IPMS/USA Kit Review: Airfix 1/72 Spitfire PR.XIX

Airfix

1/72 Spitfire PR.XIX

Kit Number: A02017

Reviewed by Chris Durden, IPMS# 29474

MSRP: $10
Website: www.airfix.com

When Hornby purchased Airfix there was concern that the venerable model company would whither away. Since then, however, Airfix has released some well-received new mold 1/48 Canberras as well as re-releasing some of the older kits in their catalog. Now comes one of the first 1/72 scale new releases from Airfix in quite a while -- a true Spitfire PR XIX.

With only 44 parts at the nostalgic sum of about $10; you may think that you have stepped back in time. However, the nicely-done details and recessed panel lines show that this is an all new kit that promises to build up into a nice kit. Given the price, there are some shortcuts: although there is some molded on sidewall detail and passable cockpit detail, there is strangely no instrument panel relief or decal. Also, the landing gear is molded with the main doors in place, but both three and four spoke wheels are provided. Sprue attachment points are a bit thick, but careful removal of the parts resulted in no damage. Ultimately though, you end up with a true PR XIX without having to fill any panel lines or do surgery to get a nicely-done example right out of the box.

Earlier this year I completed a PR XIX using a Fujimi kit with a host of Quickboost and Freightdog details. So, I thought it would be interesting to do a head-to-head comparison of the two kits.

Cockpit and Interior

The Airfix cockpit assembled easily and with careful painting came out well. The seat is a bit clunky and the absence of an instrument panel decal is disappointing. A bit of a spare decal sheet gave me as much detail as I really needed given that the canopy would be closed. The canopy is thick but clear and fits well. There are no interior details for the cameras, but given the aperture size it would be wasted anyway. I was not a fan of the camera glass fit – there are some serious gaps that are easily addressed but annoying nonetheless.

Despite the inclusion of cameras and an instrument panel decal, the totally inaccurate "seat in a bathtub" cockpit in the Fujimi kit drops it behind Airfix. Advantage: Airfix

Assembly

I really don’t have anything to write here except that this kit was an absolute pleasure to build. Assembly was straightforward with no major gaps, even at the wing root. I was able to attach the wing radiators after painting and the large locating attachment blocks made certain that they were aligned correctly. Even the landing gear locating pins are square, making alignment less of a chore than usual. Oh, and did I mention that you need not fill in any panel lines? This is a straight-up PR XIX – the wings and fuselage have no gun or door panel line to be filled. This is in stark comparison to adding the complex turtle deck and cowling sub-assemblies (or the Quickboost parts); a new tail or filling the panel lines that the Fujimi kit requires. Advantage: Airfix

Details

Okay, I have to give Fujimi the nod here. Airfix has chosen to provide the basics here and that is reflected in details like the landing gear, radiators, somewhat anemic exhaust stacks and somewhat heavy panel lines. I don’t understand why Airfix did not box in the wheel wells either. But what is provided fits well and makes a basic representation. Advantage: Fujimi

Decals

In a word, thick (for both kits). But the decals did settle down into the panel lines and gave me no real trouble. The yellow surrounds were a wee bit translucent and I would have to recommend aftermarket decals for both kits. Credit does go to Airfix for providing the Swedish markings. Advantage: aftermarket

Cost

Airfix gives you a basic kit that provides a nice PR XIX out of the box at a very reasonable price. The Fujimi kit needs extra work and without an aftermarket Mk. XVIII tail is not accurate. Figure in the cost of the Quickboost aftermarket and you end up with an example that costs 3 times as much and does not look as good (more on that below). Advantage: Airfix

Profile

Once I was done I decided to pull out the Fujimi example and do some comparison shots. I was surprised at the difference. Without calipers and totally by eye - the Airfix example captures the lean and graceful lines of the Spitfire although I think the cowling looks a bit undersized. The Fujimi kit looks squat in comparison with an exaggerated "humpiness" (not a word, I know) and the canopy bubbletop sits too high to my eye. Advantage: Airfix

Did I enjoy this kit? Absolutely! It was a refreshing break to work on a simple kit without any bells and whistles that fit and looked great when completed.

My thanks to Airfix for the review sample and please keep them coming!