Spitfire MK.IXc
BS435 (FY-F)

Here’s my second build of ICM’s 1:48 Spitfire Mk.IXc in the markings of BS435 (FY-F) flown by Australian fighter ace S/ Ldr. Hugo Armstrong DFC & bar of 611 (West Lancashire) Squadron while based at RAF Biggin Hill between September 1942 to February 1943.

Colours used here were all SMS lacquers and both model and paints were acquired from my favourite local Crewkerne Models. This kit was actually built from the ICM RAF Airfield set which includes 2 MK.IX models while my earlier build was from the standalone kit.

In comparison with my other Mk.IX Spitfire builds, this very early Mk.IX clearly shows its Mk.V heritage in having those larger bulges in the cannon covers which were replaced with a thinner more streamlined version on the later Mk.IXc and e Spitfires.

Having struggled to build my first ICM kit with all engine and gun panels attached, I just had to build this one with all removed so as to show off that lovely Rolls Royce Merlin 60 engine detail and the two minimalist and compact Hispano 20mm canons.

A bit of history ….

On 5th February 1943, Armstrong flying BS435, his personal aircraft, was leading his Squadron on a patrol off the French coast when they encountered Fw 190s from 5./JG 26 based at Vitry-en-Artois. In the engagement he was shot down by the German fighter ace Oberfeldwebel Heinz Gomann, and although Armstrong was able to radio that he’d been hit and was bailing out, extensive search and rescue operations failed to locate him.