Spitfire Mk.Ia - Weekend Edition

Spitfire Mk.Ia - Weekend Edition
Rowan takes a look at the latest addition to Eduard's growing range of 1:48 early Spitfires - this time it's the Mk.1a in a Weekend Edition.

I've been hugely impressed by Eduard's 1:48 Spitfire Mk.I-V kits. In terms of detail and accuracy, they've arguably set the standard for other manufacturers to follow, even eclipsing Tamiya's new-tool model in my opinion on account of the superior surface finish. The Profi-PACK boxings are almost certainly a bit too advanced for less-experienced modellers, so it's great to see a cut-down Weekend Edition released, making this classic Battle Of Britain era Spitfire kit suitable for many more modellers.

The kit arrives in a classy top-opening box with the contents bagged for protection in transit, and the sample kit arrived perfectly intact, despite two journeys in the post. The Weekend Edition boxing comprises:

129 x dark grey styrene parts (plus 51 x unused)

8 x clear styrene parts (plus 13 x spare)

Decals for 4 x markings options

The large number of unused parts is because the runners cover a range of Spitfire variants from the early 2-blade Mk.I through to Mk.Vs, so your spares box is in for a treat. 

As you'd expect, the moulding is excellent, with no signs of sink marks or other problems. Items like the machine guns and exhausts are slide-moulded and here I did notice a little wispy "flash" (exaggerated in the photos), but it will only take a moment to clean off. Ejection pins have been kept safely out of sight.

The outstanding aspect of the kit is the outstanding surface finish, comprising a mix of crisply engraved panel lines and applique panels, plus beautifully delicate embossed rivets and fasteners. The effect under a coat of paint is superb. Fabric covered controlled surfaces are represented with a realistically taught effect - although the rib tapes and stitching are arguably a bit too pronounced (I knocked them back a bit when I build the first release in the series).

I haven't test-fitted the Weekend Edition, because there's no reason to think anything has changed from the Profi-PACK kit. I look forward to a very straightforward overall build when I tackle the kit.

A Few Details

Naturally, this Weekend Edition Spitfire features a simplified approach to the cockpit, but it's still very nicely detailed with almost 40 plastic parts. The 4-part seat can be built with or without a padded back, and is supplied with decals for the seat harness. This is better than nothing - and probably fine if you build the model with the canopy closed - but it won't really stand up to close scrutiny if you open the canopy and access door. (Eduard offer a set of aftermarket etched harnesses for a very reasonable £3.47, and I think this is a worthwhile addition to the model.) 

By contrast, the nicely moulded instrument panel should look fine with the crisply printed decals included in the kit (but, of course, Eduard also offer aftermarket options for this too if you wish).

 Optional parts allow the entry hatch to be fitted open or closed and there's no crow bar fitted (avoiding any arguments over what colour it should be...). 

The wings feature neatly boxed-in wheel wells and clever attachments that set the undercarriage legs at the correct angle with a minimum of fuss. As noted above, the muzzles of the machine guns are hollowed-out. The undercarriage attaches firmly and is crisply detailed. It features "un-weighted" tyres, so I'll file small flats for a realistic "sit".

The propeller is nicely thin and the spinner looks good. The exhausts are hollowed out, which saves a lot of work, and look good when fitted (Eduard produce beautiful resin replacements if you want to add them).

Finally, the clear parts are excellent - crystal clear and beautifully thin.

Instructions & Decals

The first Weekend Edition kits featured instructions scaled down and printed simply on plain paper, but these days Eduard produce to the same standard as their Profi-PACK kits - i.e. A4 booklets printed in colour on glossy stock. The diagrams are clear and straightforward to follow, and the construction sequence is well laid-out and logical. Colour matches are provided for Gunze Sangyo and Mission Models paints.

Decals are included for four options:

A. Spitfire Mk.Ia, s/n P9372, "GR-G", flown by P/O Anthony Bartley, 92 Sqn., March-April 1940

B. Spitfire Mk.Ia, s/n L1004, "LO-Q", flown by F/Lt Alexander Johnstone, 602 Sqn., May 1940

C. Spitfire Mk.Ia, s/n X4036, "D-AZ", flown by P/O Robert Doe, 234 Sqn., August 1940

D. Spitfire Mk.Ia, s/n R7057, "SD-L", flown by P/O Jmaes Lacey, 501 Sqn., May 1941

Eduard's decals look to be very good quality, being thin and gloss with excellent register. There is quite a lot of excess carrier film, but I've found this snuggles down and disappears fine on recent builds using Eduard's decals. Do watch out for the carrier film folding back over itself, though.

The kit includes a comprehensive set of servicing stencils, along with a clear placement diagram.

Conclusion

Eduard's 1:48 Spitfires are superb kits and this Weekend Edition boxing is almost crazily good value for money compared with most kits from other manufacturers, making it the ideal basis to add aftermarket extras if you so choose. In terms of complexity, it's perhaps a bit too difficult for absolute novices, but anyone with a little experience should find it a really enjoyable build.

Kit #84179 is available from Eduard now - Price: £13.20

Many thanks to Eduard for providing the sample kit for review.

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