Tamiya 1/32 Supermarine Spitfire Mk.XVIe

The Spitfre Mk.XVI was almost identical to the Mk.IX in nearly all aspects except that most were powered by a Packard-built Merlin 266 engine which had taller dimensions than the Rolls Royce 66 engine and featured a bubble canopy with a "low back" fuselage. Other new structural changes saw the Mk.XVI equipped with a larger 96 gallon main fuel tank, as well as two additional fuel tanks installed at the rear of the fuselage and a larger oil sump to allow it to fly longer distances. Mk.XVIes were mainly used in ground-attack roles and came with the "E" armament configuration of two 20mm cannons and two 12.7mm Browning machine guns. Also, as concrete tarmacs became more common as the war progressed, changes to the camber angle of the Spitfire's landing gears were made to make for more efficient landings and take-offs. With the changes made to the new gun and cannon positioning, ammunition ejection ports, and the landing gear design, the wings featured new bulges compared to the Mk.IX. The Mk.XVIe, served with distinction throughout Europe for the latter half of the war.

Specs & Features:

• 1/32 scale assembly kit of the Supermarine Spitfire M.XVIe.
• Challenging model production technology limits, the engine cowlings have an amazing 0.4mm thickness to allow for a fully accurate scale representation of the engine. These cowlings can be installed and removed thanks to small magnets.
• The E Wing with its two 20mm cannons and two 12.7mm Browning machine guns is faithfully reproduced.
• The details of the Packard Motor built Merlin 266 engine, including oil tanks and supercharger, have been faithfully remodelled.
• Movable elevators, rudder, and ailerons. Flaps can be depicted in up or down position.
• Landing gear parts included to depict either up or down position (interchangeable).
• Complicated frame configuration of the cockpit features realistic bulkheads and frames.
• Photo-etched parts to depict details such as wheel covers, cockpit area including instrument panel and seat belts with or without pilot included.
• 1 seated and 1 standing pilot figures are included. 
• Also included is a display stand which enables you to depict the plane in flight.

Markings are included for 3 aircraft:

• D-GE, No.349 Sqn RAF, Germany, Summer 1945.
• OU-V, No.485 Sqn RNZAF, Fassberg Germany, Summer 1945.
• FD-AA, No.1 (Pilots) Refresher Flying Unit, Finningley UK, March 1949. This aircraft is finished in overall silver.