1:48 Spitfire MkIX

The teardrop cockpit of the British Mk IX

The glazing of the Spitfire is among the most characteristic shapes of the whole Second World War. The sliding cover is blown into a shallow teardrop, the windscreen has a flat armored pane and behind the pilot's head the glazing continues right to the fuselage decking. The Mk IX version flew in several forms according to the altitude rating of the powerplant and some of the machines also received clipped wingtips for low altitudes, which is a rewarding difference on models.

Glass fogged from inside and a mask over it

An unpleasantness that a builder discovers only when lifting the film: the glazing is white and matte on the inside. The paint is not to blame but the fumes of the cyanoacrylate glue with which the cover was attached. The mask closes them in under the glass and they have no way out, so they settle precisely on the area that is meant to be visible. Clear parts are therefore attached either with a dispersion glue for glazing, or with a small amount of cyanoacrylate outside the transparent area, and above all they are masked only once the joint has aired out.

It can still be saved

If the cover is separable, the bloom can be polished out from inside with plastic paste and a dip in gloss varnish. On a part already glued in place only one reliable route remains, namely careful separation and replacement, because only someone who can reach the area can polish the fogging. Prevention is easier here than a repair.

Box contents

Two films for the cockpit cover are available, outer and inner, and two sets for the national insignia. The plastic model is sold separately.