Full Review with Chris Evans
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A note from Geoff C…
I have to say that Chris has done a magnificent job with this build – I don’t normally comment like this at the start of a build, mainly because we are blessed with several great contributors to SMN and they all deserve such praise. This time though, Chris has achieved an outstanding result in such a short time following me sending the new Airfix kit, I just had to say a huge thank you to you Chris for what you have achieved here…
I did ask Chris if he’d complete this build in the American markings, mainly because I just love the look of the aircraft and also to acknowledge the role the USAAF and their pilots played flying the Supermarine Spitfire in WW2. I also requested a closed engine to preserve the look of the type this time and also to note that other builds in SMN show the Merlin engine and that area of the build in detail.
You may have seen my In-Box Browse recently where we showed you the box contents in detail and if you want a refresher or just take a look at that now, you can do so here.
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Over to you Chris…
Introduction
Having previously built all the recent Airfix 1:24th Spitfire Mk.IXc, it was great news when this new Spitfire Mk.VIII kit was announced.
This was predicted when building the Mk.IXc, as a large cord rudder was included, as well as the ability to fit a retractable tail wheel seen on the Mk. VIII.
Looking at the parts of this new variant, there are several new additions and changes. There are still the large and small rudders, a new tail wheel with doors and new wings incorporating fuel tanks. Also included is a new instrument panel, different from the Mk.IXc.
There are 3 paint schemes included, this build will be the USAAF variant, Italy 1944. I could only find one period photograph of this aircraft and I used that for reference.
