The Revell kit
The original version of the base kit for this MK.IXc is the Mk.IIa that was released back in 2014 and some modellers had plenty to say about the model – not all of the criticism justified, so let’s see what we’ve got this time.
Overall look
Well it certainly looks like a Mk.IX to me – the nose contour looks to be captured well and the options for early and late Mk.IX aircraft such as the clipped wing tips and broad chord rudder are great. This gives you plenty of options for finishing your Mk.IX using aftermarket decals if you want to.
So, I think the basic shape is pretty good. What you may need/want to address is the rather heavy rivet detail, especially on the fuselage. If you’re doing a camouflaged version and don’t go mad with a dark wash, then the rivet detail may well look ok, It will stand out more on a ‘silver’ finish, like the scheme offered in the kit and so it’s up to you really. Using a product like Mr Surfacer should make reducing the rivet effect quick and straightforward, leaving you to reinstate whatever level of rivet detail you want.
Moving on
As I say, you get additional small spurs that contain the parts relevant for a Mk.IX like the broad chord rudder, clipped wings, angular propeller blades, new spinner and the changes in underwing radiator arrangements. This is all very good, allowing you to build pretty much any of the main early and late Mk.IX variants.
Other highlights
Here are some other highlights:
- option for dropped flaps (although these were rarely seen on parked Spitfires at any time)
- different styles of exhaust stubs
- nice main instrument panel featuring raised bezels and detail. I’ve compared the kit part, decal supplied to photos of the real thing and what’s supplied by Revell is very close and a good representation of the original
- holes in bulkhead behind pilot’s seat
- option to add bombs
- positionable open or closed port access door
- crystal clear canopy that can be positioned open.
Clear parts
These are very clear – amongst the best I’ve seen – excellent and nicely thin too!
Instructions
These are clear enough, although it’s a shame that only Revell paint colours and mixes are shown. Having said that, there are a huge number of references readily available on the web and in print form for finishing your chosen aircraft.
As ever, you’ll want to use your experience to judge the best assembly sequence, checking as you go to avoid any mishaps along the way.
Decals
I like the two options included in the kit – one in standard grey/green over light grey and one, an interesting machine that is in overall silver with a camouflaged replacement cowl fitted.
Quality looks good and we’ll see how these go on in the build that’ll follow imminently in SMN, so keep an eye out for that in What’s New.
Overall then
I’m sorry to say that there are many armchair critics out there and self-appointed ‘experts’ on the Spitfire who will do their usual nonsense. For me… this is a very good looking kit that captures the shape of the type well. It is well detailed and at the offer price is incredible value for money.
Sure, you may want/need to tackle the surface detail but this doesn’t put me off – a little tedious perhaps, but hey ho – this is modelling, isn’t it? Consider the cost of the Tamiya offering – sure, a wonderful quality product in every respect, but… at probably four times the price…
Another point worth thinking about is cherry picking one or two small aftermarket items like Eduard’s Brassin wheels (I’m sure they’ve done a set – somebody has…) that will visually improve what’s on offer in the kit. When you’ve only paid such a small amount for the kit, this can leave good scope for add-ons and not great the bank for your whole project? Worth thinking about as I say.
I’m really looking forward to building this one and will drop it into the schedule very soon as I near completion of the two current projects on my bench.
Finally, I’ve added some background info on the Spitfire Mk.IX below and you’ll also find my summary immediately below.
Geoff C.
SMN Quick summary Star rating out of 5
| FEATURE | STAR RATING (out of five) |
|---|---|
| Quality of moulding | **** |
| Accuracy | **** |
| Instructions | *** |
| Decals | **** |
| Level of detail | **** |
| Subject choice | ***** |
| Overall | **** |