• A Truly Emotional Start-up is a video clip from the film "Perfect Lady", which covers full restoration story of ML407, a two-seater Sptifire TR MK. IX also known as the Grace Spitfire.
   
• The World's Worst Special Effects Movie? falls definitely into amateur category, but all the Airfix dogfighting in the backyard made me feel like I was back in the 1960s. Check it yourself.
   

Labels: modelling, site updates, warbirds, webmaster

• The armament of the Spitfire has been covered in the Variants & Technology section before, but it just so happened that we have received one more article expanding on this subject. Read Cannon or Machine Gun? - The Second World War Aircraft Gun Controversy by By Anthony G. Williams.
   
• The Video Section features a new video clip released by Airfix, showing a dogfight between their two new kits announced for 2010: Spitfire Mk. I and Bf 109E.
   
• Today we have also a new item presented in Product News & Reviews:  British Built Aircraft, a series of books by Ron Smith.

Labels: history, modelling, reviews, site updates

• My new article in Variants & Technology is entitled Sorting Out the "E" - American Armament for the Spitfire Mk. IX/XVI. It elaborates on the use of Browning heavy machine gun as armament for the Spitfire, and the confusing designation mess that followed. By Martin Waligorski.
  
  
• New in the Scale Modelling section is a new 1/32 model from Finnish modeller Yrjo Knuuttila, who presents his PCM Spitfire Mk. IXC.

Labels: history, modelling, site updates

• A new addition in History Articles is devoted to Kenya Presentation Spitfires. The story of African Spitfire Funds and the donated aircraft is described by Kevin Patience.
  
  
• A new image has been added in Historic Photographs section. This item has been kindly donated by No. 602 Squadron Museum and documents that unit's Spitfires at the annual camp at Woodvale, 1946.
  
  
• In Video Section, Kent modeller Mark Lane presents his Parkzone Spitfire.
  

Labels: history, modelling, videos

Labels: modelling, webmaster

• The appearance of Airfix Spitfire as star prop of the recent BBC show Toy Stories has been mentioned here before. Our newest addition in Articles is called A "May" Day in Cosford - James May's Largest Ever Airfix Spitfire; it is a recollection of the record 1:1 Spitfire modelling project from the perspective of one of the participating teenagers.
  
  
• Also, we have a photo feature showing how the competed Airfix 1:1 Spitfire looks today. Glued with pride, it rests outside the Cosford Air Museum, Shropshire.

...in the meantime, James May's Toy Stories series and its message to promote traditional, old fashioned toys such as Airfix, Meccano, Lego or toy trains, has been well received in the UK. I you have missed the show, you can watch all episodes, including the Airfix one, online at the BBC site (a feature regrettably restricted to UK visitors only). Also, the show has now its own site jamesmaystoystories.com, which promises a book and a DVD to be issued soon.

• Back on the subject of Spitfires, we have two new exciting additions in the Historic Photographs section. The first one is called Landing the Seafire.
  
  
• The second photo, and the one which I haven't seen before, presents Don Andrews' Gremlin - A Spitfire Mk. IX in interesting markings.
  
  
• We have also two new additions in Art & Memorabilia. The first one is a small Memory of Alex Henshaw.
  
  
• Finally, Penny Spitfire is another interesting Spitfire-related relic of World War II.
  

Enjoy.

Labels: history, modelling, site updates

For Spitfire in his/her heart

Delphic Design has an entire range of Spitfire-related products which we have previously presented here.

For a modeller

You can find our review of the Tamiya 1/32 Spitfire here.

Book tips

Our review of Swift to Battle is available here.

Kids

See also my review of Airfix 1/72 Spitfire Mk. IX.

Labels: history, modelling, reviews

• I have added video showing the completed Airfix Spitfire kit. It makes an appropriate illustration to my review, giving a good idea about how a completed model looks like, including the shapes of the cowling etc.
  
  

Click on the images to enlarge
[Airfix photo]

Tamiya

• Brett Green of Hyperscale, for his forthcoming book (!) on the subject
• Jean-Luc Formery from France, for the French Tamiya Magazine

Labels: modelling, reviews

• Airfix Spitfire, the kit which has been shaping the aviation interest of entire generations back in the 1960s and 1970s, is being replaced - by an updated new kit in the Airfix catalogue. Read my 3-part review of the brand-new Airfix 1/72 Spitfire Mk. IX.
  
  
• On the subject of new Spitfire kits: on our Discussion Forums, you can also follow Magnus Fridsell's online build of the AZ Models Spitfire Mk. I. Updates are being posted as the work progresses.

Talking about the Airfix Spitfire kit, its role in the history of recent generations has been nicely brought to light in the recent BBC show lead by Top Gear celebrity James May. In a bid to demonstrate that old toys such as Meccano, Airfix and Lego are still relevant, May gets a class of schoolchildren to help him build the biggest Airfix Spitfire ever, a whopping 1:1 scale plastic kit!

James May's Toy Stories were aired on Tuesday 27 October. Having been in Cosford a week later, I have seen the actual model, and can witness that the children involved did a remarkable job - and in only three days. I will be posting more pictures of it shortly.

• Watch the trailer for James May's life-size Airfix Spitfire at the BBC site

Labels: modelling, site updates

Why ads?

The Spitfire Site has been envisioned and is maintained as an enthusiast site. We can make good use of the (modest) income generated from ads to cover our operational expenses, including web hosting, web and image editing software and the cost of maintaining this publication. I'm doing every effort to keep the ads well integrated in the site's layout and, most importantly, relevant to our readers.

• New addition in Videos is a video presentation of Tamiya's new 1/32 Spitfire Mk.IX kit filmed during its first public presentation at the Tokyo Hobby Show in October 2009. This 6-minute clip contains a walkthough of the kit's main features and an interesting interview with its chief designer Katsumi Tokunaga.

Labels: modelling, site updates, videos, webmaster

• Tonight I'm pleased to present the full Photo Report from PMS UK Scale Modelworld 2009. It is an extensive 6-part feature from this prime modelling event, featuring many of the aircraft models in the competition area. The 400+ photos have been organized in slide shows for convenient viewing.
  
  
• I have also spotted a beautiful scratchbuilt Hawker Tempest model at the show, a creation which fully deserves separate attention - see the Fabulous Tempest!
  
  
• A new colour profile in the Camouflage and Markings section is that of a Spitfire predecessor - Supermarine Type 224. Submitted and described by Graham Ward.
  
  
• We also have an addition to our Art & Memorabilia gallery: Lethal Dance, a new airbrushed piece by Herman Veltorp.
  


• Last but not least, a review of a new line of 1/72 Spitfire kits from the Czech Republic. AZ Models 1/72 Spitfire Mk. I, examined by Magnus Fridsell.

Labels: modelling, reference, site updates

One of three huge halls housing the Scale Modelworld show in Telford
[All images by Martin Waligorski]


The show attracted considerable crowds during the weekend, starting with this long line of visitors on Saturday morning.

Final judging to select the Best in Show

Airfix was there and in seemingly good shape, promoting their newly released 1/72 Spitfire kits - the Mk. IXc and PR Mk. XIX and the very big 1/24 Mosquito. The latter kit is production-ready and should appear on the market any time now.

The Airfix stand with 1/24 Mosquito in the foreground.


Airfix is once again specializing in Spitfires, with two new 1/72 Spitfire kits this year.

The kit everyone was talking about: editor of the Tamiya Model Magazine proudly shows his partially-constructed Tamiya Spitfire IXc

Magnificent.

Labels: modelling, webmaster

Two updates have been posted today.

• Remeber the last week's video of an NitroPlanes RC Spitfire ARF kit that didn't want to fly properly? It left me anxious to see if and how the airframe could be fixed (shearing off the radiator... taping over the wheel wells... wondering what Joe Smith of Supermarine would say about that :). Today I'm glad to say that the second part of this video, including all the answers, has been posted on YouTube. I have inserted it at the bottom of the original article, so have a look: A Spitfire that didn't fly so well, now a two-part documentary feature!

• We also have a beautiful new piece in Art & Memorabilia gallery. Pavel Rampir has documented a tragic moment entitled Last Moment of Wing Commander in his newest pencil drawing.

That's all for this week; October has been a very good month in terms of updates with many sigificant new articles added to the site. Next week, I'll be preparing for departure to Telford for the IPMS UK Scale Modelworld show. I know I'll meet many of you - the readers and contributors - there, and I'm looking forward to it! Should you wish to make any particular arrangement, my email address is at the very bottom of this page.

Labels: history, modelling, site updates, videos

• A new addition in Scale Modelling is a beautiful 1/32 creation by Hans-Pater Tschanz of Switzerland: D-Day Spitfire Mk. V
  
  
• In Camouflage & Markings, we have also a new study of Spitfires in Greek post-war service, researched and illustrated by Ioannis Mansolas. Enjoy.
  

Labels: modelling, reference, site updates

• New addition in Scale Modelling is Tony Prince's excellent guide to achieving an accurate model of a Spitfire XIV in 1/48 scale. The process involved considerable kit-bashing!
  
  
• Moving from static scale modelling to RC, the Video Section features a fun and informative review of a Spitfire that didn't fly so well...
  


• Lastly, there is a good dose of eye-candy for the weekend. Spitfires in the Air is a collection of beautiful in-flight photographs by BillKatyGemma, presenting various Spitfires currently flying in the UK. Available in the Photo Galleries section.

Labels: modelling, site updates, videos, warbirds

• Read the in-box Review of Tamiya 1/32 Spitfire Mk. XIC, which is the new addition to Product News & Reviews, and has been cross-posted in Modelling.

The excellent kit images in this review have been promptly provided by Dave Johnson from New Zealand (thanks, Dave!).

Labels: modelling, reviews, site updates

• A new addition among our Product News & Reviews is an impressive new book by Tom Docherty Swift To Battle: 72 Fighter Squadron RAF in Action.
  
  
• Continuing on the subject of books, a review of today is Spitfire - A Test Pilot's Story by Jeffrey Quill. This is one of the essential titles for any Spitfire nut.
  
  
• Lastly, a small new addition to the Scale Modelling section; Raul Hrubisko presents his 1/72 model of a Striped Spitfire Mk. I.

Click to enlarge image
[Neil Lanwarne, via Flickr]

Labels: history, modelling, site updates, warbirds

• "I am quite proud of my Spitfire, and fly it regularly" - I wish that I could say the same thing... This statement comes from Colin Bassham who presents his woefully impressive RC model of a Spitfire Mk. VIII.
  
  
• New in Product News is the presentation of a forthcoming new monthly international magazine, Model Aviation World.

Labels: modelling, reviews, site updates

• We all know that radar was invented in Britain, right? How much truth lies in the the well publicized scenario of British radar superiority at the onset of World War II? Gregory C. Clark Deflates British Radar Myths of World War II in this new, four-part addition to History Articles.
  
  
• Shown before in the Scale Modelling section, but now expanded to full articles, is a pair of K5054 Spitfire prototype models built and finished by Mark Davies. The first is CMR 1/72 Spitfire Prototype K5054 at the time of its first flight.
  
  
• Mark Davies also presents a companion model of the same aircraft in its later blue-grey livery.

Labels: history, modelling, site updates

• New in the Scale Modelling section is an excellent kit-bashed Spitfire FR Mk. IX in pink colour scheme, modelled and presented in detail by Jim Kiker.
  

Labels: modelling, site updates

UPDATE: Full review of this kit is now available, see Review of Tamiya 1/32 Spitfire IXC by Martin Waligorski and Dave Johnson

Labels: modelling

UPDATE: See full Review of Tamiya 1/32 Spitfire IXC by Martin Waligorski and Dave Johnson

Labels: modelling

• A new addition in Photo Galleries is a collection of beautiful images from Duxford's Flying Legends 2009. A real eye-candy not to be missed!
  
  
• New in Scale Modelling is a new Spitfire model from Geofrey Abbreu, this time a 1/72 Mk. VIII from Hasegawa.
  
  
• We have also two new modelling products in the Reviews section. US-based Empire City Decals offers a new decal sheet entitled Lend Lease Heroes, containing many Soviet lend-lease aircraft, including the Spitfire Mk. V.
  
  
• More clearly focused on the Spitfire and based on newest research is a brand-new decal sheet from Vingtor of Norway, dedicated to Hurricane Mk.II & Spitfire Mk.V, 331 & 332 (Norwegian) Sqn. RAF.
  

Labels: modelling, reviews, warbirds

• A new addition in Scale Modelling is a pair of Spitfire models presented by Czech modeller Jiří Fiala - in the article entitled President's Spitfire.
  
  
• Also, with regard to the recently posted book review of Spitfire Girls. In response to my review, I have received a letter from Carol Gould, the author of the book. This has now been added at the end of the original article.
  
  
• I have also been contacted by Black Robin Resinz and updated the pricing information in yesterday's review of their 1/48 Spitfire Mk. XII Conversion Set.
  
  

Labels: modelling, reviews, site updates

• In Product News and Reviews, check the new modelling product from Black Robin Resinz of New Zealand - 1/48 Spitfire Mk. XII Conversion Set.
  
  
• Arguably less exciting read, but an important addition due to the rapidly growing number of our visitors is the Privacy Policy for the Spitfire Site.

Labels: modelling, site updates, webmaster

• 1/72 scale BAE Red Arrows Hawk


• 1/72 scale Spitfire PRXIX


• 1/72 scale Messerschmitt BF109G


• 1/72 scale MiG 15


• 1/72 scale Supermarine Spitfire MkIXc


• 1/72 scale Hawker Hurricane MkII c/d


• 1/72 scale BAE Hawk 128/132


• 1/72 scale Sea Harrier FRS1


• 1/72 scale Sea Harrier FA2­


• 1/350 scale HMS Illustrious

As you can imagine, the items which I'm particularly glad to see are two new-tool 1/72 Spitfires, including the PR Mk. XIX, one of the most elegant of the Griffon Spitfires and in need of a new mainstream kit.

Together with the announcement of this ambitious release programme, Airfix came with a new, revised logotype. It's a fitting gesture indicating how important the "classic" modelling market is to the company.

Labels: modelling, reviews

• Tomasz Hajzler's presents his Spitfire Mk. IX - a conversion of the 1/32 Hasegawa Spitfire Mk. Vb to an early Mk. IXc. His model is the latest addition to our growing Modelling section.
  

Labels: modelling, site updates, webmaster

• The same 1/3 Spitfire model is now featured in a video presentation submitted by the modeller J P Cousinet of France.
  
  
• How about a working Merlin engine in 1/5 scale? This one was engineered in metal by Barry Hares from the UK. See the live demonstration in this video.
  
  
• 1/4 Scale Spitfire Sound System for That Merlin Growl. A common problem in R/C modelling is that the sound of the small engine cannot match the song of the full-scale original. See (and hear) the solution to this problem in the form of onboard sound system for the Merlin. Impressive!
  

Labels: modelling, site updates

• See Closer to the Real Thing - 1/3 Scale Replica of the Spitfire Mk. IX presented by Jean Pierre Cousinet
  
  
  
• Another addition for today is a Photo Gallery of Spitfire 60th Anniversary, Duxford of 10 years' ago. This show made history by putting up a display of no less than sixteen (!) Spitfires in the air for simultaneous flypast
  

Labels: modelling, site updates, warbirds

Labels: history, modelling, site updates

• New in the Scale Modelling section is Airfix's Biggest Spitfire - Improved, a 1/24 Airfix kit built and detailed by Andy C.
  
  
• Australian Spitfire Mk. Vc built by Aleksander Gorski is a fine example of another Airfix Spitfire kit, this time in 1/48 scale.

Labels: modelling, site updates

• In the first article of this update, Erik Whipple builds no less than three Hasegawa Spitfires in 1/48 Scale. Eriks finds that the oft-maligned Hasegawa Spitfire kits are quick and easy builds, and the results speak for themselves.
  
  
• Mark Davies returns with another Czech Master Resin 1/72 Spitfire TR Mk. IX, this time a more unusual variant in the group of CMR’s Spitfire kits.
  
  
• Lastly, Sim Menzies presents a gaggle of No. 19 Squadron Battle of Britain Spitfires.

Labels: modelling, site updates

• First today is the large 1/32 scale Spitfire model produced by Ricardo Dacoba from Argentina. This is a conversion representing one of the only three unique high-altitude Spits produced at MU Aboukir, Egypt.
  


• The second model, also from Ricardo but to 1/48 scale, represents a Spitfire LF Mk. VIII operating in Burma and painted in SEAC camouflage
  


• The last in this batch is in 1/72 scale , a Griffon-nose Spitfire Mk. XIVc built by Kevin Arnold.

Labels: modelling, site updates

• New in the Scale Modelling section is a new 1/48 Spitfire Mk. Vb built from the immortal Tamiya kit. This one is modelled by Ken Gowans.
  

Labels: modelling, site updates

• A new addition to the Modelling section is Fabrice Fanton's Spitfire HF Mk. VI Conversion in 1/48 Scale - using Tamiya Spitfire and Pavla resin set.
  

Labels: modelling, site updates

• Mark Davies' presents an in-depth review of the allegedly ultimate 1/72 Spitfire kit - the Czech Master Resin 1/72 Spitfire LF Mk. IXE.
  
  
• We have also a Trumpeter Spitfire Mk. V in 1/24 scale Model by Darron Edwards.

Enjoy.

Labels: modelling, site updates

• Among the History Articles, new additons are the two concluding parts of 1941: The Difficult Year - Day Air Operations by Fighter Command, November 1940 - December 1941, an account by Sholto Douglas, C-in-C of Fighter Command in the described period.
  
  
• New pair of models has been added in the Modelling section; both represent the Spitfire Prototype K5054, albeit in two different finishes. By Mark Davies.
  

Labels: history, modelling, site updates

• The Variants and Technology section was enhanced with two important reference features. A two-part Concise Guide To Spitfire Wing Types provides an overview of of the basic wing types of the Spitfire and the differences between them. Inherently related to Spitfire wing design is also The Hispano Cannon, the weapon which gave the aircraft the punch and a characteristic element of its silhouette.
  
  
• Four new colour profiles added during the month in Camouflage & Markings were NH550, in Royal Norwegian Service accompanied by another Norwegian Reconnaissance Spitfire, EP706 - The Malta Defender Spitfire Mk. Vc and "Bogle" Bodie and his Spitfire Mk. I, X4321.
  
  This adds up to six new reference articles, a good record indeed, with no less than three additional features currently waiting to be published.
  
  
• The pace in the History Articles section was rather more leisurely, with two articles added. Independent Air Force - Tracing the Origins of the RAF, an essay by Brett Holman and A Lifetime of Aviation, another essay by Martin Waligorski.
  
  This month I will be adding much more in this section, with five-part coverage of the 1941 Circus offensive as a main theme.
  
  
• Images added to the Historic Photographs section were: a portrait of Sqn/Ldr Jiří Maňák,
  photos of RAB Spitfire of W/Cdr Berg, UZ-Z of No. 306 Squadron, Northolt, Spitfire Mk. VII in the United States, launch of Operation Bowery and K5054 prototype prior to her maiden flight.
  


• The Video Section grew with just about as many videos, including the footage of Mark Hanna leading Spitfire formation display, Spitfire in IL2, Best of Chino's contraprop Spitfire Mk. XIX and Public debut of Seafire Mk. XVII SX336.
  
  
• The new Gallery Section, established at the beginning of the month, grew up rapidly and is already offering several hundred quality images. Collections added this month were: Spitfire Models by Tim Prosser, images from Old Warden 2007, The Joy of Flight Testing the Spitfire Mk. V BL628, Seafire Mk.XVII SX336, 90th Anniversary of the Royal Air Force, April 2008 celebration flypast over London, BBMF 50th Anniversary, 2007 and finally Ronnie Olsthoorn Photo Gallery with many beautiful Spitfire images.
  
  I'm happy that the technology behind the galleries worked out. Image collections I have been receiving from our visitors since last autumn can now finally be posted online and I will continue to do so during the months to come.
  
  
• Modellers have proven to be eager and knowledgeable supporters of this site. Their interest was demonstrated last month through a collection of 1/72 Spitfire Models by Tim Prosser , Spitfire in Saigon, a tribute to the Memory of A/C Paul Webb, Tamiya Spitfire Mk. V backdated to Mk. Ib, Kenley Wings beer-carrying Spitfire and another Malta Spitfire Mk. V.
  


• Another group which keeps giving this site a "push" are aviation artists; many new great pieces can be enjoyed in the Art & Memorabilia gallery and Pavel Rampír has been spoiling us with an entire series of drawings. Enjoy A portrait of Clive Caldwell, Spitfire Mk. VIII in Italy, "The Last", Chasing the V-1, "The CO's Query", Typhoon trouble, Beware of the low-flying Mosquitos, "Se va la Primera". For collectors, there was also a set of RAF 90th Anniversary poststamps.
  

Summarizing, it is apparent that April was one of the most fruitful months on the Spitfire Site so far. It is fantastic, and showed up well through the editorial workload - I had a hard time coping with all the material I've been receiving. I'd like to direct a warm thank you to everyone who contributed their work and material to make it happen. My apologies to those few who are still waiting to get their contributions published - none has been forgotten and they will appear online as soon as I can possibly manage.

The RAF Anniversary Festival will continue for some time to come, so please keep the articles and photos coming.

In the meantime, I'm into some serious programming trying to establish a discussion forum for all of us Spitfire buffs. I'll keep you posted.

Labels: history, modelling, reference, site updates, videos, warbirds, webmaster

Many thanks to all the contributors and please keep them comin'!

• In Historic Photographs, we celebrate two foreign personalities who served with the RAF, Czech Sqn/Ldr Jiří Maňák and Norwegian Rolf Arne Berg.
  
  
• Another great Spitfire pilot is commemorated in the Art & Memorabilia gallery through a portrait of Clive Caldwell, one more great submission by Pavel Rampír.
  


• In Scale Modelling, we have a photo gallery of Spitfire Models by Tim Prosser, now complete with sixty-five(!) 1/72 Spitfire and Seafire models presented in realistic settings and lifelike photography.
  
  
• Other models presented today are Spitfire in Saigon by Brian Ballew and a personal tribute to the memory of A/C Paul Webb by Chris Doherty.
  
  
• In Photo Galleries, there is another set of images from Old Warden 2007 air display season. Photography by Rover75.
  


• Looking into the Event Calendar clearly shows that the airshow season begins now, with many interesting events in the UK and France scheduled for May.

In all, this update includes 75 web pages, which together with the recent update of the IPMS Stockholm Magazine (also posted yesterday) is clearly a personal record. I hope that you will enjoy the results!

Labels: history, modelling, site updates, warbirds

• Backdating Tamiya Spitfire Mk. V to Mk. Ib is the subject of this short feature by Tolga Ulgur. Tolga used Ultracast resin accessories for this neat conversion.

Labels: modelling, site updates

• The launch of Operation Bowery
  
  
• K5054 prototype prior to maiden flight
  

Also, if you enjoy plastic models, here's one surfing tip not to be missed. Spitfire is the current theme on one of Hyperscale's Theme Pics forum. Visitors of that prolific modelling site have been invited to post photos of their Spitfire models, and there is plenty of them to see!

Labels: history, modelling, site updates

• Two new additions in the Camouflage & Markings section are colour profiles of EP706 - The Malta Defender and Battle of Britain Spitfire Mk. I, X4321.
  
  
• In the Video section, we have a new clip showing the recently restored Seafire Mk. XVII SX336.
  
  
• We have also two new Spitfire models for your viewing pleasure today: Kenley Wings by Hans-Peter Tschanz and Malta Spitfire Mk. V by Charlie Wall.
  

Labels: modelling, reference, site updates, videos

• I'm glad to be able to deliver the second rather sizable addition for this week. Considering the subject of our site, it was inevitable that we would include a story about Reginald J. Mitchell, the engineering genius behind the Spitfire. Personally I'm not very fond of formal "encyclopedia-style" biographies, so I'm particularly glad to present John Dell's essay which takes on a rather personal view of Mitchell's life and achievements. Enjoy his two-part story Mr. Mitchell, Designer of the Spitfire - In Memory of a Brilliant Mind in the Articles section
  
  
• In Modelling, we have a beautiful 1/32 Spitfire Mk.II "Borough of Lambeth" modelled by Hans-Peter Tschanz from Switzerland.

Another new occurrence on the site, introduced yesterday, are commercial ads. Why ads? Well, it is my long-term objective to support - wholly or partially - the cost of the site's operation with ads, and today I'm taking the first step in this direction. I'm not hoping to get a profit - considering the amount of man-hours I'm currently putting into it - but perhaps be able to expand the site with photo galleries, forum and other interactive features, many of which require more sophisticated hosting, more bandwidth or additional software. Time permitting, there's so much more I would like to add.

In this initial period, I will be trying Google textual ads to see how they will perform. Obviously I would like the ads to be relevant to the interests of our visitors. With the Google system, the ads are supposed to be matched automatically with the subject of each page. I understand that it may take one or two weeks for the Google system to "learn" which ads are the right ones, so I'm eager to see how good the results will be.

I hope you will find the ads a meaningful addition to the Spitfire Site.

Labels: history, modelling, site updates, webmaster

• Entitled Spitfire Mk. IX, XI and XVI - Variants Much Varied, Olav's three-part feature analyses all the bumps, blisters and other modifications introduced to the Spitfire Mk. IX/XVI during its long production run.
  


• It's been a while we had a new model on these pages, so I'm pleased to announce the excellent 1/32 Spitfire Mk.II conversion submitted by Swiss modeller Hans-Peter Tschanz.
  

Labels: modelling, reference, site updates

• In Historic Photographs, we have a pair of photographs showing an interesting aerobatics display Spitfire from Czechoslovakia. Readers will note that we're looking for more specific information about this aircraft and its use.
  


• Nostalgia attack awaits in the Video Section - how about watching Spitfires flying to the music of Vera Lynn's The White Cliffs of Dover? Guaranteed to bring the mood of the past years.
  


• New contributions in the Art & Memorabilia gallery have been kindly provided by aviation artists Troy White and Vladimir Urbanek. There are six works in all:
• Skalski's Circus
• "Tiger's Strike"
• "Eagles"
• "Entrevero Total"
• "One Hawk Breaks Up Many Crows"
• "Moesi Illir"
  
  
• Last but not least, we have two new models on display in Scale Modelling section. Both are Tamiya kits: Spitfire PR Mk. IF conversion by Fabrice Fanton and Yellow Nose QV-K modelled by Charlie Whall.

Labels: history, modelling, site updates, warbirds

• Building Xtrakit Spitfire Mk. XII is a pictorial review of this newest injection-moulded 1/72 Spitfire kit. Presented by Magnus Fridsell.
  

I'd like to add a few words about the background of today's addition. Last week I had a pleasure of meeting my Internet friends - two visitors from Norway, Nils and Mats and my modelling club colleague and IPMS co-editor Magnus. Nils and Mats were on the week's visit to Stockholm for archive research.

I have known Nils as a prolific modeller, aviation writer and the founder of Vingtor Decals. Although we had been occasionally corresponding for many years, we haven't previously had the opportunity to meet in person.

Nils is doing a research on courier connections between Britain and Sweden during the war, while Mats was searching for archive material on Junkers Ju 52 use in Scandinavia for a forthcoming Vingtor book. It is always equally surprising to me to see how aviation enthusiasts find plenty to talk about already during their first meeting. This occasion was no exception. It's been a long and very enjoyable evening with Italian dinner and many discussions. I have learned a lot of practical things for my own book project which I will put to good use.

I'm also sure that the results of this meeting will, in one way or another, affect this site. I have already received some interesting information to add the finishing touches to the Rolf Arne Berg article from few days ago. Other submissions from Norway are on my to-do list. And I'm glad to have Magnus newest creation, the Xtrakit Spitfire Mk. XII presented so throroughly on these pages.

Labels: modelling, site updates

• Darwin Spitfire presented by Fabrice Fanton is a conversion of 1/48 Tamiya Mk. V with Airwaves C-wing.
  
  
• Jeff Webb is the author of another 1/48 Tamiya Spitfire today, finished as Mk. IB of No. 602 Squadron.
  

Also, here something of interest for anyone wanting to build an accurate Spitfire Mk. IX in 1/48 scale. It is a fact of life that the curved shapes of the Spitfire have proved notoriously difficult for kit manufacturers to replicate accurately. Consequently, despite the abundance of 1/48 Spitfire kits on the market we still do not have a modern, dimensionally accurate injection-moulded Spitfire Mk.IX in this scale (see this comparison of available kits at Hyperscale).

The UK company Aeroclub has been specialising in Spitfire correction and conversion sets for a long time. The newest product from this company is a corrected fuselage for Hasegawa Mk. IX kit. The set is injection-moulded and includes alternate lower cowlings for early and late air intakes. See the review of this set at Hyperscale.

Labels: modelling, site updates

• Spitfire PR Mk. ID Trop
  Fabrice Fanton returns with a model of a rather unusual photo-reconnaissance bird.
  
  
• The Duke Spitfires
  A modelling postscript to the story of Canadian twin brothers Douglas and Bruce Warren who flew Spitfires with No. 165 Squadron RAF.
  
  
• Spitfire PR Mk. XI in 1/32nd Scale
  Tony Grand debuts on these pages with an impressive conversion of 1/32 Hasegawa Spitfire Mk. V to PR Mk. XI.
  
  
• W/Cdr Ian Gleed's Spitfire
  Arguably the best known of all African Spitfires. Model in 1/48 scale by Erik Whipple.
  
  
• Tim Prosser's Spitfire Collection - Part 5 (Interlude)
  Some of the Spitfire's contemporaries in the RAF service modelled and photographed by Tim Prosser
  
  
• Spitfire Night Fighter
  Another expertly-finished 1/48 Spitfire from the collection of Ricardo Dacoba
  
  
• Spitfire LF Mk. V in Portuguese Service
  1/72 Tamiya Spitfire Mk. Vb built in the markings of the Portuguese Air Force. By Geoff Abreu.

Labels: modelling, site updates

• In the Historic Photographs section, No. 127 Squadron historian Mr. Andy Ingham revisits the Grimbergen mud theme, with another interesting story accompanying the image. When I started this section, I wanted every picture to tell a story, but the quality of the research accompanying our recent contributions surpassed my initial expectations by a wide margin. Very warmly recommended. Keep 'em coming.
  


• In Scale Modelling section, there is also something beyond the ordinary. Jim Kiker provides a two-part tutorial to Modelling Supermarine Spitfire PR Mk. XIX - The Complete Conversion Guide for 1/48 Scale. A very well-researched conversion illustrated with many in-progress images.
  


• Today I have also made an adjustment to the previously published guide to RAF Airfields in Mainland Europe, 1944-45. The interactive listings which allow for virtual visits to airfield locations using Google Earth have been enhanced so that each list of airfields can be opened and marked in Google Earth all at once. Rather than having to click on every geolocation link individually, visitors can now open the entire set of data and interact with it as a whole directly in the target application.

If you haven't installed Google Earth, I suggest you give it a try; it is free, detailed and the experience of virtual sightseeing around the globe is rather incredible. Whenever time allows, I intend to use it to illustrate the geography of historical events.

Labels: history, modelling, site updates

• The fourth installment of the series Battle of Britain in the Words of Air Chief Marshal Hugh Dowding tells the story about difficulties of defence against the night Blitz.
  
  
• A new contribution from Pat Murphy in the Historic Photographs section is the amazing story of twin brothers flying the Spitfire - read the incredible Spitfire twins. Two pictures are included.
  


• In modelling, Magnus Fridsell presents his neatly finished Fujimi Spitfire LF Mk. XIV in 1/72 Scale.
  

Labels: history, modelling, site updates

[Steve Roe photo]

The name Airfix should be familiar to all Spitifre fans - at least those in their 50's or those interested in modelling! Other readers are kindly advised to read my previous article about how Airfix started a plastic modelling trend with their Spitfire kits back in the 1950s and kept the Spitfire as one at their top-selling items ever since.

Recent news from BBC brings an update about the current state of this venerable brand. Having gone into receivership last year, Airfix is now owned by Hornby, a succesful model train company based in Margate, UK.

• Airfix - Britain's next top model?
• Airfix flies again: video extras from the BBC 2 show
• Open University - Airfix: kit, model or toy?

It could be argued that the long-term problem with lead to the company's downfall in 2006 was not the modelling hobby but the models it produced; most of them are very dated in terms of plastic-moulding technology and don't compare with the latest to come from their competitors. Even for the kids, Airfix kits (some of which date 40 years back) do not compare in quality with contemporary toys in general. Although Airfix is still a very well-recognized brand, particularly in the UK, years of building entirely on historical reputation has given the competition almost unlimited room to catch up.

I have a personal story that illustrates this point. Last year, I happened to hear an interesting conversation at the Airfix booth at one of the major UK hobby shows. The company representative was rather eager to criticise Trumpeter, the emerging Chinese model manufacturer, for choosing some of the more unusual British aircraft types as subjects for their kits. He meant that the strategy of the Chinese was obviously unsound as models such as Westland Wyvern or Fairey Gannet could never generate enough revenue to pay back for the investment in moulds and research. Well, a year later, another Airfix competitor, the giant Revell of Germany has just released their brand-new kit of the... Fairey Gannet, apparently having made a rather different assessment of its market potential and undisturbed by Trumpeter's earlier release. In the meantime, the Chinese company managed to add a Hawker Sea Fury, Sea Hawk and Vickers Wellington to their line, among the wealth of other new kits. Enough said.

In view of this it sounds reassuring that Hornby acknowledges the need to revitalise the Airfix' largely antiquated product line. That's good, but I have no doubt that Hornby will have a tough job doing that. The market leaders such as Revell, Tamiya, Hasegawa and Trumpeter are miles ahead in terms of product quality. None of these four has recently produced a single aircraft kit with poor fitting pieces, lack of detail or bad scaling. Airfix has do do the same to appeal to the critical adult modelling audience and their older 1/48 Spitfire F.22/24 should be taking as a reference point for judging the expectations. If, on the other hand, the company selects to remain in the 'toy' market, there is also strong competition on the move, such as Revell, Hobby Boss, 21st Century Toys, or Dragon. Currently, Revell of Germany is perhaps the only major plastic kit company in the world to have found a successful balance between the "adult" and "toy" markets, effectively trying to sell the benefits of the hobby to the parents as well as children.

I'd love to see Airfix again as the producer of the best and most-wanted Spitfire kits around. Please Hornby, make it happen.

Labels: modelling

• Fabrice Fanton from France debuts today on the Spitfire Site with an excellent Spitfire F Mk. 21 in 1/48 Scale. This model is a conversion involving the use of three separate kits.
  


• We have also one new image in the Historic Photographs section. This one is our 50th addition to the gallery since its start on 24 September.
  

Labels: history, modelling, site updates

• A new pair of images have been added in Historic Photographs section
  


• In modelling, there are three new additions:
  
• Another Malta Spitfire Kitbash by Erik Whipple,
  
• Pin-up Spitfire Mk. IX modelled by Geoffrey Abreu,
  
• A new set of models from Tim Prosser's Spitfire Collection.
  


• A previously posted video of the newly-flown Spitfire Mk. I AR213 has now also been archived in the Video Section.
  


• We have also an additions in the Art & Memorabilia gallery, this time another impressive painting by Tim Prosser
  

Labels: history, modelling, site updates, videos

• The Historic Photographs section has been enriched with four new images, including an autographed portrait of the top Australian fighter ace, Clive "Killer" Caldwell, from the collection of Tim Prosser (thanks!)
  


• We have also a new video in the Video Section. Provided by Colin Griffin via Mark Davies, this one shows the previously described first flight of Spitfire Mk. V BL628 YD-D. To my knowledge, no other videos of BL628 have been released previously on the web, so this is something of a premiere!
  


• We have also four new additions in the Art & Memorabilia gallery. All those Spitfire keepsakes out there are extremely interesting, so keep them coming!
  


• The second part of the history feature Battle of Britain in the Words of Air Chief Marshal Hugh Dowding has been posted in the Articles section. This part covers the organisation of British defences, from the radar chain to aircraft repair depots and air raid warnings. I'm sure you will find it an interesting reading.
  


• In the area of scale modelling, there are two new contributions: Ventura Spitfire PR Mk. XI modelled by Magnus Fridsell, and American Spitfire Mk. VIII in Italy built by Ricardo Dacoba.
  

That's all for now, I hope that this update contains something for everyone!

Labels: history, modelling, site updates, videos, warbirds