This lovely boxing of a Limited Edition kit includes parts for two complete Mk.IX’s (a “c” variant and an “e” variant) and decals for 6 different aircraft, specifically:

1. Spitfire Mk.IXc, ML214, No. 126 Squadron RAF, Harrowbeer Air Base, June 6th, 1944
2. Spitfire Mk.IXc, MK924, flown by F/Sgt Michal Murayda, No. 302 Squadron, Chailey, June 1944
3. Spitfire Mk.IXc, MK892, flown by F/Lt. C. H. Lazenby, No. 222 Squadron RAF, Normandy, June 10th, 1944
4. Spitfire Mk.IXc, MH819, No. 310 Squadron, Appledram Air Base, mid-June 1944
5. Spitfire LF Mk.IXe, PL124, No. 312 Squadron RAF, June 1944
6. Spitfire Mk.IXe, MK329, flown by W/Cdr J. E. Johnson, CO of No. 144 Wing, June 1944

Also included is an extensive set of stenciling, enough for two complete aircraft.

Last summer Eduard released the first of its 1/72 MiG-21 kits. The kit depicts the MiG-21MF (NATO reporting name - “Fishbed J”) aircraft that were built at the Gorky factory. These aircraft were primarily exported to the German Democratic Republic, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Romania and Bulgaria. Some of these aircraft were subsequently re-sold or passed on to other countries, such as Mali which acquired several aircraft from the Czech Air Force. According to Eduard’s instruction sheet, production only ran for two years before being closed, so only a limited number were actually built.

There are some things that just look better in scale thinness. Eduard agrees and produces a set for their new Bf-109G-10.

This set is packaged in the standard Eduard resealable package. The contents are protected by some card stock. One fret of photo-etch is included in nickel plated brass. The parts that are very visible are the landing gear doors and flaps. Both of which will look better in brass than plastic. The one thing that I think is essential is the wheel wells shroud, which has the cutouts that are on the real plane, not like the kit parts which hints at the cutouts. There are some other things like a fuselage access hatch, strap for the drop tank and the landing gear plumbing.

PJ Production is a Belgian company that is self-described as a company who specializes in the creation and production of resin scale models and accessories aimed at amateurs of military aircraft kits and aviation-related dioramas in 1/72nd, 1/48th and 1/32nd scale.

Contents Description

The main landing gear is a single casting similar to the kit's plastic molded part, and the tail wheel is also included. I found a mold seam on the tail wheel and on one leg on the main gear. Both should be easily removed. Both parts appear to be a one-on-one replacement for the plastic kit parts. No fuss, no muss!

I decided to paint the metal parts just for fun and to see the detail once painted and weathered. I started with Alclad black micro filler primer, and allowed that to cure for a day. Next I applied a coat of Alclad dull aluminum. A pin wash of burnt umber oil paint was applied, followed by Testors chrome silver on the oleos. What a difference a coat of paint makes!

If you require a more sturdy landing gear for your new Tamiya Spitfire this is the set you should consider.

Conclusion

I wish to thank Sale Aircraft Conversionsand IPMS USA for the opportunity to review this set of metal landing gear.