1:72 Spitfire F Mk.IX

Eduard 1:72 Spitfire F Mk.IX (Eduard, 1:72 scale)

An injection-molded plastic kit of the famous British Supermarine Spitfire fighter in the F Mk.IX version, in 1:72 scale from the Czech brand Eduard. The kit comes from a modern Eduard tooling with finely engraved panel lines and riveting. The package contents differ according to the particular edition (ProfiPACK or Weekend): ProfiPACK usually adds color photo-etched parts and painting masks, while Weekend tends to be a purely plastic kit with a decal sheet. The exact contents follow the particular package.

The real subject

The Spitfire Mk.IX came about in 1942 as a rapid answer to the new German Focke-Wulf Fw 190 fighter. A more powerful two-stage supercharged Rolls-Royce Merlin 60 series engine (typically the Merlin 61 or 63) was fitted into the proven airframe of the Mk.V, which markedly improved performance at high altitude. The F (fighter) version was tuned for medium and higher flight levels. The Mk.IX became one of the most widespread and most successful Spitfires of the war and served on many fronts.

Building and painting tips

Separate the parts with a sharp modeling knife and clean the surfaces up before gluing. Use liquid cement for plastic applied into the joints with a fine brush. Lay a primer down before painting, and an airbrush with thinned paints in thin layers will do the final coat best. A painting mask helps to bring the canopy framing out. A rich wash and fine shading of the topcoat will bring the panel lines to life.

Who the model is for

• Collectors of British fighters of the Second World War
• Modelers with experience of building in the small 1:72 scale
• Fans of the Spitfire and of its most widespread version, the Mk.IX
• Builders who will appreciate the fine surface detail of a modern tooling

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.