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Spitfire Mk.XIV Conversion

 

RB Productions, 1/32 scale

S u m m a r y

Details: RB Productions RB-C32003 - Spitfire XIV Conversion
Scale: 1/32
Contents and Media: 19 parts in grey and cream coloured resin; hoto-etched fret, instructions
Price: €32.00 available online from RB PRoductions' online shop
Review Type: FirstLook
Advantages: Excellent detail; clever design; high quality casting; accurate and complete; helpful instructions with progress photos.
Disadvantages: Cutting and filling makes this conversion best suited to experienced modellers
Conclusion: Undoubtely the best way to build a 1/32 scale high back Spitfire XIV.

Reviewed by Brett Green


HyperScale is proudly sponsored by Squadron.com

 

FirstLook

 

RB Productions has released a comprehensive 1/32 scale Spitfire Mk.XIV conversion for Pacific Coast Models' Spitfire Mk.IX kits.

This conversion will deliver a high-back Spitfire Mk.XIVc, and is made up from 19 resin parts (a coombination of grey and cream coloured) and a modest photo-etched fret.

The components include the bulky Griffon nose, carburettor intake, five propeller blades and spinner, rounded exhausts with hollowed-out stacks, large tail and rudder, retractable tail wheel and doors (cast in the open position), large radiators and photo-etched mesh for their front and rear.

 

  • RB Productions 1/32 scale Spitfire Mk.XIV Conversion Review by Brett Green: Image
  • RB Productions 1/32 scale Spitfire Mk.XIV Conversion Review by Brett Green: Image
  • RB Productions 1/32 scale Spitfire Mk.XIV Conversion Review by Brett Green: Image
  • RB Productions 1/32 scale Spitfire Mk.XIV Conversion Review by Brett Green: Image
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Casting quality is excellent and the level of detail matches the high standard. Panel lines are finely recessed. Casting blocks are not too daunting. A half hour with a razor saw and sanding stick should see the parts ready for assembly.

The donor kit will need to be cut at the nose and the tail in order to fit the resin parts, but this task is simplified somewhat as the cuts are all along panel lines. Some previous experience with resin conversions will be helpful though.

The instructions provided on two A4 sheets. They include an inventory of parts and a suggested sequence of assembly with plenty of very useful progress photos. Test fitting the resin parts together suggest that they will fit together well, but the instructions are pretty specifc about the areas that will need filling where the resin meets the kit plastic, so be prepared with plastic shim and putty.

RB Productions' conversion combined with Pacific Coast Models' Spitfire IX is undoubtedly the best way to obtain an accurate and well-detailed 1/32 scale Spitfire Mk.XIV. The cutting and filling required does mean that the project will be best suited to experienced modellers, but the effort should be worthwhile. If you combine this conversion with Cammet's Mk.XVIe conversion, you could even have yourself a low-back Mk.XIVe.

The possibilities are intriguing!

Purchased by the reviewer


Text Copyright © 2009 by Brett Green
Title Image Copyright © 2009 by Radu Brinzan
Other Images Copyright © 2009 by Brett Green
Page Created 24 July, 2009
Last updated 25 July, 2009

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