HobbyBoss’ new 1/32 scale model is only the second Mk.V offered in this scale. Neatly molded in neutral gray plastic with no flash or molding marks, it includes a representation of the Merlin engine, full cannon and machine-gun detail, along with a bomb, a radio unit, and a detailed cockpit. A small fret of photoetched-metal parts is also provided.
Following the instructions, I started by building the cockpit interior. There is a good amount of detail, but I found some of it did not match my references. Many of the color callouts for the cockpit interior are missing. The instrument panel is simplified, just some relief with holes for the instruments! I don’t think the decal provided for the panel will work in this case.
Basic molding and surface detail of the wings is sharp, and the top and bottom wing parts join neatly.
Interestingly, the kit includes clear parts for the gun covers. I found this to be a bit troublesome, as the clear plastic needed an interior coat of paint to make it less transparent. After installing the cannons and machine guns I closed up the wings and found the fit was just fine.
All control surfaces are separate parts, allowing them to be posed as you wish.
The landing gear installation was solid, with the necessary strength to support the model. Black vinyl tires are provided.
The kit’s simplified replica of the famous Merlin engine would benefit from whatever details you can add. I found the engine mount had a fair amount of slop, even after gluing. Also, the four cowling parts lack positive attachments, in case you wanted to make them movable. On the positive side, the fit of the fuselage’s main components was good.
I found a problem with the propeller: The prop blades are keyed to install into the spinner back plate at almost a 90-degree angle! I cut the alignment pins from the blades and set the proper angle manually.
Included in the kit details is a radio unit that can be viewed through its access door, which you can pose open.
The kit features underwing landing lights, but they can only be installed deployed (rarely seen this way when the aircraft was on the ground). No alternate parts are included for them closed.
Decals are provided for two aircraft. (I chose the interesting scheme of Polish ace Jan Zumbach.) The decals conformed to the surface detail with a small amount of decal solution. However, the red of the roundels appears brighter than it should.
My primary reference was The Supermarine Spitfire: A Comprehensive Guide For the Modeller; Part 1: Merlin Powered, by Robert Humphreys (SAM Publications, ISBN 978-0-9533465-2-3). I also was lucky to have in my library Zumbach’s Donalds, by Wojtek Matusiak (Rossagraph, ISBN 978-83-916229-5-7). The basic shape and dimensions look good compared to the references. I did find some accuracy issues — fuselage cross section forward of the windscreen, missing framing for the windscreen side panels, ribbed surface on the top half of the horizontal stabilizers, and missing engine plumbing, to name the most prominent.
Still, I completed my Mk.V in 29 hours and I was pleased with the result. It’s an easy build, but somewhat of a mixed bag on other accounts. On one hand, its an up-to-date molding of this important Spitfire variant; on the other hand, it misses the mark on accuracy (particularly since the introduction of the Tamiya Spitfire Mk.IX). Out of the box, the kit can be managed by most modelers. However, more-advanced builders may feel compelled to address the accuracy issues.
