Instructions
The instructions are clear and logical and to anyone that has built any Airfix kit before will be very familiar. There are 19 stages in the build including painting and all but one area should be within the realms of even a novice builder.
The only quibble I have, and it’s not unique to Airfix, is that the painting instructions throughout and for the main schemes refers only to Humbrol, colours. Commercially I understand this but from a modelling perspective it’s irritating to have to do the conversions to your preferred paint manufacturer.
The main painting/decal guide though is in colour and that is helpful and very well executed being easy to understand and to use.
The kit
The box is crammed with plastic but the kit comprises only 74 parts. Detail is finely engraved panel lines, just about perfect for the scale in most cases. Rivet detail is not shown but fasteners are and this I believe is the right choice for the scale. Sprue gates are quite thick and I suggest extra care when removing parts so as not to damage the sublime components.
The two fuselage pieces are beautifully moulded with crisp panel lines that will be spot on under a coat of thinned paint. I can see them really responding well to your preferred choice of weathering too. The beauty of the panel lines is replicated on every other part of the kit too. The fabric covering over the rudder is also beautifully done.
I had to smile with a strong sense of nostalgia when I saw the inclusion of the WW2 Airfix pilot figure ready for action, all kitted up with his hands on his lap!!! Must be a RAF photo-shoot session!
There are some notable features in this kit which I have never seen before in this scale. This noted I don’t build 1:72nd scale that often so I stand to be corrected where necessary. There is the option of open cannon bays to expose the 20mm Hispanos and ammunition feeds and associated frames and wiring. This is all cast as a single moulding and is a little gem. The only downside is that the panels to expose them on the upper wing will need to be cut out with whatever technique you prefer. It will need very great care but done properly there will be a reward for your patience.
Inside the fuselage halves the cockpit framing is nicely moulded and a first again is that the rudder foot guides (there was no floor much like the Hurricane and Spitfire), are beautifully moulded as part of the undercarriage bay. This too is beautifully moulded and will work well with paint and a wash. Bulged tyres are also included.
I am really impressed with the ubiquitous HVARs which are beautifully moulded to almost resin like quality. Yes the fins are still a tad thick but honestly that’s just nit-picking!
The seat is moulded complete with quilting but no belts are provided. I have a stash in my spares box of Eduard pre coloured harnesses so it’s a job done here. Instruments are on the decal sheet and adequate for the scale.
Nicely moulded 250lb bombs are included and again for my part the best I have seen in this scale.
The crystal clear canopy is in two parts and can be shown open if required and is commendably thin again in keeping with the finesse of the rest of the kit.
Schemes and Decals
The decals (look to be by Cartograf?) look fantastic are in register, of perfect colour and even include the invasion stripes for the scheme that includes them. Options are both camouflaged one from 247 Sqn the other from 439. The former has invasion stripes (undersides only) and some nice little mascot too. Stencils are also provided. All in all a fantastic choice and top draw quality.
Summary and what’s next…
OK I am going to say it but know I will be slaughtered by the Forums. This is Airfix at its very best…..ever! Moreover I think they are now equal to Hasegawa and moving up fast onto Tamiya the benchmark in any scale. This is a truly sublime kit and I am going to build it because quite simply it is irresistible! If you get the chance build one or 10 I just know you will love it.
What’s next….I shall dream of Airfix scaling it up to 1:24the Scale!!!! Well I can dream can’t I?????
Highly Recommended
Les V.
SMN Quick summary Star rating out of 5
| FEATURE | STAR RATING (out of five) |
|---|---|
| Quality of moulding | ***** |
| Accuracy | ***** |
| Instructions | **** |
| Decals | ***** |
| Subject choice | ***** |
| Overall | ****1/2 (that paint guide is the only niggle) |