Lovely! 😊 I remember building the original MK1 kit back in about 1971 - I was 10 - and that was an incredible thing at the time! It even had a PILOT FIGURE (Airfix - take note!), and a dirty great big plastic stand!! My cack-handed skills back then got it together, and to me, it looked awesome; daubed with Humbrol enamels, and the odd thumb-print in places!! I loved it! This though, wow, it looks absolutely stunning!! I really want one, but have no room.... Still sorely tempted though... 😉 Looking forward to seeing your build videos Gary; it's going to be a treat!! 👍
Hi Steve, like you, I got the MK 1 when I was a kid. Big Bruv got the P51 and little Bruv got the ME109. They looked pretty inspiring all lined up together - from a distance. I remember we had no matt black and no money so it was talcum powder mixed with gloss black for the engine, tyres etc. Sacrilege I know but.........
@@mbak7801 Blimey, I remember those. You had to give them a bit of a spin to get them going. Or was that the smaller, metal dinky/corgi metal planes? Or both. Years after the Spitfire's demise I had its propeller left and coupled it up to a much larger electric motor. It moved some air alright, broke free and dented the ceiling. Strangely the Prop survived.
Thanks man, the change in background was a viewer suggestion and I've been bugged by sound issues for a while but I think I've beaten them. Always happy to action good suggestions from you guys!
Some great model there talking of large scale phantoms got a revel 1/24 scale one for Christmas 1976 I think took until April to build mum helped well I was 9 then ,looking at the required paints for your spitfire looking at correct if I’m wrong around £40 including glue etc ,imagine even though it’s plastic it will be heavy too All the best Mark 😊😊👍🏻👍🏻
Not all of the colours are required for each kit, but even so there is a lot of real estate to cover! I'd be surprised if i got away with just one pot of underbelly grey, for example. Don't know how much it actually weighs, probably not as much as you'd think. The box isn't crazy heavy and that includes the sprues as well.
Seen on the pilots notes inside the spitfire: Santa needs to bring Gary multiple sheets of stencils since he's been shortchanged in so many kits this year 😜🐢☕
There's a lot of reviews of this kit popping up on YT now, but this is the most straight forward one I have seen without geting lost in the obvious fantastic details. Just a quick honest review. great kit and thanks for sharing. (Oh and tip for a xmas gift: A nice frame for that poster 😄)
I got married in 1970 and my wife bought me the original for our first Christmas. We've been married 52 years this Christmas and she's buy me this for Christmas 2022!
You have the earliy and late Spitfire Mk IXc and e Gary. Amazing kit! Although, I'm puzzled that it lacks PE. The pointy tail is the later IXe with it's corresponding vertical stabilizers. You'll see in the instructions. I'm surprised you don't know. Being British and all.
I know, I'll hang my head in shame back in the mess - "Sorry you chaps, couldn't tell a Ixc from a IXe tail. I'm taking a revolver and a bottle of whisky to my room. Don't come looking until dawn." Spitfires are not my specialist area, what can I say? I understand the aerodynamics but don't know which kite has which bits! I do know about the late Seafires though- the XV through to the FR.47. So if they do a 1/24th FR.47 I will be in absolute heaven!
Looks an amazing kit, Gary! It will certainly build into an impressive and imposing model and be a fitting tribute to the iconic warbird and those that flew and maintained them. I look forward to seeing you work your magic on bringing it all together in due course! As ever, best wishes from Wirral.
Nice kit, I did notice several sink marks in the plastic especially in the flap area on the upper wing halves which will need dealing with if the model is built with the flaps down. The way Airfix have designed it with the engine, rudder and tail wheel areas as separate parts makes it look like we might be seeing other variants such as the Mk.VIII or even the Mk.XIV sometime in the future.
I strongly suspect that this time the 1/24 kit will be the basis for future versions (what they refer to as capex 2/3 - capital expenditure in 2nd and 3rd years). Oh, for a FR.47!!!!!
Wow ,so many more parts than the 1970's tooling . Wouldn't it be nice if Airfix made a companion , Hurricane as well . ( And maybe a 1/72 Lancaster . Time to convert the loft . lol ) Looking forward to this build , Gary . Busy times ahead .
Oddly enough I will be converting our spare bedroom soon so I've got more space for building and filming. A new tool 1/24 Hurricane would be brilliant. There was the April Fool's thing of announcing a 1/24 Lancaster this year...
Wrt 3rd party decal options: If I were to rank them based on quality of printing and research, EagleCals > Xtradecal/Dutchdecal > Kitsworld. It's a tie between Xtra & Dutch, basically because of the somewhat limited number of options in the DD but they are spot-on. Kitsworld is nice, but not always the correct colour or size of elements (and that 16 Sqn Pink FR.IX needs the camera in the side panel).
Firstly thankyou Gary for taking the time to make this video. I can see us in ten years time hearing a new model is coming out. Wow fantastic .. what could it be ....Yet another Spitfire. Or to be fair a Mustang or 109. A sad reflection on the modelling world trapped by sales.
Well, the option is to have small companies who have to charge monstrous amounts for more niche kits. Economy of scale is a major factor whe you've a design and manufacture budget to recoup. The Kotare kit is lovely, really lovely, but it's 1/32 and has no engine and is about the same price as this. Is it noticeably better than the Airfix kit? I'm not sure, I couldn't see enough when I was looking at them at Telford. Before this Airfix went with a Typhoon and a Hellcat in 1/24. No idea what their sales were like, but I'd bet they were nothing as strong as this Spitfire will be.
@@paulmorgan6269 no, but there is a commercial reality to any given company's product plan. If I remember correctly, a typical major project (1/48th and bigger) runs to about £300,000 from start to finish - including research, design, tooling, testing, instructions and decals, packaging design and print and so on. You need to make a profit. They will always have Spitfires in the range at a variety of scales because they are nailed-on sellers that help fund everything else. Also, it is kind of expected of them, being a British company, and they have to please all levels of model makers, many of whom have never heard of the kind of things you and I would really like to see. However, I don't feel the last year has been bleak given the 1/48 Buccaneer (really good) and the 1/48 Anson (outstanding) for example. When I was young I really wanted a Vulcan or a TSR2 - both were only available in vac form!
In the poll , I voted for the , Johnny Johnson version , But , at end of play , it is your own kit , so your choice . Surprise us , Gary , but above all have fun with this lovely kit .
I will have fun, but I feel duty bound to stand by my offer and make whatever the majority of my voting viewers decide! Although if a few more would like to vote for the French scheme I won't be upset...Democracy and transparency - you may not find it in Westminster but you'll find it here (oooh, bit of satire there...)!
@@jpht1964 it's out of my hands! There is a vote in the community tab on my home page here - four schemes to choose from and French Fact is one of them. Just between you and me, I did rather want to do the French scheme when I first saw it!😉
You can make it closed up - but not entirely sure if the whole Merlin can sit outside. Mainly because the prop shaft needs to poke out the front for the prop and it helps support the front end. But you don't have to put the whole engine in if you're having the bonnet closed, as it were. Having said that, I'm sure with some ingenuity it could be done. Or a clever after market resin adapter!
I haven't bought a WW2 plane in years, just checked out the price for this kit as i was expecting it to be around £40-50, I am shocked that it is retailing at an eye watering £94!
Totally agree; for this price, I'd have hoped to see a pilot, some metallised or etched parts, and rubber tyres. Even 60-quid would have seen it on a par with Trumpeter and previous Airfix releases still coming up on Ebay, so I'll give this a swerve.
Based upon the way that the rear fuselage is "broken" AIRFIX will be issuing an F MK VIII. That mark, altough built in small relatively small numbers at a bit less than 2,000, has some great marking options such as the SEAC and RAAF SWP types.
@@garys_stuff really want to see Airfix do a kit of the 2 seat Tr Mk 9 trainer version of the spitfire...now while im aware only 20 of them were ever built and it didnt come into being iuntill the late 40s (or possibly early 50s) and was NOT flown by the Royal Air Force, the real world Gracie Spitfire which is probably the most famous example of a Tr Mk 9 still flying is painted in ww2 Royal Air Force markings.....and its 1 of the 6 spits that were flown by the Irish Air Corps.
Looking at the breakdown of the parts, there seems to be provision for some future releases, such as PR.MkIX, MkX, and MkXIV, etc. You might even be able to squeeze a MkVIII out of it too.
Would like to think they'd get some more use out of the research and design if they had more than one version, but I guess it's whether the added expense would be clawed back in sales for other versions. I mean, I'd love an FR.47 so all they need is a new fuselage, change the engine to a Griffon, add the contra-rotating props, new wings with wing fold, new gear legs and some stores - practically nothing!!! But a PR.Mk.IX could be done with one new side fuse piece with a window and some structure behind it with a camera. And the aftermarket PRU pink really suits the Spitfire!!
@@garys_stuff I think you might be able to get a Griffon engined MkXIV out of it, judging by the break at the firewall. What do you think? That would be nice!
@@MillwalltheCat I'd love it - I'd have to check when I'm building it but looks feasible. I'll ask the designer - I'm seeing him on Monday, not that he'll let on anything. But if there's a solid reason why not he'll say so.
Looks great. Thanks for the review. I've seen other unboxings and im SO THANKFUL that you DO NOT count rivets. If thats your thing...cool. Bit for the rest of us it's great how it is out of the box. Thank you.
Yes Gary mine has arrived aswel I can't to watch as see what you think of it and I can't wait to see you build it I looked at it and i think it's a lovely kit
Wow, that looks amazing! I have a 1970 1/24 kit in my stash, still in its Cellophane, that was gifted me to build by a friend. I am waiting until I have a few more kits under my belt before I attempt it though! At least, once finished, he will get it back :). Ian
Great review, Gary, I agree with Dutch Dave's comments - this is what we want to see :) I look forward to seeing you build this-do you have a time frame for that?
Started and finished! Started it just before Xmas, the final video went up in February - I think there were five videos. The first is here: th-cam.com/video/nhO0itzHBCI/w-d-xo.html
its a shame they didn't open up the radio hatch and give us as you say the camera option and or radio equipment in side the fuselage probably an after market opportunity
@@garys_stuff that's good there is product for it now beats sprue stretching or thread lol .I will bet the majority are never going to be build stash bound or flog em for silly money .I think you will do grand job on the spitfire looking forward to it .pity we did not have you tube when we were kids lol
They are hinged doors that are spring loaded and pushed up by the flap actuating mechanism when flaps are selected down. You never see Spitfires with the flaps left down on the ground as they are pneumatically operated and you would drain the air supply.
I am leaving it to my viewers - if you go to the community tab on my home page you can vote for one of four schemes - two from the box and two aftermarket ones.
This looks outstanding and doesn't break the bank. I've dropped a few not-so-subtle hints to the Dearly Beloved about Xmas. It has a space in the "stash" cupboard ready and waiting. This may have been asked before Gary but when you visited the factory did you get any hint on a new tooled Hurricane in 1/24? I need one of them in my life. Another great review and I look forward to the build matey.
Hi Ian, there is no news of a 1/24 Hurricane, at least not that they've let on to me! I think there was a bit of a hubbub as they are doing some special Hurricane-based events in January that this might be a launch, but i think so hot on the heels of the Spitfire would eb too ambitious even for them. From what we heard back in July (at HQ, not the factory), the focus next year is mainly on starter sets, but to be fair they could just be diverting our attention! From a business investment point of view, and from production rate which I know is a slow process with this kit, I don't see one next year, but 2024? I'll have to feed Mystic Mug some strong coffee and ask!!!
Get it built Gary 3 vids? Hahaha. It's on my Christmas list. Hope Airfix release Merlin engine sprue as a separate kit. Super detailers cam have a field day.
Really enjoyed the video I am new to your channel I have just had my spitfire delivered so will be looking forward to you starting yours so I can follow along.
Mine arrived today. Looks amazing. Terrifying but amazing! For me the poster for pre-order pushes me to the D-Day version. Looks well put together as you say. My clear parts are all broken off but don’t seem damaged thankfully. Will need to take a closer look. I may have missed it but sprues A-N plus X but no I? Is that the same for everyone?
Yes, the sprue sequence is missing an "I" but that might just be because it's not so easy to see - bit like why some letters are not used for number plates. However I do agree with others that there is definite potential for future variants.
Good evening Gary! I was reading an article about how they made this kit on the airfix website and I recommend reading a bit because it's really interesting. I also have a question, I'm 12, do you think it is safe for me to use an airbrush? 🤔 I turned twelve yesterday and got the airfix 1:72 Lancaster b3, 1:48 spitfire mk1a and the 1:72 spitfire mk1a! Thanks for the video, I really enjoyed the insight inside the box an history of the kit! William
Hi William. Yes, I think it is very safe for you to use an airbrush but you must take precautions. Either use an extractor fan or a well ventillated room and make sure you wear a mask to prevent any paint entering your lungs. There are many videos on TH-cam explaining proper safety with air brushes, do please follow their advice! And a very happy birthday to you!
Don't know yet Norman, the scheme choice is down Tony good folk such as yourself. Have a look at the community tab on my home page and you can vote for one of four schemes. Whichever gets the most votes is the one I'll do.
Was one version pressurised and one not, hence different canopies? I wonder if the instrument panel is clear so if inclined a modeller could mod it and light the instruments from behind after painting the surround? I suppose if you do the markings painted out that positions the actual markings accurately? Re Flying Hours.. do Airfix just give the same number of hours as the skill level?
No, the two canopies are there as a result of the manufacturing process. The "correct" one is slightly too bulged to be able to be injection moulded between two plates. I think the mould has two upper plates and one lower plate, although I will find out more detail. Thus there is a small seam in the transparency. Not every modeller wants to polish that out, so they also provide a slightly less bulged option that works at the limit of a seamless mould but isn't a strict 1/24 scale shape. As for the instrument panel - well there are two provided, one for using with decals and another with more relief presumably for painting and dry brushing. I guess to get illumination through you could put the decals on the back of the panel, thus any light could leak through the thickness of the piece. Or even drill tiny holes to place micro LEDs. Im not sure Airfix thought of it that way, maybe they can just get a crisper piece with the clear plastic. As for Flying Hours, they tend to follow the cost of the kit more than the complexity, although there will be some rough correlation of course.
Hi Gary / Guys …returning to modelling after many years …any one point me to a video that gives you the does and don’t of getting a kit prepared ready for assembly …Then Painting …basically the techniques ( after 50 years must have moved on a pace )….Best Regards Thanks for anyone who helps
Hi Adrian, first of all welcome back! Did you have any particular kit in mind? You could check out some of my starter set videos - about a year ago or so - like the Spitfire, Hurricane, Bf-109 and FW.190 - but they are strictly done with what comes in the box - so no primer (which I normally do). Maybe it's something I should do!!!
@@garys_stuff Hi Gary as I live 300 yards from the Dartmouth Naval college (although no longer in service with Navy ) I’m going for the Westland Lynx HMA8/MK 88.A in the Airfix range….Thanks for the reply …with the Dark nights and Jan Feb inbound I need to keep busy so I thought I could take my time over this and do it properly …Sister is getting me a range of tools ..for modelling kits …and I’ll practice my spraying before I even touch the model😁- any recommendations on a decent spray kit that won’t kill me ( now I’ve joined the ranks of the Pensioner Elite)
I use a Timbertech one from Amazon - comes with an adjustable compressor and three nozzles. Suits me and I can't justify a mega-expensive one either! Think it is still sold there for around £70 or so: amzn.to/3EIHDKp I've got that kit of the Lynx in my stack waiting to be built - were it not for the arrival of the Spitfire I could have pushed it up the schedule! Certainly take all the time you need and don't rush - just do what you like and as long as you can look at it in the end and be proud that you made it, that's a win! I would say you should use a decent plastic primer - I use Jenolite but I know others have their favourites. If you're spraying the whole kit you'll need to mask off the windows too - you can get pre-cut masks online or make your own. It's a great time of year to be making a kit - I find it excellent for the mental health and very calming. If there's anything else I can help with, do feel free to let me know.
Like mentioned below, lots of reviews of the kit already. All very biased. It's typical AF again, cheap soft plastic and the usual sink marks. It's not good enough, AF don't give a hoot about QC.
I didn't - my limit when I was young was the Lancaster and Stirling. You can still pick up the Hellcat and the Typhoon second hand. Actually my local Hobbycraft has two Hellcats but as they won't reduce the prices I'm not getting one!
Lovely! 😊
I remember building the original MK1 kit back in about 1971 - I was 10 - and that was an incredible thing at the time! It even had a PILOT FIGURE (Airfix - take note!), and a dirty great big plastic stand!!
My cack-handed skills back then got it together, and to me, it looked awesome; daubed with Humbrol enamels, and the odd thumb-print in places!! I loved it!
This though, wow, it looks absolutely stunning!! I really want one, but have no room.... Still sorely tempted though... 😉
Looking forward to seeing your build videos Gary; it's going to be a treat!! 👍
I'll do my best Steve!
@@garys_stuff : I'm absolutely sure you will... You'll do a fine job of it! 🙂
Hi Steve, like you, I got the MK 1 when I was a kid. Big Bruv got the P51 and little Bruv got the ME109. They looked pretty inspiring all lined up together - from a distance. I remember we had no matt black and no money so it was talcum powder mixed with gloss black for the engine, tyres etc. Sacrilege I know but.........
It also had an electric motor for the propeller.
@@mbak7801 Blimey, I remember those. You had to give them a bit of a spin to get them going. Or was that the smaller, metal dinky/corgi metal planes? Or both.
Years after the Spitfire's demise I had its propeller left and coupled it up to a much larger electric motor. It moved some air alright, broke free and dented the ceiling. Strangely the Prop survived.
Nice touch with the blue background. And better sound quality, too, if I’m not mistaken. Great to see your already great channel evolving.
Thanks man, the change in background was a viewer suggestion and I've been bugged by sound issues for a while but I think I've beaten them. Always happy to action good suggestions from you guys!
Some great model there talking of large scale phantoms got a revel 1/24 scale one for Christmas 1976 I think took until April to build mum helped well I was 9 then ,looking at the required paints for your spitfire looking at correct if I’m wrong around £40 including glue etc ,imagine even though it’s plastic it will be heavy too
All the best
Mark 😊😊👍🏻👍🏻
Not all of the colours are required for each kit, but even so there is a lot of real estate to cover! I'd be surprised if i got away with just one pot of underbelly grey, for example. Don't know how much it actually weighs, probably not as much as you'd think. The box isn't crazy heavy and that includes the sprues as well.
Seen on the pilots notes inside the spitfire: Santa needs to bring Gary multiple sheets of stencils since he's been shortchanged in so many kits this year 😜🐢☕
Nooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!
There's a lot of reviews of this kit popping up on YT now, but this is the most straight forward one I have seen without geting lost in the obvious fantastic details. Just a quick honest review. great kit and thanks for sharing. (Oh and tip for a xmas gift: A nice frame for that poster 😄)
Thanks Dave, very kind comments. I'll ask Santa for a frame for my modelling room (or spare room as we currently call it!!!)
Love the subtle oil canning effect on the fuselage sides
Amazing attention to detail in places!
I got married in 1970 and my wife bought me the original for our first Christmas. We've been married 52 years this Christmas and she's buy me this for Christmas 2022!
Fantastic stuff! And congratulations on 52 years!
You have the earliy and late Spitfire Mk IXc and e Gary. Amazing kit! Although, I'm puzzled that it lacks PE. The pointy tail is the later IXe with it's corresponding vertical stabilizers. You'll see in the instructions. I'm surprised you don't know. Being British and all.
I know, I'll hang my head in shame back in the mess - "Sorry you chaps, couldn't tell a Ixc from a IXe tail. I'm taking a revolver and a bottle of whisky to my room. Don't come looking until dawn." Spitfires are not my specialist area, what can I say? I understand the aerodynamics but don't know which kite has which bits! I do know about the late Seafires though- the XV through to the FR.47. So if they do a 1/24th FR.47 I will be in absolute heaven!
Looks an amazing kit, Gary!
It will certainly build into an impressive and imposing model and be a fitting tribute to the iconic warbird and those that flew and maintained them.
I look forward to seeing you work your magic on bringing it all together in due course!
As ever, best wishes from Wirral.
Cheers darren - it'll be an interesting build...
Looks a brilliant kit Gary, looking forward to you building it.
Cheers John!
Nice kit, I did notice several sink marks in the plastic especially in the flap area on the upper wing halves which will need dealing with if the model is built with the flaps down. The way Airfix have designed it with the engine, rudder and tail wheel areas as separate parts makes it look like we might be seeing other variants such as the Mk.VIII or even the Mk.XIV sometime in the future.
I strongly suspect that this time the 1/24 kit will be the basis for future versions (what they refer to as capex 2/3 - capital expenditure in 2nd and 3rd years). Oh, for a FR.47!!!!!
Beautiful aircraft
Definitely will be one to pick up
It certainly is.
Two videos in a single day,👍. Now to watch Harrier Video.
Congratulations on an amazing purchase. Looking forward to the build.
Couldn't miss out on this one - the Airfix Club discount really helped for once!!!
Wow ,so many more parts than the 1970's tooling . Wouldn't it be nice if Airfix made a companion , Hurricane as well . ( And maybe a 1/72 Lancaster . Time to convert the loft . lol ) Looking forward to this build , Gary . Busy times ahead .
Oddly enough I will be converting our spare bedroom soon so I've got more space for building and filming. A new tool 1/24 Hurricane would be brilliant. There was the April Fool's thing of announcing a 1/24 Lancaster this year...
@@garys_stuff
That spare bedroom? Be sure it doesn't lock from the outside . . .
@@randytaylor1258 🤣🤣🤣 unless it has a beer fridge and food deliveries ...!
Wrt 3rd party decal options:
If I were to rank them based on quality of printing and research, EagleCals > Xtradecal/Dutchdecal > Kitsworld.
It's a tie between Xtra & Dutch, basically because of the somewhat limited number of options in the DD but they are spot-on. Kitsworld is nice, but not always the correct colour or size of elements (and that 16 Sqn Pink FR.IX needs the camera in the side panel).
Firstly thankyou Gary for taking the time to make this video.
I can see us in ten years time hearing a new model is coming out.
Wow fantastic .. what could it be ....Yet another Spitfire.
Or to be fair a Mustang or 109.
A sad reflection on the modelling world trapped by sales.
Well, the option is to have small companies who have to charge monstrous amounts for more niche kits. Economy of scale is a major factor whe you've a design and manufacture budget to recoup. The Kotare kit is lovely, really lovely, but it's 1/32 and has no engine and is about the same price as this. Is it noticeably better than the Airfix kit? I'm not sure, I couldn't see enough when I was looking at them at Telford. Before this Airfix went with a Typhoon and a Hellcat in 1/24. No idea what their sales were like, but I'd bet they were nothing as strong as this Spitfire will be.
@@garys_stuff So the future is bleak.
@@paulmorgan6269 no, but there is a commercial reality to any given company's product plan. If I remember correctly, a typical major project (1/48th and bigger) runs to about £300,000 from start to finish - including research, design, tooling, testing, instructions and decals, packaging design and print and so on. You need to make a profit. They will always have Spitfires in the range at a variety of scales because they are nailed-on sellers that help fund everything else. Also, it is kind of expected of them, being a British company, and they have to please all levels of model makers, many of whom have never heard of the kind of things you and I would really like to see. However, I don't feel the last year has been bleak given the 1/48 Buccaneer (really good) and the 1/48 Anson (outstanding) for example. When I was young I really wanted a Vulcan or a TSR2 - both were only available in vac form!
In the poll , I voted for the , Johnny Johnson version , But , at end of play , it is your own kit , so your choice . Surprise us , Gary , but above all have fun with this lovely kit .
I will have fun, but I feel duty bound to stand by my offer and make whatever the majority of my voting viewers decide! Although if a few more would like to vote for the French scheme I won't be upset...Democracy and transparency - you may not find it in Westminster but you'll find it here (oooh, bit of satire there...)!
I really would like to build the French clipped wing version.
It is so pretty, isn't it?
@@garys_stuffwill you make this version?
@@jpht1964 it's out of my hands! There is a vote in the community tab on my home page here - four schemes to choose from and French Fact is one of them. Just between you and me, I did rather want to do the French scheme when I first saw it!😉
Thanks Gary, great inbox review, I’ll look forward to the build with great enthusiasm.
Thanks mate!
Wow Gary this kit looks awesome! Tell me can you build the kit all closed up and build the Merlin for display next to the spitfire?
You can make it closed up - but not entirely sure if the whole Merlin can sit outside. Mainly because the prop shaft needs to poke out the front for the prop and it helps support the front end. But you don't have to put the whole engine in if you're having the bonnet closed, as it were. Having said that, I'm sure with some ingenuity it could be done. Or a clever after market resin adapter!
Love your Vids here in Detroit! Bang up job Limey!😂
Airfix....Spitfire.....need we say more!
looks so good - and so much to do!!!
Looks great! Thanks for sharing Gary! 🇨🇦😎
Thanks for watching Peter!
Legend!!
I am already counting the rivets !
I haven't bought a WW2 plane in years, just checked out the price for this kit as i was expecting it to be around £40-50, I am shocked that it is retailing at an eye watering £94!
Prices are getting crazy for kits. This one is over 400 pieces, although they said that including a pilot would have pushed it over the £100 mark!
Totally agree; for this price, I'd have hoped to see a pilot, some metallised or etched parts, and rubber tyres.
Even 60-quid would have seen it on a par with Trumpeter and previous Airfix releases still coming up on Ebay, so I'll give this a swerve.
Based upon the way that the rear fuselage is "broken" AIRFIX will be issuing an F MK VIII. That mark, altough built in small relatively small numbers at a bit less than 2,000, has some great marking options such as the SEAC and RAAF SWP types.
They are (predictably( very cagey about future versions but from what i can sense from them they won't be doing a Griffon one any time soon.
Looks an excellent kit Gary, looking forward to seeing how it goes together.
You and me both mate!
Thanks!
Thank you Anthony!
@Anthony Roberts here is the link to my Supporters' video th-cam.com/video/xZgiaOm08Cc/w-d-xo.html
I would buy it but just dont have the space....awesome kit all the same.👍👍
It is a biggie!!!
@@garys_stuff it sure is,any bigger and you would be able to get in it.🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@garys_stuff currently working on a 1/72 Zlin Z-50 LS aerobatic plane from a company called Bren Gun.
@@damien5748 😁😁 blap blap blap blap blap!!!!! Like a military Pingu.
@@garys_stuff really want to see Airfix do a kit of the 2 seat Tr Mk 9 trainer version of the spitfire...now while im aware only 20 of them were ever built and it didnt come into being iuntill the late 40s (or possibly early 50s) and was NOT flown by the Royal Air Force, the real world Gracie Spitfire which is probably the most famous example of a Tr Mk 9 still flying is painted in ww2 Royal Air Force markings.....and its 1 of the 6 spits that were flown by the Irish Air Corps.
Amazing video and a nice touch with the blue background really makes it nicer. I really want to get my hands onto the spitfire aswell.
Thanks man, the change in background was a viewer suggestion - people power at work!!!
very nice model.lovely
Looking at the breakdown of the parts, there seems to be provision for some future releases, such as PR.MkIX, MkX, and MkXIV, etc.
You might even be able to squeeze a MkVIII out of it too.
Would like to think they'd get some more use out of the research and design if they had more than one version, but I guess it's whether the added expense would be clawed back in sales for other versions. I mean, I'd love an FR.47 so all they need is a new fuselage, change the engine to a Griffon, add the contra-rotating props, new wings with wing fold, new gear legs and some stores - practically nothing!!! But a PR.Mk.IX could be done with one new side fuse piece with a window and some structure behind it with a camera. And the aftermarket PRU pink really suits the Spitfire!!
@@garys_stuff I think you might be able to get a Griffon engined MkXIV out of it, judging by the break at the firewall.
What do you think? That would be nice!
@@MillwalltheCat I'd love it - I'd have to check when I'm building it but looks feasible. I'll ask the designer - I'm seeing him on Monday, not that he'll let on anything. But if there's a solid reason why not he'll say so.
Looks great. Thanks for the review. I've seen other unboxings and im SO THANKFUL that you DO NOT count rivets. If thats your thing...cool. Bit for the rest of us it's great how it is out of the box. Thank you.
Yes Gary mine has arrived aswel I can't to watch as see what you think of it and I can't wait to see you build it I looked at it and i think it's a lovely kit
I'll be starting it very soon!
@@garys_stuff yes I can't wait I have subscribed so I will be watching
Glad that Airfix has done this...
Me too, although now I have to build it in the public gaze...!
Wow, that looks amazing! I have a 1970 1/24 kit in my stash, still in its Cellophane, that was gifted me to build by a friend. I am waiting until I have a few more kits under my belt before I attempt it though! At least, once finished, he will get it back :). Ian
Good plan - I must admit to some trepidation about making this one...
Instead of a poster - Perhaps they could have spent the 50p on a pilot figure?
Would have been nice!
Great review, Gary, I agree with Dutch Dave's comments - this is what we want to see :) I look forward to seeing you build this-do you have a time frame for that?
Started and finished! Started it just before Xmas, the final video went up in February - I think there were five videos. The first is here: th-cam.com/video/nhO0itzHBCI/w-d-xo.html
Cheers, Gary - don't know how I missed them, I'll watch them later today.
its a shame they didn't open up the radio hatch and give us as you say the camera option and or radio equipment in side the fuselage probably an after market opportunity
Or a second Airfix release next Xmas...!!!
If you require a frame. I will make one up for you as I have the clamps etc.
Well I did enjoy their Typhoon airplane. Very nice detail.
Always fancied grabbing one of those but I'm scared of making a Napier engine!!!!
Must say , it looked very good at Telford
Yes, the built examples were really well done.
Lot of work lol am sure you will do a grand job .heard on the grapevine hannetts have some limited stock of wing nut wings kits at retail price
I'd love that big old Felixstowe flying boat, but it would be even more work than the Spitfire!!!
@@garys_stuff yeh I like the look of it but the rigging is pretty terrifying lol
@@davroshalfbeard8368 now that I've tried the stretchy rigging from Ammo by MIG I'm not so scared of rigging any more! Really easy to use.
@@garys_stuff that's good there is product for it now beats sprue stretching or thread lol .I will bet the majority are never going to be build stash bound or flog em for silly money .I think you will do grand job on the spitfire looking forward to it .pity we did not have you tube when we were kids lol
I think the things on the top of the wings are not the actuators, but an indicator for the landing gear for the pilot?
The designer says they are part of the flap mechanism, I had to ask him when he was at Telford!
They are hinged doors that are spring loaded and pushed up by the flap actuating mechanism when flaps are selected down. You never see Spitfires with the flaps left down on the ground as they are pneumatically operated and you would drain the air supply.
Did you flip a coin to pick which version you are building Gary? LOL
I am leaving it to my viewers - if you go to the community tab on my home page you can vote for one of four schemes - two from the box and two aftermarket ones.
@@garys_stuff
You can t go wrong with invasion stripes.
This looks outstanding and doesn't break the bank. I've dropped a few not-so-subtle hints to the Dearly Beloved about Xmas. It has a space in the "stash" cupboard ready and waiting.
This may have been asked before Gary but when you visited the factory did you get any hint on a new tooled Hurricane in 1/24? I need one of them in my life.
Another great review and I look forward to the build matey.
Hi Ian, there is no news of a 1/24 Hurricane, at least not that they've let on to me! I think there was a bit of a hubbub as they are doing some special Hurricane-based events in January that this might be a launch, but i think so hot on the heels of the Spitfire would eb too ambitious even for them. From what we heard back in July (at HQ, not the factory), the focus next year is mainly on starter sets, but to be fair they could just be diverting our attention! From a business investment point of view, and from production rate which I know is a slow process with this kit, I don't see one next year, but 2024? I'll have to feed Mystic Mug some strong coffee and ask!!!
Get it built Gary 3 vids? Hahaha.
It's on my Christmas list.
Hope Airfix release Merlin engine sprue as a separate kit. Super detailers cam have a field day.
I know, wishful thinking perhaps... maybe 6 or 7???
Ive just got my kit. Would be great if in the future they bring out a 1/24 Griffin Spitfire?
Yes, an FR.47 would be nice. I keep asking them but they just keep humouring me...
Really enjoyed the video I am new to your channel I have just had my spitfire delivered so will be looking forward to you starting yours so I can follow along.
Welcome to the channel Carl! Won't be long now...
Hope it’s better than the Mossie in the same scale what a nightmare to build that was, however the price will put me off I’m afraid
I hate to think how much the 1/24 Mossie would be nowadays, probably close to £200.
nice one Gary also HGW do seat belts for the SPITFIRE
Excellent. I think the amount of aftermarket will grow and grow...
Because no one's ever heard of a bag made of paper before!
Good review Gary, thanks. I've got the 1/32 Kotare Spit Ia coming so this will have to wait unfortunately - but where to put them all when built?!
I know. The Kotare kit looks really good too, and they've got a Mk.V coming next year as well. Time to buy a hangar somewhere...?
Great kit, screams out for an operational prop!
Indeed, but it would take some engineering past the bits you have to have in the nose though.
Mine arrived today. Looks amazing. Terrifying but amazing! For me the poster for pre-order pushes me to the D-Day version. Looks well put together as you say. My clear parts are all broken off but don’t seem damaged thankfully. Will need to take a closer look. I may have missed it but sprues A-N plus X but no I? Is that the same for everyone?
Yes, the sprue sequence is missing an "I" but that might just be because it's not so easy to see - bit like why some letters are not used for number plates. However I do agree with others that there is definite potential for future variants.
Good evening Gary! I was reading an article about how they made this kit on the airfix website and I recommend reading a bit because it's really interesting. I also have a question, I'm 12, do you think it is safe for me to use an airbrush? 🤔 I turned twelve yesterday and got the airfix 1:72 Lancaster b3, 1:48 spitfire mk1a and the 1:72 spitfire mk1a! Thanks for the video, I really enjoyed the insight inside the box an history of the kit!
William
Hi William. Yes, I think it is very safe for you to use an airbrush but you must take precautions. Either use an extractor fan or a well ventillated room and make sure you wear a mask to prevent any paint entering your lungs. There are many videos on TH-cam explaining proper safety with air brushes, do please follow their advice! And a very happy birthday to you!
😊
come with a poster?
Mine did!
looks like a great kit.
What ho Gary, looks like Airfix are really stepping up. What scheme is it to be.
Don't know yet Norman, the scheme choice is down Tony good folk such as yourself. Have a look at the community tab on my home page and you can vote for one of four schemes. Whichever gets the most votes is the one I'll do.
Was one version pressurised and one not, hence different canopies?
I wonder if the instrument panel is clear so if inclined a modeller could mod it and light the instruments from behind after painting the surround?
I suppose if you do the markings painted out that positions the actual markings accurately?
Re Flying Hours.. do Airfix just give the same number of hours as the skill level?
No, the two canopies are there as a result of the manufacturing process. The "correct" one is slightly too bulged to be able to be injection moulded between two plates. I think the mould has two upper plates and one lower plate, although I will find out more detail. Thus there is a small seam in the transparency. Not every modeller wants to polish that out, so they also provide a slightly less bulged option that works at the limit of a seamless mould but isn't a strict 1/24 scale shape.
As for the instrument panel - well there are two provided, one for using with decals and another with more relief presumably for painting and dry brushing. I guess to get illumination through you could put the decals on the back of the panel, thus any light could leak through the thickness of the piece. Or even drill tiny holes to place micro LEDs. Im not sure Airfix thought of it that way, maybe they can just get a crisper piece with the clear plastic.
As for Flying Hours, they tend to follow the cost of the kit more than the complexity, although there will be some rough correlation of course.
Have Airfix moved on from Cartograf decals then Gary or is this just a one of with Techmod ?
Think they are still Cartograf, but I will ask. Did I say Techmod? Sorry if I did, I've been looking at other things...
Just had another look - I said Techmod. So sorry!!!
Hi Gary / Guys …returning to modelling after many years …any one point me to a video that gives you the does and don’t of getting a kit prepared ready for assembly …Then Painting …basically the techniques ( after 50 years must have moved on a pace )….Best Regards Thanks for anyone who helps
Hi Adrian, first of all welcome back! Did you have any particular kit in mind? You could check out some of my starter set videos - about a year ago or so - like the Spitfire, Hurricane, Bf-109 and FW.190 - but they are strictly done with what comes in the box - so no primer (which I normally do). Maybe it's something I should do!!!
@@garys_stuff Hi Gary as I live 300 yards from the Dartmouth Naval college (although no longer in service with Navy ) I’m going for the Westland Lynx HMA8/MK 88.A in the Airfix range….Thanks for the reply …with the Dark nights and Jan Feb inbound I need to keep busy so I thought I could take my time over this and do it properly …Sister is getting me a range of tools ..for modelling kits …and I’ll practice my spraying before I even touch the model😁- any recommendations on a decent spray kit that won’t kill me ( now I’ve joined the ranks of the Pensioner Elite)
I use a Timbertech one from Amazon - comes with an adjustable compressor and three nozzles. Suits me and I can't justify a mega-expensive one either! Think it is still sold there for around £70 or so: amzn.to/3EIHDKp
I've got that kit of the Lynx in my stack waiting to be built - were it not for the arrival of the Spitfire I could have pushed it up the schedule! Certainly take all the time you need and don't rush - just do what you like and as long as you can look at it in the end and be proud that you made it, that's a win!
I would say you should use a decent plastic primer - I use Jenolite but I know others have their favourites. If you're spraying the whole kit you'll need to mask off the windows too - you can get pre-cut masks online or make your own.
It's a great time of year to be making a kit - I find it excellent for the mental health and very calming.
If there's anything else I can help with, do feel free to let me know.
@@garys_stuff hi Gary if I go to Airfix via your site will that help you in anyway
Yes it does Adrian, I get about 5% of the purchase price. You don't pay any more, it comes out of their share!
What does 'compendious' mean? Ha Ha!
It means I'm trying to make myself sound more clever by using bigger words...!!!
Like mentioned below, lots of reviews of the kit already. All very biased. It's typical AF again, cheap soft plastic and the usual sink marks. It's not good enough, AF don't give a hoot about QC.
Sorry but I have to say #YAFAS Yet Another F****ing Airfix Spitfire Yawnnnnnn! Built one of these 40 years ago!
I didn't - my limit when I was young was the Lancaster and Stirling. You can still pick up the Hellcat and the Typhoon second hand. Actually my local Hobbycraft has two Hellcats but as they won't reduce the prices I'm not getting one!
Another airfix spitfire same old same old
What would you have preferred them to have made at 1/24 - consider that you've got to recoup about £300k investment then make a profit on top?
Gary stop reviewing all these amazing kits my wallet cant take it anymore i really like this but the sheer size of it will
Just upset my fiancee 😅😅😅
Sorry Harry! Sometime I've just got to do a kit like this - not something you can hide though...
@@garys_stuff i know i really really want it
Now🥲🥲🥲