Spitfire IX E/C Conversion

[Paul A H]

Spitfire IXC/E Conversion

1:72 3D-kits.co.uk

The Mk.IX was the first production Spitfire to utilise the 1565hp, two-stage supercharged Rolls Royce Merlin 61 engine. The resulting aeroplane was described as a quantum leap over the version it replaced, the Mk.V. The new engine gave the Mk.IX sparkling performance, particularly at high altitudes. This enabled pilots of the RAF to meet the formidable new Focke Wulfe FW190 in aerial combat on more or less equal terms.

Last time I reviewed a 3D-Kits product, I think I described them as a new name on the modelling scene. Following the release of this, their fourth injection moulded plastic conversion kit, I think it’s fair to say that they are now an established brand! This particular set allows you to convert either the Airfix Spitfire Mk.IX or the Hasegawa Mk.VIII or Mk.IX to a late production Spitfire Mk.IXc or Mk.IXe

In usual 3D-Kits style, the component parts are manufactured not from resin, but from high quality injection moulded plastic. The single small sprue holds a replacement propeller (the Airfix version is incorrectly shaped), round exhausts, a broad chord rudder and a pair of cannon bulges, for those who wish to convert their Spitfire to an ‘E’ winged variant. The instructions are printed on the back of the packet, which is a reflection of the simplicity of the conversion. Using this set will just be a matter of replacing kit parts like-for-like, unless you want to build the ‘E’ winged version, in which case you’ll need to remove the cannon bulges from the kit’s wing and use the 3D replacements. The mouldings are excellent quality, with clean, crisp detail.

Conclusion

This is a fantastic little conversion set which sits very well in 3D-Kits’s product line. The quality of the parts is outstanding and the clever design means the conversion process should be simplicity itself. Combine this with the pocket money price tag, and this becomes an essential purchase. Highly recommended.

Review sample courtesy of

[richellis]

I have a couple of 3D kits conversion sets and I must say they are very nice!

[rs2man]

I have a couple of 3D kits conversion sets and I must say they are very nice!

I have to agree - they're a top quality product . The Spitfire conversion is shouting "buy me" at the moment

[Dave Fleming]

Yet again 3-D make something that I want......now how about a PR underchin?

Edited March 26, 2012 by Dave Fleming

[Seahawk]

As an example of the thought that shines through on 3D-Kits productions, a couple of 3D's Spitfire instrument panels are printed on the back of the header card.

[Paul A H]

It's always nice to be able to update a review once a product has been used in anger. Well, I have now used the 3D Kits Spitfire Mk.IX conversion on an Airfix Spitfire, and here are the results:

The Airfix Spitfire Mk.IX is a simple little kit. It isn't particularly sophisticated, but it's nice enough and can be built in a week without too much trouble. Fit and finish are all excellent.

This is the replacement propellor from 3D Kits. It dovetails nicely with the Airfix parts - literally just a straight swap.

This picture shows the 3D Kits replacement exhausts. They feature fine detail and perfect moulding

Finally, here is the 3D Kits broad chord rudder. Removing the Airfix parts and replacing it with this item was simplicity itself.

There we go then. A great little conversion that takes almost no effort to use over and above that which you would put into building the kit straight from the box. I must say I do love these neat little coversion sets, and judging by the comments I've seen on the forum, so do a lot of other modellers. Keep up the good work Stuart!

[dfqweofekwpeweiop4]

I'm using a set on the Hasegawa SEAC Mk VIII from the dual combo set. The 3D kits rudder has more prominent detail than the Hasegawa rudder but you will need a tiny bit of plasticard to raise the rudder up slightly to align the rudder actuator. The kit prop will be replaced as well.

thanks

Mike

[PilotOfficer]

The set looks very nice, but could I use any of the parts on the Heller Spitfire XVI?

[Test Graham]

Probably, but why would you want to? The Heller kit comes with the E wing and the pointed tail, the propeller/spinner is pretty good, and the conversion kit doesn't do anything about the deep radiators or the pigeon nose.

I like 3D conversion kits too, where they help.

[dfqweofekwpeweiop4]

The set looks very nice, but could I use any of the parts on the Heller Spitfire XVI?

If you want a really good Mk XVI, the best thing to do is buy the Sword kit.

thanks

Mike

[PilotOfficer]

Although the Sword kit looks nice, the Heller is cheaper, and I was wondering if I could use the exhausts from the conversion as the ones on the Heller don't look quite right?

[3DStewart]

Although the Sword kit looks nice, the Heller is cheaper, and I was wondering if I could use the exhausts from the conversion as the ones on the Heller don't look quite right?

I don't have an example of the Heller kit to hand, but if you can tell me the dimensions of the slot the exhausts go in I can tell you if mine should fit.

Stewart

Edited March 31, 2012 by 3DStewart

[Opadag]

I don't have an example of the Heller kit to hand, but if you can tell me the dimensions of the slot the exhausts go in I can tell you if mine should fit.

Stewart

Stewart

Lovely bit of workmanship and I like the fact that you have the Master barrels available on the site. Will be sending you in an order shortly.

David