Airfix Supermarine Spitfire Mk.XII 1:48 Airfix A05117A

[Julien]

Supermarine Spitfire Mk.XII

1:48 Airfix A05117A

 

 

The Spitfire hardly needs an introduction, an iconic war machine and graceful lines satisfying the technical theory that ‘If it looks right, it flies right’! With around 6000 aircraft produced across the various sites. The Spitfire XII was essentially a Mk. VC airframe modified to take a Griffon MK.III engine, thus becoming the first Griffon Spitfire.  The Griffon was actually developed pre war tat the request of the Royal Navy who were looking for a new engine for amongst other aircraft the Firefly. It was decided early on it could be developed for the Spitfire, but work was stopped to concentrate on the Merlin. The engine was only slightly larger in size than the Merlin but features a 37 Litre capacity over the Merlins 27. Then engine was made smaller in length and more reliable, and efficent by  incorporating the camshaft and magneto drives into the propeller reduction gears at the front of the engine, rather than using a separate system of gears driven from the back end of the crankshaft. As the aircraft was designed to be a high performance low altitude fighter it was designed with clipped wings to improve manoeuvrability. The V wing with two cannon and four machine guns was fitted. While initial aircraft used the V airframe, letter ones would use the VIII, all models would use the VIII rudder. 

 

 

The Kit

This is a re-boxing of Airfix's kit which was a new tool back in 2011.  The kit arrives on two sprues of grey plastic and a clear sprue. The panel lines are recessed and seem finer to a degree than other kits, the plastic also seems better in that it is not as soft as previous new releases. Construction starts with the cockpit. The gunsight and compass parts mount to the instrument panel bulkhead. Next the control column is attached to it's frame and the rudder pedals go on the as well, these then fit to the instrument panel bulkhead. The seat and armour are assembled and added to the rear cockpit bulkhead, behind this is fitted a frame to which a bottle is added, A further rear frame attaches to this part. Before attaching the cockpits parts to the right fuselage side some work needs to be done to the fuselage halves. Cut outs need to be made in the rear for the retractable tail wheel of the MK.XII. If the modeller wishes to build the model with cockpit canopy and cockpit door in the open position then parts the door and other parts need to be removed from the left side.  Once this is done the front cockpit parts are added to the right side, and the rear parts to the left side. A couple of smaller parts are then fitted in also. If the modeller want the prop to turn then its now assembled and fitted in before the fuselage is closed up. 

 

 

 

Next up we move to the wings. There is a single part lower wing with left and right uppers. If fitting the slipper tank then holes must be drilled in the centre part of the lower wing. The wings can then be assembled with the cannon barrels and wingtips being added. The fuselage can then be joined to the wings. The exhausts go one each side along with the distinctive blisters for the Griffon Engine. Under the nose the chin part is added. At the rear the tail surfaces and rudder are added.  The moveable parts here can be set at an angle as required.  To finish at the rear the tail wheel and doors are added.  Returning to the main wings the ailerons are added followed by the flaps. These can be positioned up or down.  The carb intake, radiator and oil cooler can then be added as well.  If you drilled the holes for the slipper tank, this now goes on as well. Next up the undercarriage is added. Airfix as seems to be normal for them now offer separate parts for retracted and lowered undercarriage. If lowering this then scissor links are added to the main gear legs, the hubs are added to the wheels and they then go on followed by the outer doors.  If raising the gear, half a wheel goes into the well, followed by the gear leg and the doors. A pilot is supplied if the modeller wants to use him. Otherwise to finish up the mast is added along with the canopies. Two style of main canopy are provided. The thicker one for the open style as it simulates the main canopy over the rear glazing. 

 

 

 

Decals

The decal sheet is from Cartograf so should post no issues, it has two options;

 

 

• MB837 - No.595 Sqn RAF, Aberporth Summer 1945
• MB854 - No.41 Sqn RAF, Tangmere June 1944 (invasion stripes provided as decals) 

 

 

Conclusion

It is good to see this kit re-released. Recommended. 

 

 

Review sample courtesy of