A brief roundup of various Spitfire kits released over the years.
1/144th Scale
Crown/Otaki (and others)
Spitfire MkVB
Eduard
Spitfire MKIX
1/72nd Scale
Airfix
1st generation
Spitfire Mk1 BT-K
The original Airfix Spitfire kit was their first plastic model. I have never seen one. Based on a modified Aurora kit. Airfix, in 2005 released a commemorative kit of their Spitfire Mk1 u=in the same shade of blue plastic and markings.
Spitfire MkIX
I believe that the above kit was modified into this version. In any case for many years this, and the original Revell MkIIa were the only Spitfire kits around. I wanted one for many years. Rivets, solid wings, although with wheel wells in them. Basic L-shaped seat. This kit was still in production into the mid 2000’s and in recent releases has quite a decent decal sheet included for Johnny Johnson.
2nd generation
Spitfire MkVB
When released this kit was a revelation. First kit with the gullwing included. Basic cockpit with gunsight, raised panel lines (very fine) and some engraved panel lines (engine) which are a bit heavy. Very accurate outline (more so than many of the later kits) Can be built into an excellent replica. Ailerons were inaccurate as the upper chord was identical to the underside. Not a major issue to rectify. Open wheel wells.
Spitfire MkI
Based on the above kit with new wings. Still classed as the most accurate Spitfire in this scale.
Spitfire MkVC
Based on the VB with new wings to depict the "C"-wing option. These new parts were rather a disappoint when compared to the originals being very thick and heavily moulded. As the fuselage was the standard MkVB kit the canopy is inaccurate. But with work they can be used. The new wing has wheel well detail included.
3rd Generation
Spitfire Mk1/IIa/Va
Spitfire MkVC
Spitfire MkIXC
Spitfire PRXIX
Spitfire Mk22
Eduard
Spitfire VIII/IXC (both early and late)/IXE/XVI
Heller
Spitfire MkI
Underscale at around 1/76th scale. Light rivets and open wheel wells. Thick canopies and no gull wing. But there was a cockpit including an instrument panel.
MkVB
No gullwing, raised details. Cockpit detail supplied. Very nice Vokes filter included.
Spitfire MkXVI
Superb little kit from Heller. Enclosed wheel wells reasonable cockpit. Raised panel lines. Large chord rudder slightly off (needs more with near the top) and most importantly the gullwing is present
Frog
Spitfire MkI/Va
Thin solid wings without any wheel wells. This kit introduced me to stencil details on the decal sheet
Spitfire MkVIII/IX
Typical mid-production Frog kit. Thick canopies and open wheel wells. Included the wide chord rudder. No gull wing
Spitfire MkXIV
Typical mid-production Frog kit. Thick canopies and open wheel wells. No gull wing. But it was a Griffon engined variant
Revell
Spitfire MkIIa
Old kit, no gullwing had a basic cockpit, Funny thing is the seat was moulded with footboards attached Rivets, the original release had a sliding canopy.
Spitfire MkVB
Released at the same time as a quartet of other kits this was possibly the worst of the batch, Mine was a dark chocolate brown in colour with scribed detail and cockpit detail, BUT no gullwing. What a letdown for a kit in the late 1990's
Italeri
Spitfire MkVB
Spitfire MkIX
SMER
Spitfire MkVI
Heller kit MkVB with resin parts to build a MkVI. Buy it for the resin and dispose of the rest
KP
Spitfire MkIXE
Raised panel lines and rivets. Some attempt at the gull wing but not pronounced enough. Poor canopy.
Spitfire MkIXC
Not seen this kit as yet.
Matchbox
Spitfire MkIX
No gullwing and thick canopy. Very basic details, but at the time light years ahead of the 1st generation Airfix kit.
Spitfire MKXVI/IX
Upgrade on the above kit which gave the option to build a low back version as well.
Ventura
Spitfire MkVII/VIII/IX/XIV/PR19
Very fine scribed lines but mouldings, being limited run are very heavy with thick flow lines in the inner surfaces. Very hard plastic, almost impervious to normal glues. Basic cockpit.
Academy
Spitfire MkXIVC
Like most of te early Academy kits this seems to be based on the original Frog kit. Scribed panel lines, prop a bit small.
Fujimi
Spitfire MkXIV/XVIII/PRXIX
MPM
Spitfire PRXI
Special Hobby
Spitfire PRX
Eduard
Spitfire Mk21
Spitfire MkVIII, FIX, IXC (early and late) IXE, XVI
Airkit
Spitfire Mk21
Spitfire Mk24
Tamiya
Spitfire MkI
Tamiya know how to engineer a kit. Based on the 48th scale kits with all the good and bad points. Some minor outline inaccuracies in wing shape and engine cowling but assembly is a breeze.
Spitfire MkVB
Tamiya know how to engineer a kit. Based on the 48th scale kits with
all the good and bad points. Some minor outline inaccuracies in wing
shape and engine cowling but assembly is a breeze
