There have been many 1/48 scale Spitfire Mk.IX kits over the years, but all have missed the mark on accuracy and details. However, Eduard hits the target with its Spitfire Mk.IXc “late” model.
Eduard’s new 1/48 scale kit is the first of a series of Spitfires from this manufacturer. The parts are neatly molded in neutral gray plastic with no flash or molding marks. Options include open or closed canopy, canopy masks, a detailed cockpit, different tire/wheel versions, two rudder types, and bombs. A small fret of Eduard’s signature colored photoetched-metal parts is also provided. There are a number of unused parts, such as clipped wingtips, that present different building options if so desired.
I started construction following the instructions by building up the cockpit interior. There is a good amount of detail in the “front office.” The area is enhanced by the aforementioned pre-finished photoetched metal for the instrument panel and seat belts. Take care with the seat and floor components; they can easily get out of alignment.
Molding and surface detail of the wings is super sharp. The wheel wells are constructed from multiple parts but fit together very well, and the top and bottom wing parts join neatly. Fit of the wing to the fuselage is tight, but the benefit is no filler is needed at all! Note this kit features only the narrow bulges over the wing cannons.
The wing control surfaces are separate parts, which will allow them to be posed for a more candid appearance if you like. I was impressed with the construction of the horizontal tail planes. They use an inset design, eliminating any leading-edge joint to fill and smooth.
The landing gear installed positively and with the necessary strength to support the model. Consult the instructions or references to make sure the landing-gear legs have the proper cant.
The clear parts are perfectly molded and flawless. If you choose the closed-canopy option, you’ll have to make minor modifications to the fuselage as noted in the instructions.
Decals are provided for six different aircraft. They applied easily, conforming well to the surface detail with the application of a small amount of decal solution. The red on the roundels looks a bit brighter than it should be.
My primary reference was The Supermarine Spitfire: A Comprehensive Guide For the Modeller; Part 1 — Merlin Powered, by Richard Franks (SAM, ISBN 978-0-9533465-2-3). I also used Spitfire IX and XVI of Polish Airmen, by Wojtek Matusiak (Mirage Hobby, ISBN 978-83-88996-05-4), which includes a photo of the aircraft I modeled. The shape and dimensions of the model look good compared to the specifications found in my references.
I completed my Spitfire in 19 hours, and I am quite pleased with the result. The kit is an easy build, with no serious problems to report. Straight from the box, the kit can be managed by most modelers — and if you are a Spitfire enthusiast, you definitely want to build this kit.
Note: A version of this review appeared in the November 2013 FineScale Modeler.