1/48 Academy Spitfire FR Mk XVIII

Gallery Article by Tom Milne on Oct 1 2010

 

This model represents the Spitfire FR Mk XVIII as used by No 208 Squadron during service in the Middle East, at the time of the Israeli War of Independence, during the period 1947-1950.  On 22 May 1948, 208's Spitfires did shoot down several Egyptian Spitfires which attacked their base at Ramat David.  In January, 1949, all four Mk XVIIIs of a patrol by 208 were shot down by Israeli anti-aircraft fire and Mk IX Spitfires which mistakenly thought that they were Egyptian Spitfires attacking an Israeli convoy. 

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The basic kit is the Academy FR Mk XIV, improved and converted to the Mk XVIII, with the Ron's Resins conversion kit and some bits from the Aeroclub Mk XIV/XVIII set.  The exhausts and bomb racks were from the Hasegawa Spitfire Mk IX.  Decals for this aircraft were from the Model Alliance Decals sheet MA-48133.

All of the aftermarket sets made a great improvement to the Academy kit, and this project was a lot of fun.

Tom Milne

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Photos and text © by Tom Milne