Issue 169 - http://www.modelairplaneinternational.com 45FINAL VERDICT
Airfi x’s latest 1:48 Spitfi re is a welcome addition to not only their range, but also the collection of
already available kits of this family or aircraft in this scale. Though accurate in outline and dimension,
it’s not entirely perfect in detail, the moulding of the kit and the plastic used, having removed some of
the fi ner details and defi nition that was undoubtedly part of the original design. The problems that befell
the fi t of the saddle over the oil tank on the Mk.I/V has also carried over into this kit, which is odd given
their entirely different design, and that adds a level of frustration that shouldn’t be there. Similarly,
the tabs that attach the parts to the runners are in places almost unbelievably large for a modern kit and
thanks to the soft plastic that Airfi x continue to use, the removal of some is fraught with danger, damage
being an all-too present concern.
Those issues aside, I really liked this kit and will almost inevitably build another, its accuracy, detail
and cost combining to form a highly attractive package. The completed model is every inch a Spitfi re Mk.XIV
and though you will need care to build it, the pay-off is a fi ne miniature of one of the most beautiful of
all Spitfi re variants.
Thanks to Airfi x and Eduard for the review samples seen this month.
1:48
The wash used to defi ne the panel lines and
rivets was also used to add further staining over
the airframe, the mix also being fl icked over the
wing roots and around the engine panel to add
further interest. The surface of the model was
then very carefully drybrushed with fl at black
enamel to help defi ne the rivets, the result of this
work being easily seen in this shot.The propeller is a simple, three-part
affair that only needs careful painting
to fi nish it off. Note the data stencils in
place on both the blades, and on the
black and white hub.The underwing radiators are nicely
detailed with separate rear fl aps and
radiator faces, the latter, handpainted
with Games Workshop Ironbreaker,
washed with Nuln Oil and then
drybrushed with Stormhost Silver.Though the kit doesn’t
specifi cally guide you to use
the underfuselage tank, I liked
the look of it, so painted it with
Medium Sea Grey (to create
a little variation ...) and then
weathered it with oils.Airfi x’s latest 1:48 Spitfi re is a welcome additionAirfi x’s latest 1:48 Spitfi re is a welcome addition to not only their range, but also the collection o to not only their range, but also the collection of f
The undercarriage is simple to build and easy to paint, the separate
hubs allowing the wheels to be airbrushed without masking.Here’s the tank
in place, note
how the grey
contrasts
nicely with the
surrounding
aluminium
fi nish.