Among the items recently added to Ultracast’s line of highly detailed resin detail parts are upper cowls that replace those in Eduard’s numerous Spitfire Mk.IX kits. This set (#48265) provides a ready to install one-piece Bulged upper cowl cowl (found on later Mk.IXs) that replaces the kit parts. Note that I say parts because the kit upper cowl comes in two pieces that must be glued together…creating a seam that must then be rubbed out. The Eduard kits are recognized for accuracy and detail and they can be built into excellent replicas of the aircraft, but the two-piece cowl creates extra work for the modeler and creates the likelihood that some molded-in surface detail might be lost in the process. The Ultracast part avoids all of that and speeds the build considerably. This ‘time saver’ aftermarket part comes on a small casting block that is easily removed with a razor saw (See photos below).

The part comes packaged in a zip-lock bag stapled to Ultracast’s familiar folded card. And, it should be remembered that because it is resin, the Ultracast cowl must be attached using super glue or epoxy cement.

This one-piece part is highly recommended as a quick and foolproof way of installing a later type bulged upper cowling that includes all of the details molded into the parts packaged in the Eduard Spitfire Mk. IX kits. My thanks to Ultracast for providing the review sample and IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review it.