PREVIEW
EARLY SPITFIRE
KIT PREVIEW Kotare Models 1:32 Spitfire Mk.I (early) • Kit No. K32004
The Editor checks out Kotare Models’ 1:32 scale Spitfire Mk.I (Early) and concludes that it is just right.
Kotare Models is the brainchild of modeller, veterinary specialist and owner of the fabulous Modelair hobby shop in Auckland New Zealand, Mark Robson.
Mark has put together a team with some names that will be familiar to Wingnut Wings fans including General Manager -Richard Alexander, Product Designer -Darren Mildenhall, Decal Artist -Malcolm Laird, Profile Artist – Ronny Bar and more.
The latest release for this new venture is a 1:32 scale early-production Spitfire Mk.I.
On their website, Kotare defines earlyproduction as in the K9### & L10## serial number range completed between May 1938 and September 1939, initially powered by a 1030hp Rolls-Royce Merlin II engine and featuring a 2-blade fixed pitch Watts propeller, 8 Browning .303” machine guns, triple ejector nozzle outlet exhaust manifolds, a tall un-tapered aerial mast and a rear fuselage adorned with lapped panels with raised rivets for ease of construction. The main planes and front of the fuselage were flush riveted and puttied and sanded smooth for improved performance.
Kotare also points out that numerous improvements were introduced throughout production, many of which were eventually retrofitted to earlier aircraft. These included gun heating, Rolls-Royce Merlin III engine, 3-blade dual-pitch DeHavilland propeller, exhaust manifolds of simplified construction, single tube pitot head, reflector gun sight and a taller canopy hood for improved visibility.