Airfix A17002 Spitfire Mk.VIII – 1:24 Scale Model

Airfix is a British model making company that have been producing injection-moulded plastic scale model kits since 1939. Airfix model kits are so popular in the UK that the brand has become synonymous with plastic model kits. Their range includes cars, naval vessels, aircraft and trains, and they are particularly well known for their range of military models, particularly WW2-era models.

The Spitfire Mk VIII is considered by many aircraft enthusiasts to be the best mark of Spitfire (of course, there are many opinions on the topic!) and it was the third most-produced mark, with over 1650 units built.

The model represented a technological turning point in the Second World War, where the earlier marks of Spitfire were on the verge of becoming obsolete by the new German Focke-Wulf Fw 190 (FW 190) which out-performed the Mk V (at the time, the RAF’s best fighter) in almost all areas. The Mk VIII was adapted to use the new Merlin 61 engine, which offered impressive performance improvements at higher altitude, but required a sturdier frame to support the new engine. This new model had the same operational range as the earlier Mk V, but it was able to cover the distance at a much higher speed. In addition, it used the C wing armaments (four cannons or two cannons / machine guns) and could carry up to 1000lbs of bombs.

This lovely little model from Airfix is a 1:24 scale, advanced difficulty Spitfire Mk.VIII model kit that comes with 452 parts. This is definitely one of the more complex Spitfire model kits and geared at adult model builders. 1:24 scale models are larger and offer much more detail than their smaller counterparts. As with other Airfix kits, decals are included, but you’ll need to buy your own paints and glue. This is a great gift for seasoned model builders or aircraft enthusiasts.