Supermarine Spitfire Mk. IXc
No. 602 Squadron RAF, Longues-sur-Mer, France, Jul 1944
Kit Manufacturer : Eduard
Scale: 1/48
The Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IX is widely regarded as the definitive version of the most iconic fighter of the Second World War and one of the aircraft most closely associated with aviation history. Developed in response to the appearance of the formidable Focke-Wulf Fw 190, the Mk.IX restored the Royal Air Force's competitive edge by combining the proven Spitfire airframe with the powerful Rolls-Royce Merlin 61 engine. Its outstanding performance, agility and versatility allowed it to excel as an air superiority fighter, bomber escort and ground attack aircraft, serving on every major front until the end of the Second World War. This particular aircraft, MJ586, was flown by the renowned French ace Pierre Clostermann of No. 602 Squadron RAF during the summer of 1944, shortly after the Normandy landings, and represents one of the most celebrated Spitfires of the war.
The Eduard 1/48 Spitfire Mk.IXc perfectly captures the character of this remarkable aircraft, combining my historical interest with the challenge of reproducing a heavily used operational fighter.
This build allowed me to further develop my camouflage painting, weathering, and finishing techniques while working with one of the finest Spitfire kits available. Particular attention was given to achieving realistic surface variation and reproducing the appearance of an aircraft operating from advanced airfields during the summer of 1944.
The completed model remains one of my favorite Spitfires and a fitting tribute to both the aircraft and the pilots who flew it.
Build Summary
Kit: Eduard 8281 Spitfire Mk. IXc Late Version - ProfiPACK Edition - 1/48
Aftermarket: Eduard PE Cockpit Parts
Completion: January 2026
Gallery
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Paints
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Primer
Mr. Surfacer Grey
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Thinner
Mr. Color Levelling Thinner (Thin ratio paint:thinner 1:1.5)
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"RAF Day Fighter Scheme" Jul 1944 camouflage
Upper Surfaces: Mr. Color C361 Dark Green & Mr. Color C362 Ocean Grey
Lower Surfaces: Mr. Color C363 Medium Sea Grey
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Major Details
Landing Gear Bays: Mr Color C363 Medium Sea Grey
Landing Gear Legs Mr. Color C008 Silver
Wheels: Mr. Color C137 Tyre Black
Engine Exhaust: Mr. Color C061 Burnt Iron
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Weathering
Flory Models Weathering Wash “Dark Dirt”
Abteilung 502 Oil “Smoke”, “Raw Umber”
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Clear Coats/Final Finish
Before decal application: Mr. Color GX100 Super Clear
After decals application: Mr. Color C181 Semigloss Clear
Final Finish: Mr. Color C181 Semigloss Clear
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Key Techniques and Features
Paint Chipping on wings root and leading edge
Mr. Color C008 (Silver) applied locally on wing leading edge main paint using a "dirty" sponge
Operational grime and panels/rivets enhancement
Flory Models Wash "Dark Dirt" was used over Semigloss Clear to retain a realistic amount of grime.
Oil weathering
Abteilung 502 oils were used to create streaking, panel fading, and operational wear
Additional tubing and wiring in the cockpit
0.2 and 0.3 mm lead wire was used to replicate existing tubing and wiring inside the cockpit not present in the kit box