Pete Roberts

ooo, that looks like it may be an Airfix product then. I did read that some of their recent releases were from other companies, such as Academy.

From what I've read elsewhere it looks like many of their 1/35 armour subjects are re-pops from other company(s). As Grizly points out, the 1/24 scale Hurricane Merlin is a better option for their Spitfire - perhaps Airfix will consider releasing this too, as a stand alone kit? The engine that is, not the Hurricane. Nice build there, by the way!

That Bentley can join the recent 1/12 Italeri Alfa - excellent! Pity the Spitfire and 109 are re-issues and not new tools, but hopefully this stimulates some after market goodies! I note Model Monkey are intending to produce some items for the Spitfire. Some spars for the wings would also be helpful. Can't wait, happy days!

Nice work there Dennis! Following with interest. One small point - the internals of the turrets would not have been natural metal. If they are silver, they were likely painted aluminium. Sorry, just being a pedant. PR

The Spitfire wing spar is a bit tricky. The wings were bolted onto the fuselage and the cockpit has no floor, so difficult to get a spar that passes through the fuselage. At this point, not having attempted anything yet, I am considering spars to stiffen each wing, and contemplating an attachment to the wing root area for the spar arrangement(s). But that project is on hold until the wheel wells turn up (and the cockpit). 'They' say patience is a virtue - sorry, virtuous I'm not! But I am trying - in fact my wife says I am VERY trying. PR

Wonderful news regards the detail sets for the Airfix 1/24 Spitfire! A huge thank you from me, and I am sure, a whole lot of modellers who have been calling for help in these areas of the kit. I have two kits and both have been put on to 2020 builds now - looking forward eagerly to see what you can do with these. PR

So what chance a 1/24 cockpit and wheel wells for the Airfix Spitfire Mk I kit? PR

Time for a Vickers Vimy and Blackburn Kangaroo in 1/32 scale. They can be done after the 0/400. Thanks Mr WNW. PR

Fly make the better Hurricane Mk I in 1/32. The old Revell kit is not really a Mk I, especially around the cowling. I would strongly recommend you check out a few builds of the Fly kit. These suggest it is a 'challenging' build, mainly around the cockpit from what I've seen. PR

I see Model Monkey have released wheel wells for the Airfix 1/24 scale kit. They look quite good. Link: https://www.model-monkey.com/product-page/1-24-p-51d-p-51k-and-mustang-mk-iv-wheel-well-inserts-for-airfix-kits $32 a set PR

Maybe use some Blu-tak or similar, or a jig of sorts, to hold the pieces in position while assembling? PR

Revised Spitfire Mk I optioned up to the standard of their recent releases, just in time for the 80th Anniversary of the Battle of Britain. That, or a 1/24 Lotus Ford Cortina - not a plane, but boy, can they fly! PR

Ok, looks like several options for exhausts, but all pretty scarce. Sierra Hotel, Black Box, Mk 1, Lion Roar and Eduard have all done exhausts in 1/32 for the Hornet, either as a resin part or photo etch. (And Aires) Just secured a Black Box set so one very happy camper, but may also get the Eduard set - anyone had any experience with the Eduard set? Thanks again for a great thread. PR

Great news about the undercarriage. I have an Avionix cockpit set coming my way- more good news there. Thanks for the heads up Rog. And D mold for the intakes. They look brilliant, especially like the split on the line of different colours. Now its just the exhausts. Looks like Eduard may have to come to the rescue here but not overly keen about bending etch.... Oh well. PR

I have one of these (Academy kit) in the stash to do as an RAAF a/c as well, so appreciate the original post and all the informed advice here. Thank you! I see Avionix do a 1/32 cockpit and fin set for the F/A 18A - any info on how this compares to the Aires set? Looks like the G-factor landing gear and Mk I exhausts are no longer available. Any suggestions here for alternatives? I was a little surprised to see from my Google searches that the Rhino sets are alleged to be copies of others work - if that is the case I would rather not go that path. Finally, it seems the kit u/c legs can sag over time - ? Would pinning them with metal pins help do you think? Thanks PR