Airfix | Classic Aircraft No.1: Spitfire
Reviewed by Mark Proulx
Airfix published the book, Spitfire: Classic Aircraft No.1 in November 1971. It was released to help the modeler with their efforts in superdetailing the 1/24th scale Supermarine Spitfire. This was the first in a series of books they published.
The hard cover book is 104 pages long. Roy Cross and Gerald Scarborough, the authors, begin by explaining the evolution of the Supermarine Spitfire. They trace the aircraft's birth as a seaplane for the Schneider Trophy races. Subsequent variants are covered, culminating with details about the Spitfire Mk V.
The authors then proceed to cover the Spitfire's airframe in detail. The book uses extensive text and is detailed with black and white photos. Many of the close-up photographs, such as those of the cockpit and internal structure, will prove to be of great assistance to the modeler. Plans, sketches and cutaways are also included and will be helpful. The Merlin engine is the next item to be covered. The powerplant details are explained with text, photographs and cross-sectional drawings.
By closely following the kit instructions, the book now explains some of the additional details that the modeler can incorporate. Plenty of close-up photographs compare details from the actual aircraft to those included in the model. This format enhances the kits instructions, which is what makes it such a valuable reference source.
The authors then explain what is required to convert the Airfix kit to other marks. They explain the modifications needed to complete an early Spitfire Mk 1, Seafire IIC and finally, the Spitfire Mk Vb. Plans, photographs highlighting some of the differences and side profiles are included. A section on painting completes the book.
This book is an excellent companion to the 1/24th scale Airfix Spitfire. The information will help any modeler wanting to add plenty of extra detail. These books are probably getting hard to find, but they occasionally show up at IPMS swap meets or used book stores.
© Mark Proulx
This review was published on Saturday, July 02 2011; Last modified on Thursday, January 04 2018