This one is the first 1/48 Airfix Spitfire to feature a completely riveted airframe, thus placing it alongside the Eduard family of kits…
16th July 2025
Despite feeling distinctly unwell today (I’m aching from head to toe and lacking in anything close to energy…) I’ve finished off the new Airfix 1/48 Spitfire TR.9.
With two models having to be completed this month, I’m glad to see the first of them complete, the pressure feeling like it has been lifted, if only somewhat.
So, what did I think of this new kit?
Well, I’m really impressed with it. Being the first of what appears to be a small family of Spitfires based around common parts, this two-seater is definitely a step-up from those that have gone before, not necessarily in terms of accuracy or design, but in terms of detail, offered. This one is the first 1/48 Airfix Spitfire to feature a completely riveted airframe, thus placing it alongside the Eduard family of kits and though I don’t think the detail on this one is quite in that league in terms of delicacy, it is very close.
The kit is also very quick to build, fit across the board being absolutely superb. It’s easy as well. Unlike the Eduard kits with their complex breakdown of parts, this one is simplified enough to lighten the construction load, without compromising detail too much. Sure, there are areas that I think could have been improved (all of which I will discuss in my forthcoming Model Airplane article) but they are minor and likely to be accepted given the choice of subject and attention to detail, elsewhere.
This model was also fun due to its colour scheme and my chance to add another hitherto unmodelled air force to my collection. Though the kit includes decals for a service machine, I chose to replicate G-CCCA in its reproduction colours and in so doing, kept everything pristine with absolutely no weathering in place. I’d been wanting to do this kind of retro scheme for a while, harking ideas back to the early eighties before complex weathered schemes became de rigueur, so this seemed like the perfect opportunity to do just that. Liking the model as much as I do, I’m not sure it will be the last time I build and paint something in this way…
I hope you enjoy seeing the one as much as I enjoyed putting it together. For more information on this kit, please check out the Airfix website at the following address, to whom I would like to offer our thanks for the review sample built this month.
Now, if you don’t mind, I’m off to bed to try and sleep off these aches and pains.
See you tomorrow.
SPENCER POLLARD'S KIT BOX 
That’s indeed a lovely kit by Airfix, and you have done it proud, Spencer. Those of us who have a linking for IAC are delighted that Airfix have chosen to model this particular aircraft, and in our own colours as well. Looking forward to going into our local Dublin version of WH Smith (i.e. Easons) to buy the Model Airplane issue when it comes out…or alternatively (for those who prefer online stuff… personally, I don’t) go on to Pocket Mags. No doubt, there will be tips that are not on your blogs, of course…. Suffice it to say that it is highly likely that this particular Airfix kit will be made by some of your members, and will feature in the IPMS Ireland Nationals on October 4th/5th in Dublin. (If you can make it over, you would, of course, be most welcome!)
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Another kit done to perfection Spencer. Airfix kits seemed to be getting better regards their moulding by each new release. Personally the trainer version of the Spirfire hurts my eyes. Don’t like the way it’s lovely lines have been broken up by the edition of the second cockpit, like I’ve stated just my personal feelings.
The Irish Air Force has a fascinating history and of course the different aircraft in its arsenal over the years. Recently I read that the increase of Russian incursions into or near it’s airspace has got the Republic of Ireland seriously thinking of buying jet fighter aircraft to strengthen its ability to protect itself from said incursions. They are considering either the F18-E Hornet or the French Dassasult Rafale.
Anyway, hope you’re feeling better soon Spencer and looking forward to the finished Tamiya F35.
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It’s pleasure to do a simple paint scheme every so often though I haven’t managed to do one on an aircraft in ages. Your job on this one is outstanding. Also I agree Airfix has been constantly improving. They’ve come a long way from the late 60s. I recall those twin plane 1/72 box sets, Spitfire and Messerschmitt etc, pretty sparce, bad fit, horrid decals. That generation of kit no matter who’s it was, Frog, Heller… made you a better modeler. Kudos and keep up the great work.
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