Eduard Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXc ‘Late version’ 1:48

Review by Adam Brown

Reference

You have a good set of walkaround images for the Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IX in your SMN Photo Reference Library so do check those out.

History

During 1941 a radial engine powered Luftwaffe fighter began appearing in the skies above Europe, this turned out to be the FW-190A. The 190 completely outclassed the British Spitfire in almost every aspect, so the RAF cancelled ops over Europe in the daytime whilst the Air ministry came up with something to stop the FW-190 scourge. Whilst they were developing the Mk.VII and VII a stroke of luck occurred in South Wales.
An Fw-190A-3 flown by Armin Faber landed at RAF Pembry thinking it was an airfield in France, whilst Faber taxied an RAF officer realizing what was going on quickly jumped on the wing with a flare pistol and forced the pilot to give up the aircraft before he could escape or destroy the 190.

This helped the evaluators at Farnborough come up with the Mk.IX Spitfire to take the fight back to Europe.

Background

Eduard has a tendency at the moment for releasing subjects that I just cannot resist, the series of sublime 72nd Bf110’s and the equally impressive Mig-21 family for example.

Earlier this year my ears pricked up when I heard the words ‘Mk.IX Spitfire from Eduard’ Oh my, I must have this kit. When the chance arose to pre-order, I didn’t ponder for very long.

April 1st was the release date, this was no joke, my Spit had been dispatched. I physically could not wait to get hold of the kit, and was e-mailing the other half to see if it had been delivered, but tonight April 10, 2013 she came home with a cardboard box containing my precious.

First Impressions

The box art is very nice, but looking at some of Adam Tooby’s for Airfix, Eduard must do better (Remember the Bf-109E3 box art? Beautiful ) Inside the box is 4 sprues of gray plastic and one clear sprue, one small coloured etched fret and a set of masks, and finally 2 decal sheets, one containing the markings and the other for the stencils.

A lovely book style instruction manual is also included and this is up to the usual Eduard standard of excellence. Markings are provided for six, YES SIX!! Mk.IX’s and includes an interesting aluminium scheme with a camouflaged top engine cowl and also famous French RAF ace Pierre Closterman’s aircraft.

The Kit

The first thing that stands out in the kit is the surface detail, it really is that good! Beautifully produced rivet detail adorns the wings and fuselage and do not look overdone.

The cockpit looks stunning, and by far the best I’ve ever seen in an injection moulded kit, eclipsing Eduard’s Mig-21!

Examining the kit reveals there may be a few arduous tasks ahead including the two 5 piece radiator assemblies and the 2 piece engine cowling. The exhausts look like resin quality items, with hollowed outlets, and should look gorgeous with the right paint and weathering applied.

Two types of tail rudder are included the standard and the extended tipped rudder initially designed for the Mk.XII Griffon engine variant and the option to have either normal and clipped wing versions, although no decal schemes include any clipped wing configurations.

Decals

The decals look vibrant and should perform well as comes with all sheets produced by Cartograf. The only problem you may find is the red inner roundel for the wing is a little oversized, but this will only affect the purist, and I’m sure we’ve all got some spares to replace them right?

Photo etch and Masks

The little etched fret included has seatbelts, armour plating and wheel hubs to name but a few, and the paint masks offer a relaxing alternative to masking canopies for ready for paint.

Summary

So far in 2013 there has been quite a few kit releases, and this is my favourite so far.
Lots of schemes, plenty of extras and great instructions, the perfect balance! Now I’ll await the Early Mk.IX with as much anticipation!

I really cannot recommend this kit highly enough, go buy one. Are you still here? Go buy it NOW!!!! 

Adam B.

SMN Quick summary Star rating out of 5