Airfix Spitfire Mk IXc

Supermarine Spitfire IXc, MA585/KH-B, 403 Squadron, RCAF
ALG Headcorn, September 1943, P/O George “Buzz” Beurling, DFC

The Aircraft


A Spitfire IXc, MA585 was an early production configuration having the original small carburetor intake, original elevator and 5 spoke wheels. Completed in June 1943 and delivered to 403 Squadron that month. MA585 remained with 403 Squadron until April when it was transferred to 501 Squadron; it survived the war and was sold to a foreign country

Pilot Officer Beurling was the leading Canadian ace of the war with 31 kills. Most were achieved over Malta in 1941/42 until he was shot down and injured. Following recovery he was posted to gunnery training which he disliked and eventually he was assigned to 403 Squadron. He was a lone wolf who did not follow orders and after reassignment to 412 Squadron in 1944 he was withdrawn from combat, grounded and sent home.

George Beurling volunteered to fly with the Isreali Air Force after the war and unfortunately while en route died in a plane crash near Rome.

Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) Headcorn was an airfield near (38 miles) London used as a prototype for the temporary landing areas that supporting fighters and fighter-bombers would use after D-Day France.

The Model

This Airfix Spitfire IXc is their new tooling from 2009. It's considered very accurate in shape and outline, however the cockpit detail leaves much to be desired and the recessed panel lines are a bit heavy for some tastes. The kit provides alternate parts to make (in theory) either an early or late IXc, however the wing and elevators are configured as a late IXc with wing bulges over the wheel wells (not introduced until late 1945 when wider wheels were introduced) and large elevator horn balances.

To improve the cockpit, I replaced the seat and added a control column, both from 3D-Kits. The wheels came from my spares box and the decals are from an IPMS Canada sheet for RCAF aces containing markings for many aircraft in all three major scales.

To model an early Mk IXc, the elevator outline needs to be rescribed and the wheel well bulges removed, either 4 (kit) or 5 spoke wheels (check photos), plus use the short carburetor intake.

To model a late wartime Mk IXc, remove the wheel well bulges, 4 spoke wheels (kit) and use the long carburetor intake.

To model a post-war Mk IXc with the wheel well bulges use 3 spoke wheels and use the long carburetor intake; unless your photo shows otherwise you'll also need to replace the rudder with a broad chord (pointed) unit. Quickboost make one for this kit.

Paints were all Humbrol (116, 106, 165, 90 and 24) except for the prop blades which was Mr Color 71 Midnight Blue (a near match for RAF Night).

Thanks for reading.