1/72 Sword Supermarine Spitfire PR.IV AA810 "Sandy's Spitfire"

[2996 Victor]

Just released is a 1/72 scale special edition, limited to 1000 examples, by Sword of the Supermarine Spitfire PR.IV.

 

This kit has been produced to raise funds for the Sandy Gunn Aerospace Careers Programme, which is helping fund opportunities and resources for young people to get into the aerospace industry.

 

This is as a result of the work to restore the wrecked remains of Spitfire PR.IV AA810, which was flown by Sandy Gunn on its last flight. Sandy Gunn was one of the Great Escapers, who was subsequently recaptured and murdered by the Gestapo.

 

The kit itself comes in a stout end-opening box with superb artwork depicting AA810 over Norway, and consists of one sprue carrying nearly sixty finely-moulded parts. A clear sprue with seven parts carries the transparencies, which include circular lens covers, a one piece windscreen/canopy moulding, and separate canopy side blisters.

 

The small decal sheet is beautifully printed by Techmod, and carries a full set of markings and stencils, while the comprehensive instructions include a history of AA810 and a biography of Sandy Gunn.

 

Photographs:

 

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While I have not measured the dimensions of the parts, this kit looks to have the making of a convincing Spitfire, well-defined and capturing the distinctive lines of the real thing. Add to this the incredible story of the PRU Spitfires and their pilots, and the worthy recipient of the purchase price of the kit, and you have a model well-worth acquiring.

 

The AA810 web shop is here 

 

I should add that I have no connection with the AA810 charities other than as a happy customer who has been eagerly awaiting the release of this kit!

 

Cheers,

Mark

 

[fishplanebeer]

Kit looks good and at £12.99 is good value too but shipping at almost £8 seems steep. There again if you are after this particular Spit then this probably won't put you off as it's a lot simpler than having to modify an existing kit. However as with all Sword Spitfires I've seen there is no step between the main canopy hood and the rear canopy section although this can be quite easily overpainted to achieve the required effect.

 

As I already have a few Spits and Seafires to get to I'll be passing on this one but it would be a nice addition to anyone's collection.

 

Regards

Colin.

[Scott Hemsley]

Looking at the sprue shots, as well as the instructions ... that 'step' is (in this case) present on both the fuselage and the 1-piece canopy.

 

Scott

[2996 Victor]

Pavla do a PR.IV vac-form canopy, which may be a useful alternative to the kit item.

 

Cheers,

Mark

[John Thompson]

Interesting - there was a segment about the recovery of artifacts from Gunn's Spitfire on an episode of the televised archeological series, "Digging for Britain". I care nothing about archeology, but the program host, Professor Alice Roberts, is delightful.

 

John

[fishplanebeer]

Re' the step in the canopy I have the Sword Seafires and they are the same in that it is very small and not true to scale but as I say it can easily be rectified by the final paint job so is not an issue or a reason for not buying what seems to be a very good kit.

 

Regards

Colin.

[2996 Victor]

18 minutes ago, John Thompson said:

Professor Alice Roberts, is delightful.

Agreed!