For the first time since World War II Supermarine Spitfires will be mass-produced in the UK again, albeit in 1/24 scale, as Airfix launches a premium model of the MK.IXc.
As one of the world’s oldest and most well-known manufacturers of model kits, Airfix will launch the premium model kit consisting of 433 parts, all manufactured in the UK.
The new kit will mark the second time that Hornby, which bought Airfix in 2006, has brought the model-making production back to the UK to a plant in East Sussex.
Dale Luckhurst, Head of Brand at Airfix, said: “For various business rationale, Airfix models have been manufactured overseas, predominately in China, India and France since the mid-‘90s. However, when we decided to produce this new Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXc, it just felt right to move the production of such a British icon back to the UK, so we are thrilled that these new models will be made on the South Coast of England.
“It’s recorded that the total number of actual aircraft Spitfires (of varying marks) ever built is around 22,000 so it would be such an achievement if we could match this number with our Airfix model kits on home ground. The Spitfire has always been one of our most popular models. In the world of aviation, I’m not sure there is any other aircraft that can even come close to matching the iconic status of the Supermarine Spitfire. It has a legacy which is as strong today as it was during the wartime years. With this in mind, I hope that everyone, from enthusiasts to first-time modellers, enjoys this incredible new Super Kit.”
This very special Spitfire kit is available to pre order now at airfix.com for £94.99 which deliveries expected late autumn.
It looks to be a really well detailed model with a lot of precision parts
Spitfires is the most beautiful model of fighterjets among all the fighters up to 2022,I see. Salute to all the pilots bravely fight with this smart Spitfire to win the War2. Spitfire has its own milestone. I will order one to show my future grandkids about how its performance were.
Can’t wait to get my hands on one of those here in Australia
Had a flight in the real one-brilliant-as a kid I used to see them flying during the war and had to be dragged indoors if they were fighting-I lived near Norwich and we had an aerodrome(hethel) 2 miles away.
Too expensive
It is about time things got built in UK again it looks fantastic
Like the previous comment can’t wait till it comes to Australia. The Spitfire is an icon with many Australians. Our pilots flew in most places in the world. Fighting the axis countries.Well done Airfix
Amazing detail. Surprised to see Airfix going back to their roots.More ww2 please
Hi everyone what a fantastic idea go go go can’t wait.
Chris Lightfoot
SUSSEX
Yes please l won’t one
Only £4,999,997 cheaper than a full scale spit. Still out of most peoples budgets
I hope they made new Die casts as Airfix are terrible to build, nothing truly matches up.
It seems i was one of thr 22,000 as i had one in the late 70,s and later in the 90,s. I no longer have either.
A little expencive though 125€.
To expensive especially in this climate.
Not at that price were do you think working people with kids can afford to spend on average a third of a weeks wages
Where were the moulds made?
That’s why most things are made in China, it’s cheaper. But it looks a beautiful model and l will definitely be ordering one.
Can I cheat and buy a ready-made version as the hands aren’t too good? Also can they bring back a die cast metal version like the one from the 1960’s?
I know it gets in the way of a good headline, but *all* of Airfix’s spitfire models (in numerous scales) were mass produced after WW2 as the first kit didn’t come out until the 1950’s. Just saying.
About 10 years ago I bought a 1/24 scale Airfix Mk I Spitfire in the colours of NZ B of B Ace, Al Deere, who later became an Air Commodore. I have brought the kitset over from NZ to the UK, but I haven’t yet got the nerve to pit it together. Cost equivalent of £80 then.
Beautiful aircraft and represents so much. One flew over our house a few months ago on the way back from a display . It actually brought me to tears . Sadly for the folk complaining about the price I’m afraid it’s the cost of having it manufactured in the UK .
Beautiful model made in the uk at last yes it’s a bit expensive but we cannot have everything made in china otherwise we might as well give up and let the Chinese make everything! I will pay a bit more if it’s made here well done Airfix excellent model instructions are a revelation if you can’t afford it that’s totally understandable so buy a smaller cheaper kit at a cheaper price .