Tamiya Supermarine Spitfire Mk VIII 1:32

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Background info…

The Mk.VIII was the true successor to the Mk.V but due to the delays in the production line due to the line retooling the MKIX was brought into service first initially as a stop gap. It proved incredibly successful even so and continued to serve through the second world war in the western European theatre of operations.

To reap the maximum benefit of the Merlin 60 series engine the Mk.VIII`s nose was lengthened to accommodate the new engine, it’s fuselage and wing were strengthened and a 4 bladed propeller was adapted. The larger radiator was split and housed in two fairings under the wing whilst a filter was fitted to the air intake. Fuel tanks were added to the wings for greater range and a retractable tail to reduce drag. The rudder and horn balances on the elevators were enlarged to enhance stability and the ailerons were shortened. Three models were produced, Low altitude (LF), Medium altitude (MF) and High altitude (HF) each with different versions of the Merlin 60engine. Compared to the Mk V, which had a top speed of 370 mph at an altitude of 20000ft the Mk VIII was capable of 405mph whilst also possessing a better rate of climb and a ceiling of over 40,000ft.Range was also increased to 680 miles and this could be further increased to 1180 miles with the use of a 90 Gallon external fuel tank.

Mass production of the Mk VIII did not begin in earnest until then later half of 1943 due to the MkIX having higher priority. As the war developed, the Mk VIIIs were sent to the Mediterranean and Pacific Theatres as their longer ranges and air filters made them suitable for operations in these areas. They were first deployed to No. 145 Sqn on Malta in June 1943 and saw service with the RAF, RCAF, and USAAF units in Italy. Early Mk.VIII`s featured the same extended wingtips as the Mk.V and VII while later production aircraft had normal wing tips and the larger rudder.