Supermarine Spitfire MkVb 1:48
Product Information
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Description
The Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vb was the most widely produced variant of the Mk.V series of Spitfires. Entering service with the RAF in early 1941 the Mk.Vb variant incorporated a number of improvements over earlier Spitfires. Most notably it was the first common variant to be fitted with the ‘B’ wing, comprising two 20mm cannons and four .303in Browning machine guns. This gave the Mk.Vb a big increase in firepower, something lacking from the earlier all machine gun armed Spitfires.
Also introduced were fishtail exhausts, giving a slightly improved exhaust thrust and therefore performance, metal covered ailerons, a deeper oil cooler and the front windscreen was also altered to one featuring an internally armoured section. The Malcolm Hood was also improved, offering a better overall view for the pilot.
Two different types of propellers (DeHavilland and Rotol) were used and the Mk.Vb could be fitted with long range slipper tanks. Other modifications were introduced for the Mk.Vb Tropical including the prominent tropical filter under the nose and a deeper radiator. While the Spitfire Mk.Vb was used by the RAF in large numbers it was also the first to be truly out-performed by an enemy fighter. With the introduction of the Focke Wulf Fw190 in mid-1941, the Mk.Vb was outclassed over the Channel Front and in an effort to compete with the Fw190's manoeuvrability, some Spitfire Mk.Vbs had shortened wing tips, but it was not until the introduction of the Mk.IX some time later that the RAF found its Spitfires in the ascendancy again.
The Mk.Vb was later equipped with bombs and used as a low-level fighter-bomber and even a dive-bomber, roles to which the Spitfire did not prove to be ideally suited. However, the Mk.Vb was used to great affect over the Mediterranean where its shape and sound become synonymous with the defence of the beleaguered island of Malta. A beautiful machine to fly, the Spitfire Mk.Vb is today considered by many to be one of the prettiest and best of the breed.
Airfix would like to thank the Historic Aircraft Collection and Edgar Brooks for their assistance in creating this model.
Safety Notice
WARNING! Not suitable for children under 36 months. It contains small parts which can present a choking hazard. Please retain these details and the address for future reference. CAUTION! Please remove all packaging before giving the toy to a child
Prop 65 Warning
Prop 65 Warning
Prop 65 Warning
WARNING: Cancer & Reproductive Harm - www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
California Proposition 65
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Technical Specification & Detail
| Scale | 1:48 |
| Skill | 2 |
| Flying Hours | 2 |
| Number of Parts | 151 |
| Dimensions (mm) | L195 x W232 |
| Age Suitability | 8+ |
Customer Reviews
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Review Guidelines
To write a great review:
- Focus on the item itself. Why do you like it or dislike it?
- Avoid mentioning any personal information (email address, telephone numbers) and time-sensitive material.
- Just be honest! You're an expert on this item. Share your experience with others. We will never reject a review just because it's negative.
We will reject reviews that contain:
- Customer service issues. Please contact Customer Services instead if you have experienced a specific issue that needs to be addressed.
- Any mention of competitors.
- General issues or discussion. Your review is on this specific item and what you think of it, it's not a place for debate and discussion on wider subject matters.
- Clear signs that you don't own the item.
- Profanities, distasteful language, promotional material and/or external links. This applies to nicknames too.
What happens next?
- We'll check your review and approve it as soon as possible. Should it not be possible for us to approve your review for the website, it'll appear (with a message from our team) in your Account area.
- Other visitors can leave replies to your review and mark if they felt it was helpful.
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Average rating based on 7 reviews
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Sign in or registerawsome product!
This is a very good Airfix set with top notch quality. I love this aircraft because of its streamline shape and its success during ww2. I loved it so much I turned it into a spitfire of the Irish air corps! altogether a good product
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Fantastic kit
This Spitfire was my first model made by the Airfix. It made a great impression on me - I made 3 more models of this company and don't intend to stop :).
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BM597
Never had the money for the offerings by other manufacturers, but Airfix have saved the day once again. This kit is superb value for money and satisfyingly detailed even when built out of the box as I have done. Cockpit requires concentration due to the level of detail, but fits together perfectly along with the rest of the kit.
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Paintwork & Finish
Humbrol Enamel paints for the kit's primary decal scheme.
