Rowan Baylis examines the new-tool quarterscale Spitfire FR Mk. XIV from Airfix and finds a few unexpected pitfalls in his example.

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Thanks!

You mentioned the pilot shown in the instructions as wearing glasses. Speaking to one of the Airfix team at SMW a few years back this is deliberate, the face is of a member of the Airfix team. If you recall they had a competition recently and the prize was the winners head on a pilot's body in the instructions of a kit (I forget which)

Hi Mike

Thanks for the explanation for the dreadful illustration! The way it's so out of proportion, it certainly can't do the subject any favours. From what you write, it seems like it's what should have been a one-off bit of fun that's long past its "sell-by date" and just looks naff to anyone who doesn't know the story.

It doesn't help that Airfix's instructions seem generally a bit "down market" in presentation compared with some of their rivals, so it might be time to move on from an in-joke illustration.

All the best

Rowan