Tamiya 61033 Supermarine Spitfire Mk.V 1/48 Scale Plastic Model Kit

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 is offering 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, South East Asia, and to 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. This finely detailed plastic model kit requires assembly and painting. Item is brand new and in its original factory packaging. Listing images are stock pictures provided by the manufacturer or the distributor. The Supermarine Spitfire is regarded by many as the most beautifully designed single seat fighter to appear during the Second World War. Conceived by the renowned British designer Reginald J. Mitchell, the prototype first flew on 5 March 1936. It was an advanced, low wing monoplane with a very slim fuselage and smooth flush riveted metal skin. The Mk I and II versions demonstrated their formidable performance during the 'Battle of Britain', and by early 1941, the majority of fighter squadrons were furnished with this fighter. Improvements were suggested by the pilots and every effort was made to maintain its performance advantages over its opponents. Early improvements resulted in the Mk. V series of Spitfires which became the most widely produced version of all Mk's. The main improvement was the furnishing of three wing armament versions, and the use of the more powerful Merlin type 45 engine, and the 'fishtail' flame damping exhaust stubs. The most numerous Mk.V was the 'b' winged version with a mixed armament of two 7.7mm machine guns and one 20mm cannon in each wing. Although the famous elliptical shaped wing was retained on most Spitfires, some Mk. Vb's had clipped wing tips for better low altitude maneuverability. The Spitfire went through numerous minor and major changes throughout its production life, and served with distinction on every battle front of the war.