1:72 Spitfire PR.IV

The real subject

The Spitfire PR.IV was a photo-reconnaissance Spitfire derived from the airframe of the fighter version. Because it carried no armament, space was freed up in the leading edge of the wing for extra fuel and the range was considerably greater than on the fighter versions. The cameras were housed in the rear fuselage. The powerplant was a supercharged Rolls-Royce Merlin V12. Aircraft in this role usually flew high, alone and without escort.

What the kit contains

This is an injection-molded plastic kit in 1:72 scale. The parts are on sprues, and with them come a decal sheet and building instructions. The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted.

Building and painting tips

Before gluing, remove the flash from the parts and clean up the mold seams; in this scale a fine file and medium-grit abrasive paper are enough. Finish and paint the cockpit before you close the fuselage, because after that you cannot reach it. Glue the clear parts with cement meant for clear plastic so that they do not fog. An overall blue finish without camouflage is typical of photo-reconnaissance Spitfires. Before applying the decals, go over the surface with a gloss clear coat so that no silvering forms beneath them.

Who it is for

The kit suits modelers who already have a few aircraft behind them and are not put off by small parts. It will be appreciated by collectors of British types of the Second World War and by everyone who builds reconnaissance aircraft, because those come along considerably less often than the fighter versions.

Terms of supply

Paints, glue and building tools are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.