Spitfire models · Compare UK prices
Spitfire Models & Kits
Choose a Spitfire model by mark, scale and construction difficulty. Compare Airfix, Tamiya and Revell plastic model kits, from compact 1:72 fighters to detailed 1:48, 1:32 and 1:24 builds.
The wider range includes wooden builds, metal model kits, QUICKBUILD and ready-built display models. Our history and marks guide explains how the Mk.I, Mk.V, Mk.VIII, Mk.XIV and reconnaissance versions differ.
Featured build · Tamiya Spitfire Mk.I, 1:72
Featured Spitfire models
Three scales and construction demands: Tamiya’s Easy 1:72 Mk.I, its Challenging 1:48 Mk.I and Airfix’s Expert 1:24 Mk.VIII. Choose the project size and level of assembly that suit your experience.
Best for an Easy plastic Spitfire
Easy · Plastic · 1:72
1:72 scale · Merlin-powered Mk.I
Best for a detailed 1:48 Spitfire
Challenging · Plastic · 1:48
1:48 scale · Detailed cockpit and canopy options
Best for a large Expert project
Expert · Plastic · 1:24
1:24 scale · Large traditional plastic kit
Easy Spitfire model kits
Compare three conventional 1:72 kits: Tamiya’s Mk.I, Airfix’s Mk.Ia and the camera-equipped PR.XIX. All have an Easy Model Steam construction rating. They still require careful assembly and finishing; the rating does not mean they arrive built.
Best for an Easy plastic Spitfire
Easy · Plastic · 1:72
1:72 scale · Merlin-powered Mk.I
Tamiya’s compact Mk.I offers an Easy-rated introduction to a conventional plastic Spitfire. Build the cockpit, join the airframe and finish it in your chosen supplied markings. This is a glue-and-paint project, rather than a push-fit or ready-built model.
Best for a straightforward Airfix kit
Easy · Plastic · 1:72
36 parts · 1:72 scale · Standalone kit
This standalone Mk.Ia has 36 parts and an Easy construction rating. It suits a small display or a first traditional aircraft project. Paint, glue and a brush need to be chosen separately; the A01071C kit is not a starter set with finishing supplies.
Best for a reconnaissance Spitfire
Easy · Plastic · 1:72
44 parts · 1:72 scale · Griffon-powered PR type
The PR.XIX represents an unarmed photographic-reconnaissance Spitfire rather than a gun-armed fighter. Airfix’s 44-part kit has an Easy construction rating and offers a different nose and camera-equipped subject for a small-scale collection. Allow for separate glue and paint.
Intermediate Spitfire model kits
Tamiya and Revell Mk.Vb kits offer the same broad mark in different scales, while Airfix A05139 adds a Griffon-powered Mk.XIV with civilian schemes. Compare the exact kit and finish rather than assuming that a later mark or larger scale is harder to build.
Best for a mid-sized Merlin fighter
Intermediate · Plastic · 1:48
1:48 scale · Wingtip and canopy options
Tamiya’s Mk.Vb combines a Merlin-powered fighter with canopy and wingtip choices in 1:48. Choose the parts that match your supplied marking option before assembly. The Intermediate rating suits a modeller ready for more careful cockpit, airframe and finishing work.
Best for a smaller Intermediate build
Intermediate · Plastic · 1:72
1:72 scale · Conventional plastic kit
Revell’s Mk.Vb keeps the subject compact at 1:72 while offering an Intermediate construction project. Compare it with Tamiya’s larger 1:48 Mk.Vb when choosing display size. Careful alignment, a neat canopy and a controlled paint finish matter at this smaller scale.
Best for a different Griffon-powered finish
Intermediate · Plastic · 1:48
118 parts · 1:48 scale · Civilian racing schemes
This Mk.XIV uses the distinctive Griffon-powered airframe with civilian display and racing schemes. Airfix A05139 is not a generic wartime camouflage boxing. Choose it for its different finish and subject, with an Intermediate-rated plastic build before the painting and decals.
Challenging and Expert Spitfire kits
Tamiya’s 1:48 Mk.I and 1:32 Mk.XVIe are Challenging projects; Airfix’s 1:24 Mk.VIII is rated Expert. Choose between a detailed early fighter, a low-back Packard-Merlin version and a large Mk.VIII according to the construction work and display space you want.
Best for a detailed 1:48 Spitfire
Challenging · Plastic · 1:48
1:48 scale · Detailed cockpit and canopy options
This Tamiya Mk.I offers a more involved Spitfire at 1:48 than the smaller 1:72 kit. Its detailed cockpit and alternative canopy parts call for patient assembly and planning. The Challenging rating reflects the construction work, not simply the aircraft’s mark or scale.
Best for a large low-back Spitfire
Challenging · Plastic · 1:32
1:32 scale · Packard Merlin · Teardrop canopy
Tamiya’s Mk.XVIe depicts the low-back airframe, teardrop canopy and Packard-built Merlin engine. Its 1:32 format gives space for cockpit and engine detail, alongside a Challenging construction project. Compare the exact canopy and wing configuration before matching another Spitfire kit.
Best for a large Expert project
Expert · Plastic · 1:24
1:24 scale · Large traditional plastic kit
Airfix’s Mk.VIII is a substantial 1:24 project for an experienced builder. The large airframe gives room for detailed subassemblies and an extended paint finish. Plan the workbench and completed wingspan before starting; an enlarged scale does not make the construction automatically easier.
Choosing a Spitfire model scale
For the same Spitfire, a 1:48 model is 1.5 times the linear size of a 1:72 version. Compare the completed wingspan as well as the scale: different marks and wingtip options can change the dimensions. A larger model can also contain more detailed assemblies.
| Scale | Subject | What to consider | Catalogue examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:72 | Compact Spitfire fighters and reconnaissance aircraft | A small footprint for a collection, with cockpit glazing and small fittings still needing care. | Tamiya Mk.I / Airfix Mk.Ia / Airfix PR.XIX |
| 1:48 | More room for cockpit and surface detail | A useful middle size. Compare canopy, wing and marking options alongside the construction rating. | Tamiya Mk.I / Tamiya Mk.Vb / Airfix Mk.XIV |
| 1:32 | Large detailed Spitfires | Allow room for the wings and display base. Detailed engines and cockpit assemblies can extend the project. | Tamiya Mk.XVIe |
| 1:24 | Large traditional plastic kits | Plan the workbench and display space first. The Expert-rated Mk.VIII is an extended construction and finishing project. | Airfix Mk.VIII |
| Other formats | QUICKBUILD, wood, metal and finished display models | Use an exact stated scale where available; otherwise compare dimensions and assembly method. Do not assume every model is a conventional plastic kit. | See the wider range in Browse all Spitfire models. |
1:72 Spitfire model kits
Tamiya’s Mk.I, Revell’s Mk.Vb and Airfix’s PR.XIX keep a Spitfire collection compact while showing different aircraft variants. The first and last are Easy-rated; Revell’s Mk.Vb is Intermediate. Shared scale does not make the kits identical in construction or role.
Best for an Easy plastic Spitfire
Easy · Plastic · 1:72
1:72 scale · Merlin-powered Mk.I
Tamiya’s compact Mk.I offers an Easy-rated introduction to a conventional plastic Spitfire. Build the cockpit, join the airframe and finish it in your chosen supplied markings. This is a glue-and-paint project, rather than a push-fit or ready-built model.
Best for a smaller Intermediate build
Intermediate · Plastic · 1:72
1:72 scale · Conventional plastic kit
Revell’s Mk.Vb keeps the subject compact at 1:72 while offering an Intermediate construction project. Compare it with Tamiya’s larger 1:48 Mk.Vb when choosing display size. Careful alignment, a neat canopy and a controlled paint finish matter at this smaller scale.
Best for a reconnaissance Spitfire
Easy · Plastic · 1:72
44 parts · 1:72 scale · Griffon-powered PR type
The PR.XIX represents an unarmed photographic-reconnaissance Spitfire rather than a gun-armed fighter. Airfix’s 44-part kit has an Easy construction rating and offers a different nose and camera-equipped subject for a small-scale collection. Allow for separate glue and paint.
1:48 Spitfire model kits
Compare a Mk.I, Mk.Vb and Griffon-powered Mk.XIV at 1:48. Tamiya’s Mk.I is a Challenging build, while the Mk.Vb and Airfix civilian-scheme Mk.XIV are Intermediate. Check the supplied canopy, wing and marking options before choosing your finished display.
Best for a detailed 1:48 Spitfire
Challenging · Plastic · 1:48
1:48 scale · Detailed cockpit and canopy options
This Tamiya Mk.I offers a more involved Spitfire at 1:48 than the smaller 1:72 kit. Its detailed cockpit and alternative canopy parts call for patient assembly and planning. The Challenging rating reflects the construction work, not simply the aircraft’s mark or scale.
Best for a mid-sized Merlin fighter
Intermediate · Plastic · 1:48
1:48 scale · Wingtip and canopy options
Tamiya’s Mk.Vb combines a Merlin-powered fighter with canopy and wingtip choices in 1:48. Choose the parts that match your supplied marking option before assembly. The Intermediate rating suits a modeller ready for more careful cockpit, airframe and finishing work.
Best for a different Griffon-powered finish
Intermediate · Plastic · 1:48
118 parts · 1:48 scale · Civilian racing schemes
This Mk.XIV uses the distinctive Griffon-powered airframe with civilian display and racing schemes. Airfix A05139 is not a generic wartime camouflage boxing. Choose it for its different finish and subject, with an Intermediate-rated plastic build before the painting and decals.
How to choose your Spitfire model
Choose the aircraft mark and finish first, then the scale and assembly method. Our difficulty ratings describe construction rather than optional advanced painting or the aircraft’s historical importance.
For a simpler traditional build, compare Airfix Mk.Ia and Tamiya Mk.I. For more cockpit detail, consider Tamiya’s 1:48 Mk.I; for a large project, compare Tamiya’s Mk.XVIe with Airfix’s 1:24 Mk.VIII. Check the supplied markings and budget for glue, paint and a brush where these are not included.
Compare recommended Spitfire kits
Compare the selected kits by aircraft mark, scale, construction rating and current price. A mark identifies the aircraft variant; it is separate from the kit’s difficulty.
| Model / brand | Mark | Scale | Difficulty | Price | Buy now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tamiya 60748 Spitfire Mk.I | Mk.I | 1:72 | Easy | £15.04 | |
| Tamiya 61119 Spitfire Mk.I | Mk.I | 1:48 | Challenging | £31.95 | |
| Airfix A17002 Spitfire Mk.VIII | Mk.VIII | 1:24 | Expert | £91.12 | |
| Airfix A01071C Spitfire Mk.Ia | Mk.Ia | 1:72 | Easy | £10.95 | |
| Airfix A02017B Spitfire PR.XIX | PR.XIX | 1:72 | Easy | £12.92 | |
| Tamiya 61033 Spitfire Mk.Vb | Mk.Vb | 1:48 | Intermediate | £22.78 | |
| Revell 03897 Spitfire Mk.Vb | Mk.Vb | 1:72 | Intermediate | £9.95 | |
| Airfix A05139 Spitfire Mk.XIV Civilian Schemes | Mk.XIV | 1:48 | Intermediate | £43.40 | |
| Tamiya 60321 Spitfire Mk.XVIe | Mk.XVIe | 1:32 | Challenging | £95.29 |
Spitfire history and aircraft marks
Designed by R. J. Mitchell’s Supermarine team, prototype K5054 made its first flight on 5 March 1936. The Mk.I entered RAF service with No.19 Squadron at Duxford in August 1938 and became closely associated with the Battle of Britain. After Mitchell’s death, Joseph Smith led the continuing development of the design.
The Spitfire evolved through different engines, wings, canopies and specialist roles. Early versions used the Rolls-Royce Merlin; later marks including the Mk.XIV and PR.XIX used the Griffon. Its service extended beyond the war: the RAF’s last operational Spitfire sortie was flown by a PR.XIX on 1 April 1954.
What do the different marks mean?
Mk means Mark, normally followed by a Roman numeral. Letters such as b, c and e distinguish wing or armament configurations, while PR means photographic reconnaissance. The mark is not a scale or a build rating: compare the full aircraft designation and the kit’s supplied options.
| Mark | Engine family | What differs | Catalogue examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mk.I / Mk.II | Merlin | Early fighter marks. Check propeller, canopy and armament details for the exact aircraft represented. | Tamiya Mk.I / Airfix Mk.Ia |
| Mk.Vb / Mk.Vc | Merlin | The b and c suffixes distinguish wing and armament arrangements. Match the chosen marking option to the parts supplied. | Tamiya Mk.Vb / Revell Mk.Vb |
| Mk.VIII / Mk.IX | Merlin 60-series | Separate developments with more powerful Merlin installations. Identify the exact mark rather than treating VIII and IX as interchangeable. | Airfix Mk.VIII |
| Mk.XIV | Griffon | A different engine and nose profile from Merlin fighters. The A05139 boxing supplies civilian display and racing schemes. | Airfix Mk.XIV Civilian Schemes |
| Mk.XVIe | Packard-built Merlin | The Tamiya kit depicts the low-back airframe, teardrop canopy and E-type wing configuration. | Tamiya Mk.XVIe |
| PR.XIX | Griffon | An unarmed camera-equipped reconnaissance version rather than a gun-armed fighter. | Airfix PR.XIX |
Browse all Spitfire models
Browse current Spitfire kits and ready-built models by scale, difficulty and aircraft mark. The range includes traditional plastic kits, QUICKBUILD, wood, metal and finished display pieces. Use the numbered pages to see the full selection.
Spitfire Mk VB Balsa Wood Aircraft Kit
Revell Brick System 00962 Iron Maiden Spitfire Mk.II ‘Aces High’ – 1:18 Scale Model Kit
Spitfire model FAQs
Which Spitfire kit is suitable for a first traditional build?
The Airfix A01071C Mk.Ia and Tamiya 60748 Mk.I have Easy construction ratings. Both are conventional plastic kits requiring glue and finishing supplies. They differ from pre-coloured QUICKBUILD models and finished display pieces.
What does Mk mean on a Spitfire model?
What is the difference between Merlin and Griffon Spitfires?
Should I choose a 1:72 or 1:48 Spitfire?
For the same airframe, 1:48 is 1.5 times as large in each linear dimension as 1:72. The Tamiya 1:72 Mk.I is a compact Easy-rated project; its 1:48 Mk.I offers more involved assembly and a Challenging rating. Check wingspan and available display space.
Do all Spitfire models need glue and paint?
The traditional plastic kits recommended here need assembly and finishing. Some QUICKBUILD products use pre-coloured push-fit parts without glue or paint, while ready-built display models arrive assembled. Check the format and supplied contents in the full Spitfire range.
Does the Airfix Mk.XIV kit include military markings?
The A05139 boxing selected here is Civilian Schemes, with display and racing finishes. Do not assume that its Griffon-powered military-derived airframe means the box contains wartime camouflage options. Check the exact product code and marking guide.
Related guides
Explore the wider British and WW2 collections, different materials and our construction-rating guide.