SKU: 52686409094

1940 Mk 1a Spitfire - 'QJ-K' Liveried

Sale price$20247.75 Regular price$22497.50
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Description

1940 Mk 1a Spitfire - 'QJ-K' LiveriedLimited edition of 50 models, presented in the livery of Spitfire Mk 1a K9998 QK J Based on the Mk 1a aircraft flown by Geoffrey Wellum of 92 Squadron during his first taste of aerial combat on the 11th September 1940 Each model hand built and assembled by a small team of craftsmen 1: 16 scale model, over 60 centimetres 23 inches long with a wingspan of over 70 centimetres 27 inches wide Made using the finest quality materials Over 6500 hours to

  • Limited edition of 50 models, presented in the livery of Spitfire Mk 1a K9998 ‘QK-J’
  • Based on the Mk 1a aircraft flown by Geoffrey Wellum of 92 Squadron during his first taste of aerial combat on the 11th September 1940
  • Each model hand-built and assembled by a small team of craftsmen
  • 1:16 scale model, over 60 centimetres/23 inches long with a wingspan of over 70 centimetres/27 inches wide
  • Made using the finest quality materials
  • Over 6500 hours to develop the model
  • Over 400 hours to build each model
  • Thousands of precisely engineered parts: castings, photo-etchings and CNC machined metal components
  • Built using original CAD designs developed from an original scan of aircraft in the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight based at Coningsby in Lincolnshire

Please note current images show the model in its bare aluminium finish. Images of the model in its full livery will be shared as soon as they are available.

A beacon of defiance in Britain’s darkest hour, the Supermarine Spitfire stands as the nation’s most iconic World War II fighter. Conceived by Reginald Mitchell of Supermarine Ltd., it was developed in response to a 1934 Air Ministry specification for a high-performance interceptor armed with eight wing-mounted 0.303-inch (7.7mm) machine guns. Its lineage traced directly to Mitchell’s Schneider Trophy racing seaplanes of the 1920s, machines built to chase absolute speed. One such aircraft, the S.6, set a world speed record of 357 mph (574 km/h) in 1929.

From Racing Seaplanes to Frontline Fighter

Mitchell’s approach was more radical than that of the Hawker Hurricane, a design rooted in steel tubing, wood, and fabric and favoured by many RAF commanders of the 1930s. The Spitfire instead employed a stressed-skin aluminium monocoque structure wrapped around a 1,000 hp, 12-cylinder, liquid-cooled Rolls-Royce PV-12 engine, later immortalised as the Merlin. Its defining feature was a graceful elliptical wing with a thin airfoil, which, combined with the Merlin’s efficient supercharging, delivered exceptional performance at high altitude. This advanced construction made the Spitfire both difficult to build and challenging to repair, leading some to question whether it was too sophisticated for wartime realities.

The Spitfire’s eight wing-mounted guns were harmonised to converge at a single point ahead of the aircraft, while pilots were aided by an electric gunsight that projected an orange aiming dot onto the windscreen - an early forerunner of the modern heads-up display.

Into Service - and Mitchell’s Final Legacy

The prototype first flew in March 1935, with the aircraft entering RAF service in July 1938. The first operational Spitfires arrived at No. 19 Squadron at Duxford on 4 August. Tragically, Mitchell did not live to see his creation enter service, succumbing to cancer in June 1937. Even after learning his illness was terminal, he continued to work relentlessly, against medical advice, determined to see the project through.

Early Combat and an Uncertain War

In the early stages of the war, Spitfires were initially held back, with Hurricanes forming the backbone of Fighter Command, though they did see action during the evacuation of Dunkirk. The Spitfire claimed its first victories on 16 October 1939, when aircraft from Nos 602 and 603 Squadrons shot down two Junkers Ju 88 bombers over the Firth of Forth. By the summer of 1940, Germany launched its aerial offensive against Britain. In the wake of the rapid Nazi advance across Europe, many - including influential voices in France and the United States - believed Britain’s position to be untenable. Even with the Spitfire, RAF pilots faced technically capable opponents in overwhelming numbers, and contemporary estimates painted the aircraft as an underdog by almost every measure.

The Battle of Britain

During the Battle of Britain, Spitfires were preferentially tasked with engaging German fighters, while Hurricanes attacked the bombers. Although more Hurricanes were deployed and credited with a greater number of victories, Spitfire squadrons suffered lower losses and achieved a higher victory-to-loss ratio. Its superior high-altitude performance is widely regarded as a critical factor in tipping the balance of the war effort. At the height of the battle, the Luftwaffe committed an average of 1,000 aircraft per day, with one massive raid on London involving more than 1,100 machines - yet time and again they were repelled, with the Spitfire at the forefront.

Evolution and Global Service

Most Spitfires flown during the Battle of Britain were Mk I variants, though many were replaced by the Mk II by the end of 1940. Thereafter, the Spitfire supplanted the Hurricane as the primary fighter of RAF Fighter Command and served across the European, Mediterranean, Pacific, and South-East Asian theatres. Mk I Spitfires were also supplied to allied nations including France, Portugal, and Turkey. In total, 1,533 Mk I aircraft were built by Supermarine, with a further 50 produced by Westland Aircraft. All Mk I Spitfires were officially declared obsolete by February 1945.

The Spitfire’s Legacy

The Spitfire’s influence extended far beyond the battlefield. Its elegant form and hard-won victories were woven into the fabric of Britain’s wartime identity, becoming a potent symbol of resistance and resilience. Widely used in propaganda to rally public morale and project confidence at home and abroad, it stood as visible proof that Britain could fight back. In time, the Spitfire transcended its role as a fighter aircraft, enduring as an icon of courage, ingenuity, and national survival.

A Faithful Replica of K9998 ‘QK-J’

This exquisite Amalgam scale model is a faithful 1:16 reproduction of the Supermarine Spitfire Mk Ia flown by Geoffrey Wellum of 92 Squadron in September 1940, presented in the authentic squadron markings of aircraft K9998 ‘QK-J’. This aircraft holds particular significance as Wellum’s mount on the morning of 11 September 1940, when he experienced his first taste of aerial combat - his so-called ‘blooding’ as a fighter pilot. It represents one of the most accurate and highly detailed Spitfire models ever produced at this scale. Every minute detail of the aircraft has been meticulously recreated, from the thousands of individual rivets to the finely detailed cockpit and the upper structure of the Rolls Royce Merlin engine. As with all Amalgam models, it is the result of a seamless fusion of art, technology and dedication, combining original digital scan data and extensive historical research with master-level sculpting and finishing to create a model virtually indistinguishable from the real aircraft in photographs. The model has been developed using extremely precise digital scan data gathered from Battle of Britain Memorial Flight aircraft based at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, alongside detailed reference material relating specifically to Wellum’s aircraft. The historically accurate paintwork and markings faithfully capture the appearance of K9998 as it appeared in operational service during 1940. Each Supermarine Spitfire is built to order. Please contact our sales team to discuss bespoke specifications or individual requirements.

The Mk 1a Spitfire K9998 ‘QK-J’ is limited to just 50 pieces at 1:16 scale.

Please note that, due to the large size of this piece and complexities of shipping, additional costs will be calculated and billed separately based on delivery location.

Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 52686409094

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4.4 ★★★★★
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A
Verified Purchase
Amber Schilling
Phoenix, US
★★★★★ 5
Cute and sturdy sneakers
Size: 9.5 Little Kid, Color: Peri
I purchased these when ym daughter was 4 and starting pre-k. They lasted the entire school year, but she does have small feet. The size chart was very accurate. I purchased a 9.5, and she didn't complain about her feet hurting in these shoes until it was time to size up to a 10 in her other shoes. She said they were comfortable, and she liked the colors. I could probably clean them pretty easily for a new owner as she did not wear them out. She only wore them when absolutely necessary, so they aren't too worn.
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Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2025
C
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crabcakes
Belleville, US
★★★★★ 5
Favorite toddler shoe
Size: 7 Little Kid, Color: Peri
We’ve bought these twice now for our toddler. Sturdy shoes with great Velcro strap. The colors are so cute. I’m
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Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2026
J
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Jennifer R.
Battle Creek, US
★★★★★ 5
Trust me - the few extra dollars is worth a shoe that actually stays on!
Size: 6 Little Kid, Color: Red/Blue/Lime
In an attempt to not spend lots on money on shoes for my toddler since they grow so fast, I ended up spending more money buying different "affordable" shoes and not a single one stayed on my little one's feet! The cost of these shoes is not outrageous but a little more than I wanted to spend on shoes that will be grown out of in a few months. Totally worth the few extra dollars though! Don't waste money and time trying to "save" money on shoes that don't work. Also, quality of the shoe is great. Got the red pair and they are adorable! My little one likes to run and these are holding up great! They stay securely on his fit and have plenty of room in the toe area.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2024
M
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MK
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 4
One month later - Pros & Cons
Size: 10 Little Kid, Color: Cobalt Blue, Size: 10 Little Kid, Color: Cobalt Blue
I purchased these shoes for my three year old son who is really hard on his shoes. I wanted shoes that were a good price value and that my son could put on and take off by himself, run around in, and that would stand up to 3 year old kid abuse. These shoes fit the bill, and for the price I would recommend them and I would buy them again, but they'd be even better if they were even more reinforced around the toes. **This is NOT a paid or subsidized review. If you find this review helpful, please click "yes" - thank you! PROS: * Price - these are a well made, good looking shoe for a very fair price. * Easy for my son to put on and take off, but do not fall off. Velcro is holding up well so far. * The velcro tab that holds them on is big, so there's plenty of room for error in putting them on, and there's plenty of velcro to ensure a good hold. * Nice looking - my son likes them which is a big deal when you're three. * Stand up well to rough and tumble play * Lightweight * Good grip on the soles of the shoes. * Fit is as expected, no discomfort, he wears them all day long without complaint. CONS: * As with all kids shoes, the toe area could be even more reinforced although he's worn them every day for a month and, as you can see in the pictures, they're not showing much wear. * VERY lightweight - so if you're looking for a heavier, more protective shoe for any reason, this is not the pair for you. Overall I'd highly recommend these shoes, and would purchase them again.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2016
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Amazon Customer
Louisville, US
★★★★★ 5
Easy 2-Velcro closure
Bought the first pair at Kohls, was a favorite easy velcro closure for our 2.5 yr old Grandaughter. Wanted pink and Amazon had these. Perfect fit one half size up. They run a little narrow and smaller but are lightweight and easy for a toddler to put their own shoes on! Her favorite.
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Reviewed in the United States on August 9, 2025

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