JEJ Mini decal to be released soon

Following on from my previous post, Aero Imageworks will be releasing a simple correction decal for the 1:32nd scale Tamiya Spitfire Mk IX kit. It comprises replacement maple leaf marking and Wing Commander rank pennant for JEJ flown by 'Johnnie' Johnson. Coupled with the kit decals you can now build a pretty good representation of this famous MkIX. RRP is only AUD $9.95. Keep an eye on Aero Imageworks website for details.

Spitfire MK VIII from Tamiya

I'll be getting this kit asap via my contact in Japan who late last year got me one of the first Spitfire Mk IX's. Unfortunately I'm restricted to only one kit from this source so I have also pre-ordered one from a Japan based model shop.

The kit includes a fully detailed Hispano cannon and wing machine guns, something that was originally intended for the Mk IX. When the Mk IX was released I was told that it missed out on these 'goodies' because they weren't ready in time. I've since learned that this is untrue! Tamiya could have included these armaments in the kit but didn't for marketing reasons. We all bought the Mk IX, now we are all going to buy the Mk VIII if for no other reason than to get those extra bits for use in the IX! Clever marketing it certainly is but its all wasted on me. I was always going to buy both kits!