Kotare 1/32 Spitfire Mk Ia

By Michael Pattison

This is my rendition of a very early Spitfire, using the Kotare model of the Spitfire Mk.I, early. The only add-on used was the Eduard Space set which contains 3D printed cockpit details and a set of steel seat belts.

This model represents K-9795 which was the ninth production Spitfire, built by Supermarine in Southampton. The plane as depicted here was powered by a Rolls Royce Merlin II engine of 990hp driving a two blade "Watts" propeller while serving with 19 Squadron in late 1938. The markings depict the plane as it was when flown by the squadron CO, Sqdn Ldr H.I. Cozens while on display in October 1938, hence the squadron number on the tail which was temporary.

Henry Ilife Cozens was born in London on 13th March 1904. He joined the RAF in 1923 and after various postings, took over command of 19 Squadron in December 1937. This squadron was the first to equip with Spitfires, and he took delivery of the first Spitfire (K-9789) on 14th October 1938. He continued as squadron CO until the end of 1939 when he took on various administrative duties, retiring in September 1956 as an Air Commodore. He died aged 91 in June 1995.

K-9795, the subject of this build, was delivered to 19 Squadron's home at Duxford on 27th September 1938, later being transferred to 64 Squadron on 18th April 1940. It was shot down by friendly AA fire but both it and the pilot survived the experience being repaired by General Aircraft Ltd after which it was issued to 603 Squadron on 29th September 1940. 222 Squadron took it on charge shortly after when it suffered an engine failure on 14th October that year. Again, both pilot and aircraft survived with the aircraft being classified as Cat 2 damaged. It was struck off charge while serving with 58 OTU on 12th January 1941, ending its days as an instructional airframe from New Year’s Day, 1942.

There are a couple of pictures published of the actual plane circa 1938. There are many differences to later Mk I Spitfires, starting with the two blade fixed-pitch prop and Merlin II, which could not drive a variable pitch prop or constant speed prop. The exhausts were different, the fuel tank had no armour covering and there was no armour glass or steel plate protection for the pilot. Very early machines were not always fitted with the outer .303 guns. The very early planes had a flat sliding canopy but complaints about hitting heads on this led to the fitment of a blown canopy from the fiftieth production machine. Notice also a different antenna mast and two probe pitot on this plane.

This has been a very enjoyable build, and Kotare's model is one of the finest depictions of a Spitfire in 1/32 scale yet produced. I do have a few gripes, but not many overall. I've detailed my thoughts more fully in my thread in the Work in Progress forum for more information on the build.

Enjoy!

Kotare 1/32 Spitfire Mk Ia

By Michael Pattison

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