if people are assuming the Airfix spitfire XII is the same quality as their outstanding spitfire 22/24 and seafire 46/47, then I strongly encourage you to acquire both and compare them side-by-side (something I also did before ditching their XII). Molding quality, fidelity of detail, and (in my opinion) body shape all take a step backwards in the XII. Even compared to Airfix's previous spitfire/seafire releases, I was disappointed in the XII, leaving me wishing some other kit producer would do one - which has now happened.

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if people are assuming the Airfix spitfire XII is the same quality as their outstanding spitfire 22/24 and seafire 46/47, then I strongly encourage you to acquire both and compare them side-by-side (something I also did before ditching their XII). Molding quality, fidelity of detail, and (in my opinion) body shape all take a step backwards in the XII. Even compared to Airfix's previous spitfire/seafire releases, I was disappointed in the XII, leaving me wishing some other kit producer would do one - which has now happened.

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No-one, in the U.K., who is aware of the story of Airfix over the years, will assume anything.
Somehow, the research & development manager managed to get the Spitfire, Seafire & Lightning kit moulds manufactured by the South Korean company, which, at the time, was producing Tamiya's moulds. To this day, we don't know how he managed it, in the teeth of disinterested, incompetent management, but he did; unfortunately he was never able to repeat the miracle.
As an example of what he faced, at a directors' meeting he was asked why it was thought necessary to have three Messerschmitts in the catalogue; it had to be gently pointed out that the 109, 110, & 262 were different aircraft.
Hornby have shown that they're not to be confused with the earlier owners of Airfix, with each successive kit being better than the previous, as they gradually get their mould makers to supply what they want. Unlike the previous owners, who only acquired Airfix because Humbrol came with them, and could be sold off at a profit, Hornby have shown that they're in this because they're interested in the final product, not just profit.
Unlike some, we don't expect newcomers to this hobby to provide perfection every time.
Edgar

Thank you for bringing us to attention of this thing about panel lines. How much can be seen when you are say fifteen yards from the real thing?

1/.
6/. The rearmost point of the trailing edge of the wing, does NOT line up with the front edge of the rear perspex cover (nor should it.) It lines up with a couple of stub spars, attached to the rear of the seat bulkhead, which is, itself, already under the perspex.

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1/.
6/. The rearmost point of the trailing edge of the wing, does NOT line up with the front edge of the rear perspex cover (nor should it.) It lines up with a couple of stub spars, attached to the rear of the seat bulkhead, which is, itself, already under the perspex.

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How deep would that be under the perspex? The Airfix Mk XII is at about four inches. If that is correct, then both the Special Hobby (maybe) and the Airfix kit (definitely) are correct.

Gaston

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1/.
6/. The rearmost point of the trailing edge of the wing, does NOT line up with the front edge of the rear perspex cover (nor should it.) It lines up with a couple of stub spars, attached to the rear of the seat bulkhead, which is, itself, already under the perspex.

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How deep would that be under the perspex? The Airfix Mk XII is at about four inches. If that is correct, then both the Special Hobby (maybe) and the Airfix kit (definitely) are correct.

Gaston

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Now ! , that's one of the most rediculous statements I've seen lately, there's a 3mm difference in the wing position on these two kits. One or the other is wrong , the cannot both be correct, either " maybe or definitely ".

Andrew

Hi Andrew

Gaston has actually used Vance's comparison photo from earlier in the thread. Judging by the offset in the photo, lining up the rudder post would show a distinct mismatch in the position of the rear of the cockpit, and an even more pronounced ofset in the wing's leading edge. I'll bow to the experts on which is correct, but I did find problems (in my opinion) with the nose of the Aeroclub conversion when I examined it in the course of reviewing the Airfix Mk. XII.

All the best

Rowan