AIRFIX 1:24 SPITFIRE MK.1A
'In The Box Review'
Alternative Scale

 

Reviewer: Steve Harvey  (rec.models.scale)

Kit:  Airfix 1:24 Scale Spitfire Mk1a

First off, the box is huge. This is both a good thing and bad. The bottom part of the box is corrugated  cardboard and this lends good stiffness to protect the model inside. The bad thing is the parts tend to swim  in this large box.

The first complaint in have is that the model is not all that big. I am used to building military jets in 1:32  scale and they have a tendency to be somewhat huge. I remember a Lancaster bomber sitting next to a F-14 Tomcat and the bomber looked small. I could stand upright in the front wheel-well of the Tomcat and I am over 6 feet tall.

Wing span of this model is a shade over 18.5 inches and the length is around 15 inches. Included is a stand  which would save a little on shelf space, if that is an issue. I plan on using the stand for a wheels-up display. The plastic is gray and relatively soft and shows sanding marks with 180 grit paper. The stand is black  plastic and there are soft ‘rubber’ tyres and the clear parts are good, but at this scale we would not even  consider the kit parts but either vacuum form your own or find someone who can.

Detail seems at first look to be excellent. The scribing is recessed and rivets are recessed circles and not  raised nibs. The age of the mold is showing as some of the detail is a tad soft, but one must also consider the  year in which this kit was produced as well. For all I know, the detail is as crisp as it was in the late 60’s  when I believe this kit was first produced!  One thing I have noticed that will require some work is the instrument panel. It is a panel with holes into which a clear piece is inserted. I do not think much of the clear piece and plan to make up instrument bezels and thin the panel somewhat. When done, this should add some sparkle to the cockpit.

I have not yet purchased any research materials but intend to in the very near future. I would like to do the extra work and make this kit into something special. Overall, I would say this is a very good to excellent kit and worth the money. It has the potential of becoming incredible. After all, think of the detail you can add in 1:24 scale…

Would it take much to convert this to one of the later marks? I don’t know yet, but I intend to find out!

 

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