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.
