Airfix 17001A - 1:24 Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXc Flying Dray

Plastic model kit of the Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXc inspired by the “Flying Dray” legend

The Airfix 17001A kit in 1:24 scale is based on the folklore of “Flying Dray” — informal stories of Spitfires carrying beer barrels for Allied troops after the D-Day landings in France. These flights were not part of any official RAF unit or mission but are remembered as morale-boosting gestures, told in memoirs and modeling circles. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

Kit contents:

• precisely molded plastic parts of fuselage, wings and landing gear,
• highly detailed cockpit interior with instrument panel,
• “C” wing armament – 20 mm Hispano cannons and Browning .303 machine guns,
• special themed accessories reflecting the legend: beer barrels, modified bomb racks, auxiliary tanks,
• step-by-step illustrated instructions,
• decals for the “Flying Dray” livery.

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:24
• Model length: approx. 38.6 cm
• Wingspan: approx. 46.1 cm
• Manufacturer: Airfix
• Skill level: intermediate / advanced

Note: Kit does not include glue, paints or tools. Model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the kit and tips:

Given the scale and detail, building this model will be satisfying but requires patience. The themed accessories (barrels, modified racks) may need extra care in preparation and painting. Weathering adds realism.

Recommended tools:

• Hobby knife or sprue cutters
• Files and sandpaper
• Fine brushes
• Plastic cement
• Paints matching RAF camouflage plus additional tones for barrels etc.
• Optional: weathering materials for aging and effects.

About the “Flying Dray” legend:

“Flying Dray” refers to undocumented but widely retold anecdotes of Spitfire flights modified to carry beer barrels to Allied front-line troops after D-Day. These missions were not sanctioned officially by RAF hierarchy, and are not found in formal logs, but are celebrated in memories, modeler lore, and as fun tributes to the human side of war. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

About the Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXc:

The Spitfire remains one of World War II’s most iconic fighters. The Mk.IX was developed in response to the threat posed by the Focke-Wulf Fw 190, fitted with the Rolls-Royce Merlin 61 engine and “C” wing. It combined excellent maneuverability with improved high-altitude performance. It became one of the most produced Spitfire types and served extensively with RAF and allied squadrons.

Original aircraft specifications:

• Length: 9.46 m
• Wingspan: 11.23 m
• Powerplant: Rolls-Royce Merlin 61, ~1565 hp
• Maximum speed: approx. 656 km/h
• Crew: 1 pilot
• Armament: 2 × 20 mm Hispano cannons, 4 × Browning .303 machine guns

Airfix – a blend of history and imaginative storytelling

Airfix is known not only for rekindling history w dobrze odwzorowanych modelach, ale też za sięganie po apokryficzne historie i legendy jak „Flying Dray”, które dodają charakteru projektom i inspirują modelarzy do kreatywnego podejścia.