Pre-order - IBG 72592 - 1:72 Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vb Trop over North Africa 1942-43

Pre-order item! Your order will be fulfilled once the manufacturer releases the product. Estimated availability: mid-July 2026. The delivery date is approximate and subject to change for reasons beyond our control.

1:72 scale plastic model kit of the Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vb Trop (North Africa 1942–43)

IBG 72592 is an assembly kit reproducing the British Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vb in its tropical version, adapted for operations in desert conditions. The boxing references the air fighting over North Africa in 1942–43, one of the key theatres for Allied aviation in that period.

The Trop version is distinguished by the large Vokes dust filter under the engine cowling, protecting the powerplant from the ever-present sand. The kit is well equipped – alongside plastic and clear parts it contains photo-etched parts, resin components and adhesive masks, letting you build a refined model of one of the most recognisable fighters of WWII.

What's in the box:

• Plastic parts and clear parts
• Photo-etched parts
• Resin components
• Adhesive masks
• Vokes dust filter (tropical version)
• Waterslide decal sheet
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Kit specifications:

• Scale: 1:72
• Catalogue number: 72592
• Manufacturer: IBG Models
• Assembled length: approx. 127 mm
• Model wingspan: approx. 156 mm
• Skill level: intermediate

Note: The kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

The model is well equipped and therefore recommended for modellers with some experience. It is worth painting and finishing the cockpit before closing up the fuselage, and modelling tweezers and cyanoacrylate glue are useful for the photo-etched and resin parts. The adhesive masks make it easier to render the canopy framing evenly. A typical desert Spitfire scheme has upper surfaces in Mid Stone and Dark Earth with Azure Blue undersides; the base for the decals should be glossy, and the model is best finished with a satin varnish.

Tools you will need:

• Modelling side cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for smoothing sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement and cyanoacrylate glue for the photo-etched and resin parts
• Precision modelling tweezers
• Brushes of various sizes or an airbrush
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• A wash to bring out panel lines and details

About the aircraft – Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vb Trop:

The Supermarine Spitfire was one of the most famous British fighters of WWII, and the Mk V became its most numerously produced variant. Powered by a Rolls-Royce Merlin 45, the Mk Vb carried an armament of two 20 mm Hispano cannon and four machine guns, ensuring effectiveness in air combat.

The tropical version was created for operations in hot, dusty climates. The characteristic Vokes dust filter under the engine cowling prevented sand from reaching the carburettor, although it slightly reduced performance. Mk Vb Trop Spitfires played an important role in the fighting over North Africa in 1942–43, where they supported the Allied offensive and fought the Axis air forces.

Original aircraft specifications (Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vb):

• Type: single-seat fighter
• Powerplant: Rolls-Royce Merlin 45 inline engine
• Armament: two 20 mm Hispano cannon and four 7.7 mm machine guns
• Wingspan: approx. 11.23 m
• Length: approx. 9.12 m
• Service period: Second World War

About the manufacturer – IBG Models:

IBG Models is a Polish model company from Warsaw, known for plastic kits in 1:72, 1:48 and 1:35 scales, with a particular focus on Polish subjects and less commonly modelled vehicles and aircraft. The brand is valued for modern tooling, well-equipped kits – often with photo-etched parts and resin components – and careful reproduction. IBG develops, among others, extensive families of Italian M-series vehicles, British trucks and Supermarine Spitfire and PZL aircraft. IBG products are aimed at modellers who appreciate refined execution and out-of-the-ordinary subjects.