As I looked over my list of completed Spitfires, it was not lost on me that of the 40 Spitfires I’ve built since returning to the hobby in 2006, 17 have been Airfix. The most of any other manufacturer I’ve built has been 4, that being Hasegawa.
In fact, unless I’ve missed on my count, I’ve built at least one of every Spitfire that Airfix makes, from 1/72 up through 1/24th scale. The only one I can think of that I haven’t built is the original BTK Spitfire, Airfix’s original foray into the elliptical winged wonder.
There just seems to be something right about such an iconic airplane being kitted by a company in the very country that holds it in such esteem. Airfix, especially under Hornby, seems to care about the product they put out. And from what I’ve been able to observe, the modeling community in the UK seems to really appreciate it. (I wish Revell-Monogram here in the states would do the same.)
And the growth of their kits have been a great thing to watch. When Hornby took over the brand in 2007, they inherited a reasonably good 1/48 Mk. IX, and and even better Mk. I that had not been released. Since then, they’ve produced the outstanding Mk. XII and Seafire Mk. XVII in 1/48 scale, and a Mk. I, Mk. IX and Mk. XIX in 1/72 scale. All have shown great improvement over their predecessors, and I see no reason why the trend won’t continue.
I find myself becoming excited about what new kits will be announced for 2012. I’m hoping for a new Mk. V in 1/48, or perhaps a Mk. XIX or Mk. XIV in 1/48. Or the Mk. V in 1/72. I’ve even wondered if the C wing from the Mk. XII would fit to the Mk. I fuselage to yield a Mk. V, perhaps?
In any event- if you haven’t tried an Airfix Spitfire, pick one up. I highly recommend any of them, especially the Mk. XII, Seafire XVII, or the Mk. I in 72nd or 48th scale. You’ll enjoy it!
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have an Airfix Spitfire on the bench, calling out to me…..
