Czech Master Resin 1/72 Spitfire LF Mk IXE
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Overview
The history of the Supermarine Spitfire is well known, given its fame
during the Battle of Britain. Given this, it is no surprise that quite
a few model kits of the Spitfire have been produced over the years, with
just about every variant kitted in one form or another. Where the mainstream
companies end, Czech Master Resin begins, and their Spitfire/Seafire lineup
is truly impressive. Starting at the beginning, CMR has produced kits
of the prototype and early Mk.I Spitfires, and over the years have produced
kits of what could be considered the ultimate end of the Spitfire line,
the Spiteful and Seafang. In between are quite a few others, including
this release, the LF Mk. IXE Spitfire.
The Kit
 Cast
in tan resin, this kit is broken down in a very similar manner to the
other CMR resin Spitfires, but with something new: photoetch. More on
that later, though. The kit features recessed panel lines throughout and
ample detail both inside and out. As it is a resin kit, it will require
some different assembly methods, but much effort has been taken to make
this an easy to assemble kit. The decal sheet is large and provides markings
for over a dozen variations.
Starting with the cockpit, it is here that the new photoetch fret shows
up. You get sidewalls, bulkheads, the instrument panel, and lots of other
nice details on the Eduard photoetch fret. This, coupled with the already
nice resin pieces, will make this out of the box interior a showstopper.
With the option to have the side door open, much of this can be seen,
so spending a little extra time in painting here will pay off in the long
run.
 Once
the interior is done, the fuselage halves are buttoned up and then it
is decision time. Rather than provide separate wingtips as many kits do,
CMR includes two complete wings, one with the clipped tips and one with
the regular tips. Separate cannon pieces allow for all the different armament
variations, and two styles of rudders further increase the options, as
do the two styles of exhausts. Finally, there are several underside options,
including the conformal fuel tank, bombs, and what look like Bf 109-type
drop tanks for the wings. The landing gear is nicely detailed and supplemented
by photoetch gear doors. The canopy is vacuformed, and the kit includes
a set of masks.
 Moving
on to the decals, this kit is labeled “In Czechoslovak Air Force
and Israeli Air Force Service,” and the decals reflect that. There
are more Czech than Israeli, though, with a solo Yugoslav Spitfire thrown
in for good measure. Most are finished in a standard RAF camouflage of
Dark Green and Ocean Gray over Medium Sea Gray, with a couple in overall
aluminum and a black Israeli example. A lot of research went into these
schemes, and the decals themselves are nicely printed.
Conclusion
This is a nice addition to the 1/72 Spitfire lineup, and although the
resin might scare some off, it looks like a fairly easy build. The colorful
marking options make it difficult to decide which one to do, so you might
find yourself picking up a few of these kits. If you like Spitfires, definitely
check out the CMR lineup. |
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