Airfix 1/72 Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vc

AIRFIX 1:72 SUPERMARINE SPITFIRE MK.VC

Reviewer: John Armstrong (rec.models.scale)
Kit Review submitted: 7 December 2006

Kit Details:

Airfix 02040 - 1/72 Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vc

Aircraft History:

Surely, nothing needs to be said about the history of the Spitfire. Suffice perhaps to say that the Vc represented the final development of the V series. The Vc introduced the ‘c’ or ‘universal’ wing, which was retained by later versions of the Spitfire. The new wing offered increased strength and also twice the ammunition capacity for the canons. Most Vcs saw service overseas away from the European air war.

The Kit:

The Vc kit is an upgrade of the older Vb offering (circa 1974). The box contains all the parts for the Vb plus a new sprue (bagged separately) for the newly tooled wing, Vokes Filter, and other assorted bits and pieces. The new items all feature engraved panel lines. The panel lines are nicely done; and offer considerably more surface detail than the older parts that they replace – some will, however, feel that the engraving is a little too well done.

Construction:

By and large construction was straightforward. A little surgery was required to remove the ‘chin’ under the engine to fit the Vokes Filter. After sanding of panel lines, a few gaps – particularly around the wing-fuselage join - were filled using typewriter correction fluid.

Painting:

I decided to model the Vc from 79 Squadren RAAF from Merauke, New Guinea, October 1944. The aircraft was primed using Halfords White Primer. The tail and the wing leading edges were masked off and the upper wings and fuselage was painted using Humbrol 30 (The instructions recommend H149, but I don’t have any of that!). The lower fuselage and wing was painted with a 97:3 mix of H34 and H157 (well almost in those ratios!).

The model was then sealed with 3 coats of Johnson’s Klear/Future.

Decals:

These were very nicely printed and in register. They settled well on the Klear/Future surface with no silvering. The whole thing was then sealed with 2 coats of Humbrol’s Matt Model Coat.

Conclusion:

All in all a very nice little project. Whilst the original Airfix Vb kit is a little basic by modern standards; nevertheless, it does have a reputation for basic accuracy. The new parts certainly do enhance the kit. I am glad that decided to buy this kit (Ł4-99), and would be happy to recommend it to any modeler who has a scalpel and some typewriter correction fluid.

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