The Supermarine Spitfire I was the British Royal Air Force's premiere fighter during the first two years of WWII and, with the Hawker Hurricane, formed the backbone of the defence against the German Luftwaffe during the Battle of Britain. Tamiya's rendition of the Spitfire I builds up into an impressive, highly detailed 1/48th scale replica with lots of interior and exterior detail. High quality water activated decals are included for two specific aircraft.

The Supermarine Spitfire is regarded by many as the most esthetically designed single seat fighter to appear during the Second World War. It was conceived by the brilliant British designer Reginald J. Mitchell, and first flew on 5 March 1936. It was an advanced, low wing single seat monoplane with a very smooth flush riveted metal skin and a long flowing front cowling.

Using the famous Rolls-Royce "Merlin" liquid cooled 12 cylinder engine that produced more than 1,000 horsepower, the Mk I Spitfire attained a top speed of 586km/h. The very distinctive elliptical shaped wing was useful in reducing parasitic drag and allowed a fairly thin wing construction. It carried a large coolant radiator under the starboard wing, and a small oil cooler under the port wing, giving it an asymmetrical appearance when viewed from the front and bottom. The retractable main landing gear also contributed to its smooth lines, and gave it higher performance. The Mk I Spitfire was armed with eight 7.7mm machine guns, four to each wing.

The early production Mk I Spitfires used a fixed pitch wooden two blade propeller, which was later replaced with a two-pitch three blade propeller. The Spitfire's combat action in thwarting Germany's attempt to raid the English mainland during 1940, and known as the "Battle of Britain", has ensured this fighter's pride of place in the minds of England's men and women forever

Approx 50 parts molded in medium grey and clear
Fine recessed panel lines.
Multi-part canopy may be posed open or closed.
Wheels have separate hubs for easy painting.
Finely sculpted pilot figure.
Highly detailed cockpit with accurate instrument panel, seat, control stick and rudder pedals, and bulkheads.
Separate, positionable cockpit door.
Detailed instructions with separate sheet for paint scheme.