Hasegawa 1/72 Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXc

• The biggest negative point for me is that the upper fuselage behind the cockpit has a distinct curve, whereas both plans (Aviation News and MAP) and photographs show it to taper in a straight line towards the tail. As KP got this right, and it is difficult to correct and easy to see then I find this almost unforgiveable. The cure would involve filler just in front of the fin but I think it is beyond me so look out for some hunchbacked Spitfires in my collection !
• The length, against the above plans, is 3mm short, but not in any one place. My best guess is that a cut down in front of the cockpit, horizontally along the panel line where the cockpit door hinges and then down again behind the wing fairing will allow this to be fixed but, as KP are also short to these plans and it's difficult to see, I'm not going to worry.
• I'm not convinced the wing leading edge has enough of a curve but this is hard to judge.
• The basic moulds are intended to cover many options and the instructions are not that good at showing the differences. For example, the ailerons have engraved lines for both long span (Mk.IX) and short span (Mk.VII & Mk.VIII) types. One of these options needs to be filled. Also the fixed tailwheel (part B5) applicable to the Mk.IX is shown as "not for use" and the retractable one, with doors, is indicated as the one to be used. Save these parts for a Fujimi PR.XIX ! The colour scheme drawings show the correct (fixed) variety.
• Although the cockpit detail is good, the omission of the pilot's back armour is noticeable, especially when the head armour is moulded very nicely onto the crash pylon / fuselage frame.
• Wheel wells are detailed but moulded into the lower wing, therefore rather shallow.
• Only tailplanes with enlarged horn balances are provided and I'm fairly sure early Mk.IXs had the early type (they were Mk.V conversions after all !). This is probably correct for the subjects given on the decal sheet though.
• Decals, apart from the correction supplied for the upperwing roundels, use a shade of red which is far too bright.

• Optional parts : early and late carburettor intake / filter; early and late rudders; standard and 'clipped' wingtips (although if the fit is like the Fujimi kit I'd rather have just standard wings and get out the razor saw if necessary).
• Finely engraved surface detail - I like this a lot.
• The elusive "gull-wing" centre section.