Warbirds | Spitfire Mk IXC/E conversion set for the Hasegawa kit

Reviewed by Mark Proulx

Vasko Barbic, of Warbirds Productions, offers a number of pieces in the 1/32nd scale Spitfire Mk IXC/E conversion set that classifies it above the rest. We will break down this kit into its various subassemblies and have a closer look in this review.

Instructions

I purchased an early copy of this conversion set; no instructions were included. I am not sure if subsequent sets include instructions.

Nose Assembly

Warbirds supplies a new solid resin cast nose section. Cast in tan coloured resin, the replacement resin nose comes in two pieces: the completed cowling and the associated carb air intake on the underside. The larger carb air intake is included for the later Spitfire variants. The modeller can choose to model an earlier Mk IX with the intake further aft, if so desired. It would be a simple matter to sand off the carb air mount and use the original intake from the Hasegawa kit.

The parts have very finely scribed surface detail clearly showing all panel lines and cowl fasteners. Fine undercuts are found on the intakes of the two scoops. A dimple is found in the front of the cowling to pinpoint the location of a prop shaft, should you choose to add it. Closer examination reveals no air bubbles or areas of flash.

There are two recesses for the white metal exhaust stacks, which are also included. Unfortunately, they are not hollowed out.

It is a simple matter to remove the nose section on the Mk V from Hasegawa with a saw. Remember, measure twice, cut once! The new components are added providing the characteristic Mk IX profile. A small casting block needs to be removed from the joining surface of the replacement nose section. With a saw, this should pose no problem. I would suggest that the modeller scribe the fuselage to match the cowling.

Propeller Assembly

There are five items in this set: the cast resin spinner and four individual white metal propeller blades.

The spinner has nicely scribed surface details molded onto it. There are four recesses for the white metal propeller blades. Careful attention will be required by the modeller to accurately set each blade angle.

Wings

Vasko has included all the necessary items to convert the Hasegawa Mk Vb wing. This includes replacement underwing radiators and optional gun blisters.

To match the fuselage, I would suggest scibing the wing. As there were many different types of wings on the Spitfire, check your references carefully for the proper wing used on the model you wish to create. The large gun blister found on the Hasegawa Mk Vb wing will have to be removed. The resulting hole can then be filled with styrene, puttied and sanded smooth. Note: You could also try using the wings from Warbirds Productions reviewed previously on this site.

The radiators are cast in white resin. It is a simple matter to remove the scoops found on the underside of the Hasegawa kit and add the new components. The radiators are scribed and could use some wire screen to further enhance detail. The intakes will need to be cleaned up, as numerous bits of flash are clearly visible. The aft doors on the radiator housing are to be added from sheet styrene.

Optional styles of gun blister are included within this set. Their shapes compare favourably to plans in the SAM publications book. The first gun blister is cast in tan coloured resin and represents the style associated with the C type wing. For the E type wing, white metal gun blisters are included. Again, check your references carefully for the appropriate style of wing that you require. Both styles of gun blisters appear to be flexible enough that they can be bent to match the camber of the upper surface of the wing.

For the cannons, Vasko supplies new white metal items. This will require holes to be drilled in the leading edge of the wing for their attachment.

Landing Gear

Warbirds supplies a number of optional pieces for the landing gear. Check your references carefully for the type of landing gear you require. Hasegawa supplies a plastic strut without torque links. In this set, two new white metal items are included. One type includes torque links. Only a minimal amount of flash needs to be removed from these items. The modeller will have to add brake lines. The struts appear to be very sturdy. This is a welcome addition as the resin conversion set can be fairly heavy. The kit supplied struts are very fragile and susceptible to breakage.

Spitfires could also be found with a number of different wheel assemblies. Hasegawa supplies a nice five spoke wheel in the kit. Warbirds offers up two additional choices: a four spoke wheel and a wheel with a cover over the hub.

The Dunlop text is clearly visible on the tire of the four spoke wheel, indicating great attention to detail. Both sets of wheels are bulged and fit perfectly to the strut with no trouble. Some flash will need to be eliminated from the circumference of the tires.

Tail Surfaces

Warbirds supply a replacement cast resin pointed rudder. It has scribed surface details and appears to be a direct replacement for the earlier style rudder found in the Hasegawa kit.

As I have an early MK IX conversion, Warbirds subsequently supplied me with the later style elevators. I believe these items are now included in every conversion set. These are the elevators that incorporated an enlarged mass balance into the tailplanes. As seen in the photos, some cleaning up will be required on the leading edges of these assemblies.

Again, check your Spitfire references carefully to see how your model should be equipped.

At the time of this review, I believe that Warbirds Productions offers the best 1/32nd scale Mk IX Spitfire Conversion Set on the market. I can recommend this set without reservation. Vasko has a well-deserved reputation for his Spitfire knowledge. I am certain that complete accuracy has been incorporated into this conversion. The optional parts that are included will allow you to build almost any Mk IX variant, something nobody else offers. At this time, no web site exists for Warbirds Production and they are the only supplier.

Review sample compliments of Warbirds Productions.