Posted on

Italeri Releases Spitfire Mk IX Focused on RAF Aces

Italeri has released a new edition of their 1/48 Spitfire Mk. IX focused on ace liveries.

The Mk. IX was an interim upgrade to counter the German Fw 190, entering service in 1942 with over 5,600 units produced, making it the second most numerous Spitfire variant. Powered by a more powerful Rolls-Royce Merlin 60-series engine with a two-stage supercharger, it offered superior high-altitude performance, speed up to around 408 mph, exceptional climb rate, and improved structural reinforcements compared to the earlier Mk. V, while retaining excellent maneuverability. Typically armed with two 20mm Hispano cannons and four .303 Browning machine guns (or variations), it served extensively in escort roles, intercepting bombers, and air superiority missions across Europe, significantly restoring Allied dominance during WW2.

The release (2843) includes new decals representing five aircraft flown by RAF aces: F/Lt Pierre Clostermann of 602 Squadron, W/Cdr James E. Johnson of 402 Squadron, F/Lt Jan Falkowski of 402 Squadron, S/Ldr Russell Foskett of 94 Squadron and F/Lt George Beurling of 412 Squadron.

Buy on eBay

Please Note: This post contains an eBay affiliate link. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Posted on

Full-Scale Spitfire Mk IX Reproduction Project Offered For Sale

Please Note: This is an archived post. The information presented here may not be current and the associated listing may no longer be active.

A full-scale Spitfire Mk IX project touted as “very detailed and accurate” has hit the market.

According to the listing, the machine was constructed by a father and son team in Argentina back in 2007 and follows original blueprints of a Spitfire Mk IX. Vinyl-ester resin and aerospace quality fiberglass were reportedly used in construction with the aid of two aeronautical engineers to ensure the correct adaptation from metal construction (of original planes) to composites. The listing states (in part):

In order to produce this plane, it was necessary to build a full-size mock up, with all the details, then molds to laminate each part. I am not selling molds, but they can be taken again, using this replica as a plug. So, you could make molds from this plane to produce an entire squadron of other planes. There are some parts missing as they were never built with this plane: Ailerons (both) One flap… This aircraft was designed and built to be a flying replica, however since it is not finished and to avoid any possible liability issues, I am offering it without the engine and propeller as a NON-flying display replica.

The aircraft is located in Papillion, Nebraska and is currently being offered for US $31,000, although bids are also being accepted. Click here to check out the complete listing on eBay, which includes additional details and photos. A Spitfire Mk 1 / MJ-100 reproduction project is also available, click here to learn more.

Please Note: This post contains an eBay affiliate link. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.