Tamiya 60321 Supermarine Spitfire Mk.XVIe 1/32 Scale Plastic Model Kit Open Box

Description

Tamiya ventured into the modeling business in 1948 with a scale wooden ship model kit. Since then, Tamiya has been striving to offer merchandise that can truly be called “First in Quality Around the World.” Now Tamiya offers more than 300 different products, both in the fields of precision static models and high-performance radio control vehicles. These products are not only sold in Japan but also exported in vast quantities to the United States, Europe, Southeast Asia, and many other parts of the world. The standard of excellence achieved by Tamiya is regarded as among the very finest in the world of model hobbies. The Supermarine Spitfire was designed by R.J. Mitchell, and its distinctive silhouette makes it one of the most widely recognized fighters of WWII. Famous for its exploits during the Battle of Britain, the Spitfire continued to evolve to counter newer Axis aircraft, resulting in numerous variants that served with distinction in the RAF and the air forces of many other countries until well after the end of WWII. The Spitfire Mk.XVI was almost identical to the Mk.IX in most aspects except that it was powered by a Packard-built Merlin 266 engine with taller dimensions than the Rolls-Royce 66 engine and featured a bubble canopy with a “low back” fuselage. Other structural changes saw the Mk.XVI equipped with a larger 96-gallon main fuel tank, two additional rear fuselage tanks, and a larger oil sump for extended range. Mk.XVIs were primarily used in ground-attack roles and carried the “E” armament configuration of two 20mm cannons and two 12.7mm Browning machine guns. As the use of concrete tarmacs increased, the landing gear camber angle was modified for better takeoff and landing efficiency. Adjustments to gun positions, ejection ports, and landing gear design gave the Mk.XVIe wings distinctive bulges compared to the Mk.IX. Pushing the limits of model production, the engine cowlings of this kit have an incredible 0.4mm thickness for precise scale accuracy and can be installed or removed using small magnets. The E Wing’s weaponry is faithfully reproduced. Movable elevators, rudder, and ailerons are included, with flaps that may be depicted up or down. Landing gear parts can also be interchanged to show either up or down positions. The cockpit features intricate bulkheads and frames, with photo-etched parts capturing details like wheel covers, the instrument panel, and seat belts. One seated and one standing pilot figure are included, along with three marking options and a display stand to depict the aircraft in flight. This finely detailed plastic model kit requires assembly and painting. This kit is complete and unstarted. It is not shrink-wrapped.