Lindberg Supermarine Spitfire, 1954
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Over the counter
Lindberg Products Ltd. are a firm well known in America for their large range of ¼ in. = 1 ft. scale plastic solids, and now, under an exchange agreement, the dies are being loaned to a British manufacturer for production over here. First off the line will be a Spitfire II and a Mig 19; both will retail at 7s. 11d. and should by now be in your model shop. These will be followed by a Cutlass and a Thunderceptor at 12s. each.
Peter Smith, of 40A, Parsons Mead, Croydon, who is one of the trade distributors of these kits, tells us that because of the demand in America the moulds can only be loaned for one month at a time; it is, however, anticipated that this will allow sufficient to be made to fulfil all demands.
Model aircraft, november 1956
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За прилавком
Lindberg Products Ltd. - фирма, хорошо известная в Америке благодаря большому ассортименту пластиковых монолитных моделей в масштабе ¼ дюйма = 1 фут, и теперь, по соглашению об обмене, пресс-формы переданы британскому производителю для производства здесь. Первыми с конвейера сойдут Spitfire II и Mig 19; оба будут продаваться в розницу по цене 7 шиллингов 11 пенсов и уже должны быть в вашем модельном магазине. За ними последуют Cutlass и Thunderceptor по 12 шиллингов каждый.
Питер Смит, 40A, Parsons Mead, Croydon, который является одним из торговых дистрибьюторов этих наборов, говорит нам, что из-за спроса в Америке формы могут быть предоставлены только на один месяц за раз; однако ожидается, что это позволит изготовить достаточное количество форм, чтобы удовлетворить все потребности.
Model aircraft, 1956 ноябрь
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Airfix Pattern No.1316 Supermarine Spitfire, 1956
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Trade Notes
The rapid introduction of plastic kits, mainly for model cars and galleons, has caused a minor trade boom in some parts. First indication of home production of plastic aircraft line came with a visit to the local Woolworths. There we noted an excellent representation of the Spitfire, bagged in a polythene packet, and moulded in blue plastic. The price is very low 2|-. These kits, manufactured by Airfix, are now distributed through the model trade and we are told that the Spit will soon be followed by a Gloster Gladiator, which should be a most popular subject.
AeroModeller 1956-04
PLASTIKITICISMS
A critical comment by reader W. R. Matthews, with kit manufacturers' observations
We are very pleased to receive criticisms and, in fact, we encourage same, as it is only by virtue of such criticisms from the model-making public, over the past 5-6 years or so, that we have been able to improve our standard in detail, design, etc. We have, in fact, completely re-made two or three moulds, such as the Spitfire, M.E. 109 etc., and improved others. AIRFIX
AeroModeller 1960-05
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Заметки покупателя
Стремительное появление пластиковых наборов, в основном для моделей автомобилей и галеонов, вызвало небольшой торговый бум в некоторых районах. Первые признаки британского производства пластмассовых самолетов появились после посещения местного магазина Woolworths. Там мы заметили отличную модель самолета "Спитфайр", упакованную в полиэтиленовый пакет и отлитую из синего пластика. Цена очень низкая 2|-. Эти наборы, произведенные Airfix, теперь распространяются через магазины моделей, и нам сказали, что за "Спитом" скоро последует Gloster Gladiator, который будет пользоваться большой популярностью.
AeroModeller 1956-04
ПЛАСТИКИТИЦИЗМ
Критический комментарий читателя В. Р. Мэтьюса с замечаниями производителей наборов
Мы очень рады критике и, более того, поощряем ее, поскольку только благодаря такой критике со стороны моделистов за последние 5-6 лет мы смогли улучшить наши стандарты в детализации, дизайне и т.д. Фактически, мы полностью переделали две или три модели, такие как Spitfire, M.E. 109 и т.д., и улучшили другие. AIRFIX,
AeroModeller 1960-05
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Revell Supermarine Spitfire MkII
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MODEL TALK BY PHILIP BURDEN
ALL TO ONE SIZE
Constant scale from Revell should please
Conversion jobs have always been featured prominently in this column and now I am pleased to announce one of the most welcome conversion jobs for a long time. It is the conversion of the Revell company to a constant scale! For years Revell have been giving us excellent models but many have been upset because their kits had little uniformity in scale. Now comes a series of World War II fighters all to the popular 1/72nd scale. I first made a mention of a new range of nine Revell models some months ago but as they were in the blue-print stage at that time was only able to give the briefest details. Since then four of the models—the Spitfire II, Hurricane IIB, Fw 190 A-4 and A6M5 Zero—arrived at RAP Flying Review offices for close inspection, and these should now be in the shops. The other kits are of the Bf 109E, P-47D Thunderbolt, P-51D Mustang, Tempest V, and Kawasaki Hien, and these too will soon be appearing.
Taking the Spitfire first, it is certainly a smart model and my only real criticism is that the wings are too straight. On the credit side the spinner and three-bladed propeller are very nice and general detail is excellent. Transfers should also please. One special point of interest is the sliding canopy which adds a real touch of authenticity to this model.
Turning to the Hurricane, this, like the Spitfire, is another polished job. Again detail is good and transfers of a high standard, making it a worthy companion for the Spitfire in any display.
Not so good are the Fw 190 and Zero as regards detail and transfers. Both, however, are accurate and with the Fw 190 I suggest modellers substitute Frog 190 transfers which include the swastika which is always omitted in Revell boxes.
RAF Flying Review April, 1963, Vol. XVIII, No. 8
Over the counter
The first two of the latest Revell 1/72nd Famous Planes kits arrived recently—the Spitfire II and the Messerschmitt Bf.109E. We made up the Messerschmitt and report that it is a really first class model. It is the only 1/72nd kit for this particular aircraft at present produced and fills a very obvious gap existing in many collections. One or two new departures from the orthodox style of assembly are immediately evident. For instance, the one-piece wing undersurface—eliminating possible dihedral setting errors—and the ingenious way in which a knife trailing edge is achieved on the wing, despite the double-surface assembly. The excellent propeller design almost eliminates the possibility of a " seized shaft " and the surface detailing is first class. A superb and comprehensive set of transfers go to complete this kit, which comes in a most attractive and very strongly made box—all for 2s. 11d. We eagerly look forward to the rest of the series and especially the Kawasaki Hein which is promised shortly.
Model Aircraft june 1963
Trade Notes
The Revell range now totals 12 W.W II types, and as a special Christmas offer, a pack of six is arranged as a gift set at 17s. 6d., including the Spitfire II, Me 109, P-47 Thunderbolt, F.W.190, Hurricane and Zero.
AeroModeller DECEMBER 1963 Vol.XXVIII No.335
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Airfix Supermarine Spitfire MkV, 1975
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New kit reviews
AIRFIX SPITFIRE Vb (Series 2)
First impressions are of wide open spaces; the Hurricane box was full, but this is really a Series I kit in a Series 2 box. Not that I would object if the manufacturer were anybody but Airfix! Disappointment soon fades as one examines the 33 useful plus 2 optional parts. Outline accuracy is of an extremely high order; apart from a slight doubt about the radius of curvature of the dorsal fin fillet I am unable to fault the main airframe. The "gull" section under the wing fillets is captured beautifully, and the general 'Spitfirishness' is delightful. Details are also very good. Especially worthy of note are the wheels and undercarriage, prop, spinner and exhausts. The oil cooler is moulded in two halves to get a nice hollow effect, but seems a shade short, not enough to notice. The cockpit detail is limited to seat, floor, rear bulkhead and gunsight. This latter is nice, though it would have been better as a transparency of course. It needs its mounting shortening a little. All the little bumps and bulges around the engine and guns are there, but no cannon shell ejection slots. Panel lines over most of the airframe are raised, and for the most part in the right place, though those over the cannon bays are missing. These can of course be scribed in with no difficulty. However, the main engine cowling panels are surrounded by slit-trenches, and the Dzus fasteners would scale up to coffee-cup sizes.
Fit of parts is generally very good, but the upper wing leading edges need a little trimming at the root, to ensure that the mating face fits snugly to the lower half. The fillets also need some packing (about .010" Plasticard) or the wing bottom will go too deeply into the fuselage. Incidentally Airfix have been very crafty in splitting the wing/ fuselage joint along genuine panel lines - an indication of the care and thought which has gone into this kit. If they had also made the tailplanes and tailwheel a snug fit - all three items are very sloppy - I would have appreciated such touches more. A touch of ,005 " Plasticard cures all ills, though, except the sink marks above the exhausts which need filler.
The canopy is very good and a near-perfect fit, but will benefit from a careful polish inside and out. Transfers are for BM144, "RF-D"of 303 (Polish) Sqn. R.A.F., and EN851, "MX-D" of the 307th F.S., 31st F.G., 8th U.S.A.A.F., U.K., September 1942. The latter codes are white, which I cannot confirm. The smaller details, such as personal and kill markings, are a bit fuzzy and the roundels are, of course, off register. But even by today's standards it is not a bad sheet.
Instructions follow the usual symbolic style and apart from some artistic confusion over the undercarriage in stages 5 and 6 are quite satisfactory. One hopes that Airfix Deep Cream Ml 5 is a reasonable match for M.A.P. Chrome Yellow!
Overall this is a very nice one indeed of a late production Vb, with external b.p. windscreen, pointed spinner, broad root-chord propellor and "fish-tail" exhausts. Were it not for the coarse panel joints, this could have been the "definitive" early-model Spit for which we have been waiting. It should do well - but it would do better still if it had any or all of such options as an early-type prop and spinner, tropical intakes (either or both) drop-tanks .......... there is room on the sprues and this kit is obviously due for further production runs. How about it, Airfix?
Useful References:
Scale Models April 1971 - or equivalent M.A.P. plan pack.
Profile No. 166.
Camouflage & Markings Nos. 1 & 21.
Fighting Colours and of course innumerable back numbers of IPMS Mag, the "Q" and Airfix Magazine.
B.D.
The IPMS magazine, may/june 1975
A masterly Spit Five
After so many years of modifying, converting and adapting — even cross-kitting — to achieve an accurate representation of the Spitfire, the 1/72nd scale addicts are at last relaxing with basically accurate kits that enable them to produce, with the minimum of effort, models of most of the Merlin-engined versions of this fighter from prototype to Mk IX. We have recently welcomed Hasegawa's Spitfire I and Frog's Spitfire VIII-IX, and now, to complete a fine trio of kits, comes an excellent Spitfire Vb from Airfix. We were less than enthusiastic about this company's recent P-51D Mustang, but in the case of the Spitfire we have no cause for complaint at all, awarding it top marks for accuracy and very nearly so for detail, although, in the latter respect, the modeller will find a few items to add, particularly in the area of the cockpit. The planforms of the wings and tailplane are absolutely right and the fuselage lines have been beautifully reproduced — of special merit are the concave sections under the wing trailing edges where they meet the fuselage and which have been simulated perfectly by dint of moulding integrally with the wing underside — and surface detailing is fine, the bumps and bulges in the wing surfaces enclosing the undercarriage and guns all being present and nicely to scale. The landing gear doors are of correct scale proportions as are also the wheels. Alternative one-piece mouldings are included in the kit for assembly in the retracted position if preferred. The airscrew and spinner are separate mouldings, making a neat assembly, and the exhaust ports are also separate parts. The 35 component parts of this kit are moulded in light blue plastic and their fit is particularly good. The decal sheet is up to Airfix's highest standards, providing markings for an aircraft of No 303 Sqdn or for a reverse lend-lease USAAF machine. What more can we say! The kit is included in Airfix's Series 2 and is priced at 34p in the UK.
Air Enthusiast 1975-05 vol.08 no.05
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Heller Supermarine Spitfire MkI, 1973
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... and others from Heller and Airfix
The WW II aircraft model addicts have been particularly well catered for recently as, in addition to the previously-mentioned Frog offerings, we have received Heller's l/72nd scale Supermarine Spitfire I and Airfix's Lockheed P-38F Lightning, also to l/72nd scale. Heller's Spitfire is perhaps more accurately described as being to about l/75th scale, and is a big improvement over the Messerschmitt Bf 109F from the same company, if still leaving very much to be desired. There are serious errors in the outline of this model, notably the rudder shape and the line of the top of the engine cowling which is too flat forward of the windscreen. The undercarriage covers are too thick and clumsy-looking, but may be easily replaced by new covers made from plastic sheet, while the wings have insufficient dihedral as moulded (the lower wing surface being manufactured in one piece) which must be adjusted during assembly. Cockpit detail is good, except that no control column is provided, and also on the credit side is the extremely good surface detailing and, in general, the good fit of the component parts.
The colour scheme given by Heller for its Spitfire is spurious; for the "Battle of Britain" period it should be dark green/dark earth upper surfaces with sky undersides, and as is usual with Heller decal sheets these suffer high gloss and too bright colours, although their register is accurate. The codes QV-I for an aircraft of No 19 (F) Squadron are printed in white but should, of course, be in grey. At the UK price of 30p Heller's kit is reasonable value but can only be recommended with reservation. If the modeller is willing to take the trouble to correct the previously-mentioned faults then the result can be quite pleasing. Our review sample, incidentally, came from VHF Supplies.
Air Enthusiast 1973-01 vol.04 no.01
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Hasegawa Supermarine Spitfire MkI, 1975
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A Nip Spit
Also from VHF Supplies and with the same £1-25 price tag comes another Hasegawa offering, this time a Supermarine Spitfire I. It is odd that it should have taken us so long to get a really accurate kit of this famous British fighter and that, when it finally reached us, it should have come from a Japanese manufacturer. Whatever its source, this 1/72nd scale kit of the Spitfire is absolutely right in all respects and really captures the graceful lines of the full-scale original.
Two airscrews are provided, a two-bladed wooden type for an early production aeroplane and the more usual three-blader, and there are alternative canopies — the original straight-lined hood and the later bulged hood. The surface detailing is really superb, and the trailing edges of the wings and tail surfaces are really knife-edged. The decal sheet provides, markings for a machine of No 19(F) Sqdn in 1939 and for an aircraft flown by No 54(F) Sqdn during the following year. If you like Spitfires — and we have yet to meet a modeller who doesn't — then you really must get this one, which is easily the best kit available in its scale and unlikely to be bettered for a long time to come, if ever!
Air Enthusiast 1975-03 vol.08 no.03
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Airfix 61-65-2 Supermarine Spitfire MkI, 1979
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SCALE MODELERS' MARKETPLACE
THIS MONTH'S NEW MODELS REVIEWED BY EXPERIENCED MODELLERS
SUPERMARINE SPITFIRE Mk.l
Manufacturer: Airfix Series 1
Scale: 1:72nd
Price: 45p
One of the first kits ever made by Airfix over 25 years ago was a Spitfire. Since then their organisation has grown into a household name and their reputation to one of international standing. Now they have produced another Spitfire Mk.l and it is interesting to compare what was produced then with the sophisticated product that has recently come from the injection moulding machines at Haldane Place in South London.
To say the least, there is no comparison. Although the number of parts has increased slightly, the standard of the moulds and the accuracy that has been achieved is entirely different. Today's Spitfire is a superb little 1:72nd scale model which is a delight to build, will doubtless be popular with many youngsters and is still as simple to put together as was its predecessor so long ago.
Having 29 parts moulded in the same colour light blue plastic as the first Airfix Spitfire I found the fit of the parts in the kit to be excellent. There's sufficient detail in the cockpit with an accurately moulded seat, built-in instrument panel and gunsight. For some reason the control column has been omitted but one could argue that it would not be seen in any case. For those wishing to customise the kit the cockpit entrance flap, characteristic of the early Spitfires, has been moulded with the fuselage halves but has been made much thinner so that it can be cut to refix in the open position. The canopy is in one piece but this could have the windscreen cut off and the hood made to appear in the open position.
The best fit was around the underside of the fuselage where the one-piece lower wing joined with the fuselage. The complicated shapes of the underwing surface close to the trailing edge of the centre section have been delightfully copied. No filler was needed on the remainder of the joint lines.
Undercarriage parts are provided for the wheels in the up or down positions and in the latter the undercarriage legs have been moulded with a square peg on the ends which fits into a slot in the weus allowing the correct angle, sometimes difficult to achieve in other manufacturer's Spitfire models, to be achieved.
The kit comes in a box. Airfix have decided that their bagged kits in Series 1 are no longer saleable in other parts of the world and consequently have changed production to this form of packaging for all kits from now on. It allows the coloured three view drawing snowing the camouflage scheme to be better displayed and in my opinion is much better than the previous methods of packaging.
The decals provide for one Spitfire of No.234 Sqdn. serialled N3277 AZ:H, when stationed at Middle Wallop during the Battle of Britain. The sheet in my review sample was slightly out of register but others I have seen have been better and this should therefore be no problem generally.
Although the price of the Series 1 kits has now risen to 45p and is a large increase over the 10p kit originally produced by Airfix when their first Spitfire was issued, the value of this kit by today's standards is supreme. Where else could you get such a finely machined and detailed replica of such a fabulous aircraft for so little? Truly a very good kit, and suitable for the beginner just as much as the experienced modeller.
Alan W. Hall
Scale Aircraft Modelling 1979 MAY VOLUME 1 NUMBER 8
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