Fighter Command interceptor
• Faithful representation of the aircraft that protected Britain in 1940

History

By 1940, the Supermarine Spitfire had become the preferred interceptor for Fighter Command. Capable of exceeding speeds of 360mph, it was renowned for its exceptional agility. As an outstanding dog-fighter, the Spitfire Mark I is recognised as a symbol of The Few, crucial to defending the United Kingdom against the previously dominant Luftwaffe. Alongside the Hurricane, it secured its legacy during the Battle of Britain.

BAE SYSTEMS is a registered trade mark of BAE Systems plc.

Individual price: £29.99

Supermarine Spitfire FR Mk.XIV

Product code: A05135

Continuing the wartime development of the famous Supermarine Spitfire, the Mk.XIV saw the classic shape of Mitchell's celebrated fighter paired with the awesome power of the new Rolls Royce Griffon engine. The resultant aircraft was superb and one of the RAFs most capable fighters of WWII, proving particularly successful when employed against the V-1 flying bomb attacks which Germany launched against southern Britain, from the summer of 1944.

The adoption of the Rolls-Royce Griffon engine provided the Spitfire with a significant increase in performance, but not without presenting Supermarine designers and pilots converting to the aircraft with a few challenges. Installation of the new engine in the existing Spitfire airframe required a redesign of both the front and rear sections of the aircraft and the use of a distinctive five bladed Rotol propeller. Pilots used to flying Merlin engined versions of the aircraft would find the Griffon turned in the propeller in the opposite direction and whilst the earlier aircraft tended to veer to the left on take-off, the Griffon powered machines would veer in the opposite direction if the pilot forgot and applied their usual corrective inputs, their first flight could be a particularly short and uncomfortable one.

As the only British fighter type to remain in production throughout WWII, the Spitfire was constantly developed to ensure it remained at the forefront of fighter performance, with the Griffon powered aircraft being around 80 mph faster than the original Mk.I machines. With the purr of the early Merlin engines replaced by the throaty growl of the mighty Griffon, these later developments appear to be much more capable versions of the fighter than the classic early Spitfires, even though they are basically a development of them. The Griffin powered Spitfire Mk.XIV possessed greater performance than that of the thoroughbred Mk.IX and therefore was superior to both the Luftwaffe's Focke Wulf Fw 190 and the latest versions of the Messerschmitt Bf 109.

Taking part in air operations in support of and in the months following the D-Day landings, the Mk.XIV was used extensively by the 2nd Tactical Air Force, equipping all 20 of the Spitfire Squadrons that operated from the continent in the months between D-Day and VE-Day. Employed predominantly in an armed reconnaissance role, these fearsome fighters would search for targets behind German lines, attempting to disrupt both their retreat and their ability to send reinforcements to the current front line. Their speed also made them an ideal aircraft to help counter the growing Doodlebug threat endured by southern Britain in the months following Operation Overlord and the D-Day landings.

BAE SYSTEMS is a registered trade mark of BAE Systems plc.

Individual price: £29.99

Supermarine Spitfire Mk.XIV Civilian Schemes

Product code: A05139

Possessing grace, beautifully clean lines and lots of power, several Spitfires would survive the war to become highly distinctive aircraft on the civilian aviation scene either operating as Airshow display aircraft, or competing in air race competitions around the world. The aggressive profile of the Spitfire XIV made for a particularly striking air racer and helped to reaffirm the enduring legacy of this famous aeroplane.

BAE SYSTEMS is a registered trade mark of BAE Systems plc.

Individual price: £29.99

Supermarine Spitfire Mk.XII

Product code: A05117A

This 1:48 scale model accurately depicts the Supermarine Spitfire Mk.XII, the first production variant of this iconic aircraft to feature the robust Rolls-Royce Griffon engine. Consisting of 98 components and boasting a wingspan of 207mm, this Skill Level 2 kit is perfect for modellers aged 8 and older, providing a rewarding assembly experience that highlights this pivotal wartime model. The Griffon engine evolved from the 'R' sprint engine, originally powering the Supermarine Schneider Trophy racing seaplanes in the late 1920s and early 1930s.

Key Features

• 98 piece plastic kit in 1:48 scale
• Spitfire variant with Rolls-Royce Griffon engine
• Includes two genuine paint schemes
• Skill Level 2 - great for budding modellers
• 207mm wingspan when built
• Suitable for ages 8 and above

History

The Mk.XII marked a notable advancement in the Spitfire lineage, being the first production model to incorporate the Rolls-Royce Griffon engine. This formidable engine was a refinement of the 'R' sprint engine, which had driven Supermarine's Schneider Trophy racing seaplanes to success in the late 1920s and early 1930s. The integration of the Griffon engine represented a crucial evolutionary step for the Spitfire, enhancing its power and performance within Mitchell's graceful design.

Individual price: £29.99

Supermarine Spitfire F Mk.XVIII

Product code: A05140

This remarkable 1:48 scale model of the Supermarine Spitfire F Mk.XVIII represents a variant of the renowned fighter plane, developed to create a 'Super Spitfire'. The F Mk.XVIII is an advanced version of the Rolls Royce Griffon powered Mk.XIV, featuring numerous enhancements over its predecessor. Comprising 157 pieces, this intermediate skill level kit enables enthusiasts to construct this formidable aircraft, which boasted increased fuel capacity and reinforced wings, allowing it to carry rockets or bombs alongside its cannon and machine gun weaponry. With a wingspan of 234mm, this intricate model depicts one of the 300 aircraft manufactured, with the RAF acquiring two variants: the F.Mk.XVIII with the standard E wing and the FR.Mk.XVIII, equipped with a camera for reconnaissance missions.

Key Features

• 1:48 scale model with 157 pieces for an engaging assembly experience
• Skill level 3 - suitable for modellers aged 8 and above
• Two authentic RAF paint schemes included for display options
• Detailed depiction of reinforced wings capable of carrying rockets or bombs
• Enhanced cockpit features reflecting improvements over the Mk.XIV
• Wingspan of 234mm captures the impressive dimensions of this Super Spitfire
• Option to construct either the F.Mk.XVIII or the FR.Mk.XVIII reconnaissance variant

History

The Spitfire F Mk.XVIII was developed from the ambition to create a 'Super Spitfire', building on the formidable Rolls Royce Griffon-powered Mk.XIV. This variant included several significant enhancements, making it one of the most capable Spitfires ever produced. The cockpit was upgraded to improve pilot comfort and operational efficiency, while the airframe benefited from increased fuel capacity, extending the aircraft's range and endurance. One of the most notable upgrades was the incorporation of reinforced wings, allowing the F Mk.XVIII to function as a true multi-role fighter. These robust wings could carry rockets or bombs in addition to the standard cannon and machine gun armament, making the aircraft equally effective in air-to-air combat and ground attack roles.

Production of the F Mk.XVIII totalled 300 aircraft, with the RAF receiving two distinct versions. The F.Mk.XVIII featured the standard E wing configuration, while the FR.Mk.XVIII was equipped with a camera for photo reconnaissance work, adding another dimension to the aircraft's operational flexibility. Despite its impressive capabilities, the F Mk.XVIII arrived too late to see service during the Second World War. However, these powerful Spitfires would prove their worth in post-war conflicts, seeing extensive action as part of 'Operation Firedog' and in actions against Communist guerrillas during the Malayan Emergency. In these operations, the F Mk.XVIII's combination of speed, firepower and the ability to carry ground attack ordnance made it an effective counter-insurgency weapon, with the strengthened wings and increased ordnance-carrying capacity proving particularly valuable for delivering strikes against enemy positions.

Individual price: £29.99