Tamiya 1/32 Spitfire Mk Viii

The Tamiya 1/32 Supermarine Spitfire Mk.VIII (part HC-60320) is a highly detailed plastic assembly model kit capturing the refined successor to the Mk.V. Developed around the Merlin 60 engine, the Mk.VIII introduced an enlarged rudder, shortened ailerons, a retractable tail landing gear, and fuel tanks set at the wing edges—features that informed later Spitfire variants.

First entering service in the summer of 1943, the Mk.VIII operated primarily across the Mediterranean and Pacific theatres. It flew in combat against the Luftwaffe and Italian air forces in North Africa and Italy, and proved itself against the Japanese Zero over China, Burma, India and Australia. Its successes helped shape subsequent Spitfire developments.

Key Features

• 1/32 scale plastic assembly model kit of the Supermarine Spitfire Mk.VIII.
• Finely rendered riveted surface detail.
• Accurate depiction of signature Mk.VIII features: retractable tail landing gear, shortened ailerons, and wing-edge fuel tank positioning.
• Optional parts to depict the extended wingtips of early production aircraft.
• Faithful wing armament: two 20mm cannons and four 7.7mm machine guns.
• Choice of main landing gear stowed or deployed; built-in magnets allow the tail gear to be shown stowed or deployed.
• Display stand included for an in-flight presentation.
• Detailed Rolls Royce Merlin engine with oil tanks and supercharger; removable engine cowlings.
• Movable control surfaces: elevators, rudder and ailerons; flaps can be posed up or down.
• Parts included for 30 gallon and 90 gallon fuel drop tanks.
• One seated and one standing pilot figure included.
• Markings included for three aircraft: U.S. air force, RAAF and Canadian air force. Canopy masking stickers included.

This Tamiya kit combines precise engineering with rich surface and cockpit detail, making it a compelling 1/32 scale centrepiece for World War II aircraft modelling.