I'm a 59 yr old modeller and think this was the most enjoyable build I have done !

G'day Phil, thanks so much for this non-rivet counting review. As I'm in Tasmania; the last stop on the retail model supply chain; I had to jump on this new tooling Spitfire the day after I saw the official Airfix launch video from the UK. I put in my order and, yes, I had to pay top dollar from one of our biggest model suppliers in Melbourne, on the mainland. That was OK, I too had been deeply disappointed with their old 1/24 Spit and decided I wasn’t going to miss out on securing this one. I was born in the same year the Airfix company opened for business with, you guessed it, a 1/72 Spitfire kit. So, when I started my first model, at age 10 or 11, it was already a well-worn moulding, yet I knew nothing about that, all those years ago and I wouldn't have cared even if I did. It was that first 1/72 Airfix Spitfire kit that convinced me model aircraft building was the hobby for me. Looking back, I probably made a hash of that first model but I persisted and gradually discovered my 'skill set' such as it was. Airbrushes, power tools, specialist glues, primers, thinners etc., etc. were a long way off but I had many, many days of fun discovering new aircraft model types and a bit later I began to read about the WW2 Aces and other important figures in aviation history. I had two older relatives who served in the RAAF during WW2 and the three Hearns brothers, who sold me that kit, were a trio of former RAAF pilots who, I seem to recall, flew Mk VIII Spitfires. Next month I'll be turning 69 so the building of this beautiful kit will be an important 'touchstone' for me. That first Airfix kit also began my life-long love affair with military aviation and in particular those types that were flown by the Allies in WW2. Many years later, like my older brother before me, I joined the RAAF and I know that first attempt at aircraft modelling was one of the many inspirations for me to don the uniform. I was lucky enough to have a few postings that put me in close contact with our aircraft that were in an interesting time of transition from prop driven planes to turbo-props then pure, advanced, jet aircraft. Ironically, I never had enough spare time to continue aircraft modelling while I was serving so I didn't get back to the hobby until about 9 years ago. When I wrapped up my civiy day job, about 12 years ago I began working as a military historian. My areas of special interest are, predictably WW2 and later conflicts' air power history. Since then I've tried to model aircraft, and a bit of armour, linked to specific historical events and individuals. I've just found a set of 1/24 decals so I can model my Airfix Spitfire to that of a well known RAAF Ace. I shall also try to modify the Spit into a taking-off pose on a stand that will feature a few details about the pilot concerned. As to this new Spitfire mould, like you, I feel Airfix missed out on two golden opportunities to correct long-standing shortfalls. Airfix really should provide pilot and aircrew figures. Their earlier attempts at figures made most look like the poor chaps had been dipped in vats of acid. These days it's possible to mould or 3D resin print outstanding figures with minute uniform and flying gear details. Airfix have also lost sight of giving the modeller a 'wheels-up' option. This is a mistake. The iconic Spitfire and Hurricane were 'born to fly', sure they look cool on the ground but so much better shown performing their intended tasks. Apart from the 'bendy' plastic that really should be a little more rigid, I can't find any other faults without becoming unduly obsessive. Given that Airfix enjoyed a long period of being the market leader in military aircraft and other model subjects; I really hope they are 'secretly' working up long-term plans for producing their kits, one day, via 3D printing. I predict that, not too far away, the entire plastic scale modelling industry will make the logical progression to 3D printing; either in conventional kit formats or by simply providing a 'memory stick' with, non-copyable, 3D printing programs pre-loaded and ready to plug in to one's computer and 3D printer. Modelling is at an exciting crossroads and I hope I get to see it before I'm posted to the big Aircraft Depot in the sky. Sorry I’ve rambled on so long but, this particular, important kit forced me to think about where scale modelling is going; given that, basically, we are still using moulding technology and processes that haven't changed much since the days of the Korean war. I watch as many of your engrossing videos as I can but I rarely comment. Many may hope I don't waffle on like this too often; I won't. Thanks again Phil. You and your modelling mates provide a wealth of knowledge and experience for this old codger who always tries to keep learning new tips and tricks. Cheers, and all the very best for Christmas and 2024. Bill H.

I turned 61 over the middle of December 2023 and though there is a 'gotcha' insofar as inserting some pipework into the exposed engine option - if anyone building this option please check for that before going ahead - I have to say, this is one of the best kits I've built, and easily one of the (if not the) best Airfix have ever produced. On this kit they've finally grasped that they need to be easy to build, without unnecessary parts to bump the 'part count' up to make it look better value, with good fit and - on top - full and detailed colour callouts: finally learned from Tamiya on that score. The choice and finish of the plastic is the only odd thing but absolutely not issue. Any filler needed is minimal, some I put down to my ow clumsiness. Would I build another? Absolutely, although in reality I'd not build another not because it's a poor kit, but because I very rarely build two of the same kit and having built one, I don't want another. If Airfix maintain this quality they can finally say they've arrived and even start locking on Tamiya's door.

Looking forward to the Mk 14 !

That is a huge model! You could almost sit in it.

Outstanding thanks

The second canopy is bolged whilst the first isn't hence the seam great review though

A little too large for me, but it is my favorite version of this wonderful aircraft

Seen it made up at several model shows looks a nice kit. I don't know what all the fuss is about accuracy wise to me it looks like a Spitfire and as long as it builds into a reasonably accurate model that's all that is important. Just a couple gripes. I do wish Airfix would stop using that awful soft plastic! Also shame no pilot figure to me that's a big omission. I doubt I will make this kit as I have already built the Tamiya 1/32 Spit Mk IX which is just superlative.

Nice review. Earlier this year I built the 1/24th Typhoon which I thought was a great build and kit bar one thing. If you wanted the option of exposing the engine, certain engine parts needed to be omitted as otherwise some of the cowling parts wouldn't fit. I actually overcame this by scraping away most of the inside of the top cowl which is unnecessailly thick. It took ages to do, but the end result is that I now have all the engine detail and a removable top cowl that fits pretty much perfectly. My question is. Have Airfix designed this in the same way as the Typhoon or can you fit all the engine and still be able to remove the cowling panels. Without loads more work?

hi just one question . on the decals sheet i can see italian roundel or m'i wrong ? but no sign of italian version on the kit ! thanks

Don't care if a latch isn't raised or flush on this kit . This is much better than the Kotare spit that is very expensive, has no engine and a kiwi bird decal on the side of it . Airfix priced it well is really good for what your getting with many liveries to choose from . A great improvement over the older 1/24 spits and a massive scale bigger than Tamiya offerings .