1:72 Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vb - LooK Set (for Eduard Kits)

The real subject

The Supermarine Spitfire Mk.V was the most numerous version of the British fighter and was powered by the liquid-cooled Rolls-Royce Merlin 45 series V12 engine. The letter b in the designation marks the type of wing: a pair of 20 millimeter Hispano cannon joined by four 7.7 mm machine guns. The Spitfire cockpit is tight, and with the hood open it is mainly the seat and the instrument panel that show on a model, so every detail saved there is visible.

What the set contains

An accessory set from the LööK range in 1:72 scale with an instrument panel for the Spitfire Mk.Vb. By its name it is cut for kits from Eduard, so the size and the shape of the seating surface match their parts. The panel is a finished replacement part that takes the place of the panel from the kit; the exact extent of the set is given in the manufacturer's instructions.

Building and painting tips

Try the fit dry first. Cut the plastic panel out of the kit and level the surface under it so that the new part sits flat and does not lift on one side. The part is not polystyrene and is glued with super glue; apply just a drop with a pin, because any excess will fog the dial faces. Cut the excess material and the marks left by manufacture away with a sharp blade a little way from the part and sand the remainder back carefully, so that the blade does not slip onto the front face. If the front face is already printed, do not overpaint it or sand it; a drop of gloss varnish on the dials imitates glass. Before closing the fuselage, check that the panel sits at the right height against the frame of the hood.

Who the set is for

For builders of the Spitfire Mk.Vb in 1:72 scale from Eduard kits who want a crisp instrument panel in the cockpit instead of a flat plastic part. The package holds an accessory set. The kit, paints and glue are not included, unless stated otherwise.