Supermarine Spitfire Tr.9
Irish Air Corps
- Scale:
- 1:72
- Status:
- Completed
- Started:
- March 14, 2023
- Completed:
- March 20, 2023
A conversion trainer based on the Spitfire was first deemed a requirement in the immediate post-war period. Despite large numbers of surplus Mark IX aircraft, Vickers opted for the Mk.VIII airframe as basis for their first prototype, the Spitfire 502 Tr.8. This aircraft, N32/G-AIDN, (ex RAF serial MT818), made her first flight on 9 September 1946. This aircraft is still in airworthy condition and operates out of Biggin Hill.
In September 1950, the Irish Government ordered six two-seat Spitfire Mk. TR.9 from Vickers-Armstrongs. The aircraft were delivered in June and July 1951.
I’ve finished my build of AZ’s Spitfire TR.8/9 as IAC-163 (ex RAF TE308), registered in the USA as N308WK, exported to the UK in 2019 and today based at Biggin Hill.
Following decommissioning in 1968 IAC-163 was purchased, overhauled, registered as G-AWGB and then leased to Spitfire Productions Ltd for use in filming ‘The Battle of Britain’ with stints in the UK and France.
After a spell in the US this aircraft is now one of three 2 seat Spitfires – all three are former Irish Air Corps aircraft - of Fly a Spitfire based at Biggin Hill.
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Comments
Roy McKayNice one. Just be careful, the Irish ones were T.9s. Not sure if the kit has the correct parts or not?
Jonathan Read-BoneThanks Roy, to be honest it's going to be a homage to the Irish Spitfire rather than an exact replica. I've also only got the later green white and gold decals, so purists will, I know, be horrified! AZ annotate inside the box that this kit is for both the T.8 and T.9, so am hoping any discrepancies are small. I've corrected the title of my project to reflect it's the TR.9 that I'm intending this to be. Thanks again.
Jan TichýGot this project also. However, the AZ/KP company are just a bunch of scammers, no original work whatsoever, it's all copy of somebody else's moulds, decals are a BS "quality" and half made up. They are the only ones, though, who did scribble a two-seater fuselage. Bought it, took the fuselage and gave the rest to the kids to play with. I am going to try and build Eduard's Mk. IX around it. Way, way better choice. But good modelling to you, have fun with it.
Roy McKayWell, maybe you're sorted so then. I figure the kit sprues are the same for the fuselage just not sure about the wings. I recall reading somewhere the T.9s had the forward cockpit moved forward but not all 2 seaters are so modified, maybe the Tr.8 is the same? I may have a spare set of green/orange and green/white/orange (not gold, its orange for the Unionists, despite their constant moaning they're not represented on the tricolour). I'll have to check. Ironically, I'm now looking for a copy of the kit with the current MJ627 warbird decals as my wife's late uncle flew in her. Anyway, today is a day for the rugby, where hopefully we'll secure the triple crown, 6 nations championship, grand slam, and most importantly beat England! 😉🥳
Jan TichýI'll check for you, I definitely kept the decals and the fuselage, the rest is gone. Mind you, the rest is just standard mk. IX Spitfire. I bought two of these, so I should have one spare.
Jonathan Read-BoneJan, just using the fuselage would have been an excellent idea. Totally agree with you on the AZ kit quality though. This is my second and last 🤣
Moreno BaruffiniDear all, sorry for jumping in, but I've read the Roy's comment and I'm very happy that Ireland won all!!!! SUPER!
...as an Italian, only wooden spoons for me...
PS A super interesting project and discussion, following with lot of interest and pleasure 👌🏻
Ben MN308WK Used to be nearby me and I saw it fly on several occasions from my front porch.
Jan TichýJonathan, I´ve checked my stash - I can send you the extra sprue with parts of the fuselage and the second cockpit, the clear parts and the decals, if you´re interested.
Jonathan Read-BoneThank Jan, but I do have all the bits required. I think it may have been Roy that was after something (?)
Jan TichýHa! It was Roy indeed! Sorry about that, Jonathan! Have a great evening!