Pavla 1/72 Spitfire Accessories
By Matt Bittner
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Pavla has released a number of items to either upgrade or convert the new-tool Airfix 1/72 Spitfire Mk.I.
72-81 Vacuform canopies for Spitfire Mk.I and PR.IV
This set contains two canopies for the PR.IV and three for the Spitfire Mk.I. If you're looking for a replacement canopy for either an out-of-the-box Spitfire Mk.I, or maybe want to show off the internal detail when using the 3D-Kits Mk.II conversion, then you'll need to purchas this set of vac canopies.
72-124 Spitfire Mk.I upgrade set
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This set contains two vacuform replacement canopies, two new tires, two replacment, hollowed-out exhausts, a new under-wing radiator, and other parts to upgrade your new-tool Airfix 1/72 Spitfire Mk.I. Unfortunately there are no instructions with this set, so you're left to find your own references to help use these resin pieces.
72-125 Spitfire PR Type C-G vacu canopy + decals
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A more comprehensive, conversion set, this release from Pavla takes the new-tool Airfix 1/72 Spitfire Mk.I and turns it into a PR-type Spitfire. You can create either a PR Mk.IC, a PR Mk.IG, or a PR Mk.VI using this set. Not only does it contain the resin pieces but it also comes with decals to make a PR Mk.IC, R6904, of P/O Gordon Green finished overall in PRU Blue; a PR Mk.IG, R7059 belonging to the 1.PRU finished in "camo-pink" tink overall; or PR Mk.IV, BR880/S nicknamed "The Flying Scotsman" of No.681 SEAC Squadron also finished in overall PRU Blue. Decals are nicely printed and in register.
The resin pieces for 72-125 consist of two different seats (one for the Mk.IG, the other for the Mk.IC or Mk.IV); replacement wheel/tires; two new chins (one for the PR Mk.IC, the other for the PR Mk.IV - the Mk.IG keeps the kit chin); new vac canopies, one for the Mk.IC and Mk.IV, the other for the Mk.IG; a side-fuselage resin piece for the port fuselage near the cockpit; new underwing tanks; new "bumps" for the top of the wings; and a new port for the underside of the port wing. In addition the instructions show you other conversions needed to create these three types of Spitfires.
All in all three excellent releases to either upgrade or convert your Airfix 1/72 Spitfire Mk.I. These are highly recommended. I used this set - and the set above, 72-124 - to create the PR Mk.IV.
My thanks to Pavla for the review items.