The Spitfire Mk. VIII was a development of the high altitude Mk.VII. Both aircraft used the newer two stage Merlin 60 series engines. The increased wing span was accompanied by a slight reduction in aileron length. The longer engine meant a longer nose and the increased power also meant an increase in fin/rudder area, though this was not done until later in production. This is also the first production Spit to have a retractable tail wheel.

The Mk VIII was basically a low level Mk. VII. It did not require the additional wing span nor the pressurized cabin of the earlier variant. However all the other improvements, such as increased radiator area along with the earlier mentioned larger engine were kept. It proved to be a very potent machine. Over 1,600 were built in three variants. The HF, high altitude fighter, the LF (of which a majority of the type were built) and the F. All had the Volkes style tropical air intake fitted as standard. The Mk.VIII was used mostly in the Mediterranean and Pacific theaters. Both the USAAF and RAAF utilized a number of the type.

If you are like me, you have heard a mixed bag of information about this particular kit. It has been long awaited, and much was hoped out of it, especially after the debacle with the Ocidental Spit IX. As you know, ICM is known for doing a zillion variants from a single kit. Their Yak-9 and Yak-7 kits easily had a dozen variations on the theme. The ICM Spit VIII/IX kits seem to be no exception.

Well, let's take a look at what is in the box. All of the sprues are packed into a single bag. In mine, a number of parts had come adrift. The plastic is white and looks very nicely detailed. Closer inspection, however, shows a large number of sink marks. It seems that everywhere that there is a thick section of plastic, there are sink marks. They are especially large on the rocket heads, the upper wings near the ailerons and on the fuselage opposite interior detailing and on the tail section. Much filler will be needed here and it will also basically wipe out any detailing in that area. A real shame. You can see some of the sink marks in the images below.

Typical of ICM, you get a complete engine with engine mount. You also get several canopy options. There are a few pieces that are not used on this kit. To do the Mk.VIII, you will have to trim the ailerons to fit. Other options include centerline and wing bomb racks with bombs and a centerline belly fuel tank. It will be interesting to see how this all fits together. I had no luck with the ICM Yak-9 engine and eventually left it out in frustration. Perhaps this one will not be so bad.

The instructions are quite good and include color callouts in each step. These colors are all matched to Humbrol paints, though general color names are given so you can use other paints. Decals are provided for two aircraft in a desert scheme of dark earth/middlestone over azure blue. Both are 31 FG aircraft. The decals are very matte and have large areas of clear film around them. Once trimmed, they work amazingly well, if the Yak-9 is anything to go by. My sheet was crisp and in register.

It looks like a nice kit with super detailing. Too bad about all the sink marks, though. It will be a test of one's modeling skills to build this one. It does not, however, look to be unbuildable as I have read in other reviews. Perhaps I got a reasonably well done kit.

 Review kit courtesy of me and my wallet!

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