Spitfire Mk XIV

This is the Airfix Spitfire Mk XIV which I built in parallel with an another clipped wing Spitfire, the Mk XII.

The Mk XIV is the fighter version similar to the Mark VIII but fitted with the Griffon 61-series engine with two-stage supercharger. This variant entered service in February 1944. A fighter-reconnaissance version of the Mark XIV also appeared. The variant was built in large numbers and final production aircraft featured a cut-back rear fuselage and teardrop canopy.

Here are a few of design points on this kit that I love … firstly the pilot actually fits nicely in the cockpit. Then there’s the perfect looking gun sight, I often leave these out thinking how silly they look but this one is really nicely moulded. Finally, just look at that photo reconnaissance camera! 

It’s all masked up now ready for for some colour 

Camo added to Spitfire Mk.XIV  … guess what’s next, yup not the decals but the yellow leading edges

Finally all decals applied for this aircraft flown by Squadron Leader James Bernard Prendergast, No.414 Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force, Lüneburg, Germany, May-June 1945.

With regards to the upper type C1 roundels:

On 22nd January 1945, owing to the number of instances where Allied aircraft were being shot down by either Allied aircraft or anti-aircraft guns due to mistaken identity the Air Ministry requested that the Red, White, Blue, and Yellow national marking should be accepted as standard for all roundel positions on day-flying 2nd Tactical Air Force (TAF) aircraft.

Here is my 1:48 scale Airfix Supermarine Spitfire FR (Fighter Reconnaissance) Mk.XIV in the markings of that flown by Squadron Leader James Bernard Prendergast, No.414 Squadron, Royal Canadian Air Force, from B156 Lüneburg, Germany, May-June 1945.

This was a lovely kit to build, with the only really challenging piece being the removal of the perfectly good wingtips. If I was to be super critical I’d say that I much prefer it when wingtips options are provided as per on the original aircraft rather than having to saw bits off. The biggest improvement on other Airfix Spitfires has to be the undercarriage which is sturdy and well designed and the propeller which can be fitted last and still rotate! 

My favourite bit would be the camera windows which being an FR aircraft are nicely glazed and within one is an excellently moulded camera lens; a nice touch. My least favourite is the canopy which I think just looks out of place in natural metal and I wish I’d left it green. 

I decided to end it with a museum finish, feeling that despite the box art it probably wouldn’t have actually seen much action but I may return to it later to weather it up a bit.