Spitfire Mk. IXc late Profipack 1:48 Eduard - Model review

Although I build models mainly in 1:72 scale, I have a few iconic planes also in a larger scale. I believe that the Spitfire was the most beautiful WWII fighter, so it must be in my collection. However, I had to be patient, because almost all Eduard's kits disappeared from the market for some time, both in 1:48 and 1:72 scale. Fortunately, after release of early versions of the Spitfier, Eduard is gradually resuming older sets with this iconic British fighter. So far, in 1:48 scale, but for fans of 1:72 something interesting will also appear soon.

The kit is in a quite big box, especially for those who build 1/72 models.

Very nice boxart, isn't it? Certainly for modelers from Poland.

There is suprisingly a lot of plastic in the box for a single-engine plane.

 

There are two sprues with main elements of the plane.

Two with more universal parts.

And of course sprue with clear parts.

Parts are well molded with sharp details and fine panel lines. It is worth mentioning that entire plane has rivets and it looks great in my opinion.

Smaller details are also made with proper care.

Control surfaces have lightly marked reinforcement strips.

Grid in air intakes looks very nice.

Building spitfire we can choose between two types of rims.

Tires also come in two variants.

Instrument panel has been designed in two options - as a flat base for photoedged parts or with spatial imitation of instruments - when we want use decals.

Nice suprise - the exhaust pipes have pre-drilled holes - good job Eduard!

The same in gun barrels.

On the other side design of the hood is disappoiting. It would be hard to assemble it wothout damaging details becouse seam line on the top requires putty. 

Im asking myself why they did that this way? After seeing exhoust pipes this part looks like from another kit.

The only frame I haven't described yet is the transparent one. Parts are crystal-clear and well molded. 

This is ProfiPACK edition so the kit includes photoedged parts.

There are some details for the cocpit, seat belts and instrument panel.

Second non plastic addition are pre-cut canopy masks.

Last but not least, decals. 

They are printed in new Eduard's technology with thick, removable film. Becouse of that some colours are unsaturated and ununiform.

Fortunately, stencils are printed much better.

Instruction sheet is in standard Eduard's form.

There are six painting shemes on last pages of the instruction sheet.

It won't be an easy choise.

As usual, a separate sheme shows stencils positions.

In summary although the frames were designed in 2013, they still maintain the level of a very well-made model.

Thanks for reading! ZAP - Models&Reviews

PS If you like what I do you can buy me a coffee on buycoffee.to.