Military Model Scene

Supermarine Spitfire F.Mk.XVIII (A05140)

Some excellent news today as Airfix have one of their new releases in stock now, and it will be popular I am certain as it is another Spitfire variant in their 1/48 aircraft range. Here is their Press Release-

Another exciting release for Airfix, the 1:48 scale Supermarine Spitfire F.Mk.XVIII does not only come with new decal schemes, but also new parts! This is a first for Airfix, being our only 1:48 Scale F.Mk.XVIII model to date.
This kit comes with 157 parts, including a new frame containing; 60lb rockets with HE warhead, a 500lb bomb and two 250lb bombs. Completed, the kit has a wingspan of 234mm and is 213mm in length.
This kit is the third release from the tooling, the first and second being the Mk.XIV in Military (A05135) and Civilian schemes (A05139).
This kit comes with two new scheme options. The remarkable Adam Tooby box illustration depicts TP222 of 60 Squadron in 1947 attacking the communist rebels in the jungles of Malaya. The second scheme is that of HS877 which was displayed as the gate guard of Western Air Command HQ Delhi, India.
This famous fighting Mk.XVIII was an improvement of the Rolls Royce Griffon powered Mk.XIV with many upgrades. The cockpit saw many improvements benefitting the pilot, increased fuel carrying capacity and strengthened wings, which allowed for either rockets or bombs to be added to its cannon and machine gun armament.
Only three hundred of these aircraft were made, with only one hundred being the fighter F.Mk.XVIII, many headed straight to maintenance units and were soon surplus to requirements.

Thanks to Airfix for this news, more information available via www.airfix.com.

Robin