Model Forum / General / Models / July 2007

Hello? Yes?   :-D

I haven't seen the new Airfix MkI.  I *hope* it's better than the MkIX. The
MkIX had issues with the wing chord and incidence. The Spitfire wing is a
very complex shape and is quite twisted. In level flight the tips actually
have a negative incidence, which means that in a very sharp turn, the tips
can still be producing lift when the root of the wing has stalled. This
subtle shape has been captured on the Tamiya I and V and the Hasegawa IX.
Sadly, the Airfix IX just doesn't have it - but at least it's better than
the earlier Airfix V, which might as well have had a plank for a wing.  The
internal detail on the MkIX was also - in my opinion - slightly overscale
and ill-defined.

I'm considering getting one of the new Airfix MkIs. If it doesn't come up to
the standard of the Tamiya kits, then I can always use it to build a
"what-if" USAAC aircraft in OD and Neutral Grey. The two-bladed prop and
early canopy can then go on a Tamiya MkI, as can the alternative Rotol prop,
which will produce a MkII. (That's always assuming that the props are decent
representations and not complete abortions, like both props in the MkIX)

Incidentally, the MkIX itself isn't a total washout. There are two sets of
wings in the kit, one from the earlier MkVc. You can take the underside
panels from either wing and graft them on to a Tamiya Vb, as well as the
uppersurface bulges and cannon barrels. This will give a decent MkVc - I've
already done it so I know it works. You can also use the rear fuselage and
pointed rudder which can be transplanted to the Airfix Mk24 to give - with a
few detail alterations - a Mk21.