Spitfire F.Mk.22/24

Seafire F.46

CMR, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Glen Porter

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I am told that when designing the Mk.18, the authorities considered dropping the name Spitfire because there was nothing left of the original Prototype/Mk.I. However, they relented because a continuous thread ran through all the Mk.s. I suppose it is a bit like Grandpa's old axe, it has been through three new handles and two new heads, but it is still Grandpa's old axe.

The Mk. 22/24 Spitfire and Mk.46 Seafire were the last and second to last of their respective lines and they enjoyed all of the later modifications. However, even if the Jet Age had not dawned, it is doubtful if they would have progressed much further.

These two kits are very similar with the main difference being in the prop and rudder. The Spitfire kit has a host of under-wing stores while the Seafire has none. Decals for the Spitfire cover five aircraft, the other, only three.  The parts for the Spitfire are pictured below, while the Seafire is at the bottom of the page.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

As with all kits from this manufacturer, there is a very high level of detail included, casting quality is superb and surface detail comprises fine, recessed panel lines. Some casting blocks and flash will have to be removed and a small amount of warpage will have to be taken care of. These are short-run resin kits after all.

The decals for the Spitfire kit are by 'Tally Ho!' and they really are well printed and highly detailed. The first aircraft is V6-A, a Mk.22 of No. 615 (County of Glamorgan) Squadron, serialed PK519, at Biggin Hill, 1950. Next comes two Mk.24s from No. 60 Squadron, Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force, W2-F serialed VN318 in wartime camouflage, 1949 and W2-E in High Speed Silver, 1952. Another Mk.22 from no. 603 Squadron RAuxAF, serialed PK504, also in High Speed Silver, 1949-50. The last is a Syrian Mk.22 again in High Speed Silver with no date.

Decals for the Seafire are by MPD and are not as extensive as those by 'Tally Ho!', only covering three aircraft but equally well printed. All three are from shore based Squadrons, the first in war-time three colour camouflage dated 1947-48 and two in the post-war two colour scheme but in the same period.

Both of these kits will build into very nice replicas with the Spitfire being slightly superior due to the decals and under-wing stores but again neither are recommended for beginners.

Highly Recommended for experienced modellers.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

Thanks to CMR for the review sample

CMR Models are available online from Hannants in the UK,
NKR Models in Australia and quality specialist model retailers worldwide.