Kotare K32001. Spitfire MK 1a, 1:32 Scale
Spitfire Mk. 1a (Mid)
K32001 -Kotare
The Kotare Spitfire model is an amazingly highly detailed 1:32 scale model kit. It features 117 high quality injection moulded plastic parts. The model has a wingspan of 350mm.
It has optional DeHavilland or Rotol propellers. The wireless controllers and aerials also have two options in the kit.
The cockpit seats can be modelled with or without the Sutton K Type harness detail. The cockpit doors can be either modelled open or closed as can the canopy also be modelled opened or closed.
Hand pump undercarriage retraction has been accurately reproduced and the wheels are weighted down with heavy tyres that feature correct alignment.
Cartograph waterslide decals are included with details to model one of three versions of the Spitfire.
Included is a 28 page full colour instruction manual.
Spitfire Mk1 History
The legendary Supermarine Type 300 “Spitfire” is undoubtedly one of the most famous, and perhaps the most beautiful, aircraft of all time. Designed from 1934 under the guidance of Supermarine Aviation Works’ chief designer Reginald Mitchell, Joseph Smith and “Alf” Faddy, the 990hp Rolls-Royce Merlin “C” powered prototype first flew on 5 March 1936. It was immediately obvious that it was something very special and an initial production order was placed in early June 1936 for 310 aircraft. Numerous delays at Supermarine and many of the approximately 150 sub-contractors ensured that the first production Spitfire was not completed until mid-May 1938 and the final aircraft from the order was only delivered in September 1939.
Mid production Mk.Ia were completed between September 1939 and April 1940, saw the introduction of armoured windscreen glass and protective plating over the upper fuel tank which necessitated shortening the engine cowlings slightly (which were retrofitted to earlier production aircraft) as well as an improved lever-operated “dual position” cockpit door catch, tapered aerial post and a voltage regulator positioned behind the pilot’s headrest. Selected aircraft received a constant speed Rotol RX5/1 propeller and the temporary installation of the TR.1133 VHF radio, which did not require an external aerial wire.
Spitfire Mk.I colour schemes are surprisingly varied and complicated. Interior areas were primed with light grey before being painted aluminium, except for the cockpit between frames 8 & 11 which was painted in a colour described as “Supermarine green” and “apple green”. Note that this is different from the paler, greyer, “Grey Green” (of which various colour mixes have additionally been noted) used on later production Spitfires built by other manufacturers. Major internal components supplied by sub-contractors could be delivered in various shades of grey-green or aluminium or even black.
The underside paint finish varied greatly throughout Mk.I production and service, initially being painted aluminium until late April 1939 when the port side was painted Night (black) and the starboard white (split along the centreline). Then from late February 1940, supposedly all “white” except for the port main plane (only) which was Night, although photographic evidence indicates that the undersides of the nose, rear fuselage and tailplane were usually painted with aluminium. From June 1940 the undersides were supposed to be painted “Sky Type S…duck egg bluish green” but sky grey and sky blue also appear to have been used and then from November 1940 the port main plane (only) was again finished in Night. Aircraft were re-painted in various interpretations of these specifications in the field as time and supplies of paint (including local mixes) allowed, which ensured that a wide variety of finishes were possible.