CMK Spitfire Mk.Vc Resin Update Sets (for Airfix) 1:72

[Mike]

Spitfire Mk.Vc Resin Update Sets (for Airfix)

1:72 CMK by Special Hobby

 

 

These new sets from Special Hobby’s CMK line are intended for the Airfix kit to upgrade the details beyond what is possible with injection moulded styrene, giving your model much better detail, and hopefully enhancing the finished product’s realism.  Each set arrives in CMK’s usual blister pack, backed by a card header, and with the instructions trapped between.  Where Photo-Etch (PE) is included, a clear sheet of acetate separates the resin from the more delicate and easily bent PE, whilst allowing everything to be seen by the casual observer.  Each set is separate and available in isolation, so pick and choose what you want to focus on, or what your budget allows.

 

 

Cockpit Set (7485)

This set requires the removal of the cockpit sidewall detail from the kit fuselage, plus the drop-down access door, after which you build up the instrument panel from four layers, two of PE, two of clear acetate with dials printed upon them.  This is glued onto the panel’s frame with the footwell below.  The seat frame is next, adding the supports, armour and the resin seat, with four-point seatbelts from the PE sheet.  The main floor has the seat frame inserted, a pair of PE rudder pedals, resin control column and the instrument panel set in place, bracketed by the detailed cockpit sidewalls.  The painted assembly can then be put in place between the fuselage halves, and later on the resin crew door is glued in place.

 

 

 

 

Wing Guns – 2 Cannons (7486)

Consisting of ten resin parts, this set includes the two gun bays, cannons and removable access panels for the wing armament.  To begin with the upper wing is cut to remove the panels along their lines, while the lower wing has the skin thinned as much as you dare, and the cannon barrels nipped off the leading edges.  The resin bays are inserted within the wing halves, the new long cannon barrels are glued into the leading edge of the wing with the kit stubs next to them, and the two panels per wing cast aside by the armourers.  The short cannon barrels are for the spares box.

 

 

 

 

Control Surfaces (7487)

Containing sixteen resin parts and two PE parts on a small fret (not pictured), this set replaces all the flying surfaces of your Spitfire except for the rudder, and will require a little kit surgery before you can install the flaps and ailerons.  The upper wings have their ailerons removed and chamfered to suit the new parts, and the flap bays thinned from the inside, while the lower wing has the small inner flap sections removed.  The small resin parts are used to box in the inner flap sections, and the bays are glued into the underside of the upper wing, then once the wings are together the flaps and ailerons can be glued in place with super glue.  The elevators are replaced completely with two parts per side, allowing you to deflect them to give your model a more candid look.  The final parts are the small PE indicators on the upper wing that are installed perpendicular to the surface.

 

 

 

 

Wing Guns – 4 Cannons (7493)

Consisting of ten resin parts, this set ostensibly looks identical to the two gun set, but includes different gun bays with two cannon breeches per bay instead of one, four cannon barrels and removable access panels for the wing armament.  To begin with the upper wing is cut to remove the panels along their lines, while the lower wing has the skin thinned as much as you dare, and the kit cannon barrels nipped off the leading edges.  The resin bays are inserted within the wing halves, the new long and short cannon barrels are glued into the leading edge of the wing, and the two panels per wing cast aside by the armourers, which of course means you can nibble away at the kit panels, as they will no longer be needed.

 

 

 

 

Conclusion

A great group of sets that details up your Spitfire, along with making it heavier.  Superb detail, relatively easy assembly that could be accomplished by everyone but the novice modeller.

 

Highly recommended.

 

Review sample courtesy of