The legendary Spitfire had over 40 variations of types between its introduction into the British Royal Air Force (R.A.F.) in the late 1930s until it was largely withdrawn from front line service in the late 1950s. The air forces of other countries did, however, continue to fly it as a front line fighter well into the 1950s. Production of the Spitfire MK. VIII began in November, 1942 and included a "Air Lobby" tropical air filter which allowed it to be readily deployed to the Middle and Far East Fronts. The requirements of the Spifire MK VIII called for it to excell at all altitudes and that it be capable in the Middle and Far East theaters of combat of carrying bombs from 250 to 500 pounds under the fuselage. A great many of the Spitfire MK VIII were sent to Australia and were used throughout the remainder of World War II subsequently being retired in 1946. Griffon powered Mk VIIIs continued to be used by the R.A.F. until August, 1947. This kit of the Spiitfire Mk VIII, is an accurate representation of this fighter variant. The kit comes complete with authentic decals and instructions written in English. This package includes the following after-market accessories: 1) Additional vaccum formed fuselage; 2) Airwaves Spitfire V Panels; 3) Fotocut metal Spitfire cockpit details; 4) Spitfire Mk XIVc metal detail set; 5) Squadron crystal clear canopy and 6) True Details authentic British seat belts and rudder pedals. The model box is in overall excellent condition but does have a tape tear on the left side. Never started and 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions inventoried.