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Aeroclub 1/48 Spitfire IX/XVI Details

By Michael Benolkin

Aeroclub has recently released a new series of injection-molded detail parts and corrections for the Ocidental 1/48 Supermarine Spitfire IX.

The first set, V188A, provides a plastic injection-molded new nose, spinner and propeller to replace the controversial nose on the Ocidental kit. The exhaust stacks, carb intake, and a new tailwheel are provided as white metal castings. As the instructions point out, this set can also be used to convert the Tamiya Spitfire I into a Spitfire IX as well. Don't use the Tamiya Spitfire V though - wrong type of wing. The new nose joins the Ocidental or Tamiya kits right along the panel line.

The second set, V188B, has all of the same parts as V188A, with the addition of a new turtledeck, rudder and vacuformed bubble canopy to convert the Ocidental or Tamiya Mk.I kits into a Mk.XVI. The possibilities are beginning to mount up.

If you use the Ocidental kit as your starting point, you'll find these kits on sale at retailers like Squadron Mail Order ($9.99 in the June flyer).

If you do choose the Tamiya Spitfire I as your starting point, you'll still need new underwing radiators, tailplanes, and other details to round out the project. Fear not, Aeroclub has all of these details available as separate options as well as other goodies, like white metal landing gear struts as well.

Now you have the right stuff to pull together a great Spitfire IX or a Mk.XVI. With the exception of the nose profile on the early Ocidental Spitfire release, the kit is a great starting point for a beautiful aircraft. I purchased my Aeroclub parts at Linden Hill. Stop by and look at all of the cool Aeroclub options just waiting for your next Spitfire undertaking!