Introduction

Eduard's Spitfire Mk.IX has been released in various boxings since its new tooled date of 2016, and in this boxing has a generous two kits with 6 marking options (4 x Mk.IXc and 2 x Mk.IXe).
I have already reviewed the base kit, the MK.IXe, with a bare build, which can be found here.

In the box

Eduard's Longest Day boxing as already mentioned contains two kits of the MK.IXe/c, so you will find 12 dark grey sprues, two clear sprues, two photo etch sheets, two sheets of stencils, one sheet of decals for the unit markings and roundels, 4 resin parts, 1 set of instructions and one set of masks, which hold two aircrafts worth of masks for the canopies.

58 parts (well 116 if you count it as two kits) are not used as they are for other versions that Eduard produce, and in theory you could build them by finding the appropriate instruction sheet online.

External detail is stunning with recessed panel and rivet detail abounding over the wings and fuselage. Raised rivets and fasteners are also present around the cowl and machine gun ports.
The wings are moulded as one lower part and two separate upper halves, and for marking options A, B, C, D the late type C wing is used, for marking options E and F the E type wing is used.
The ailerons and the rudder are separate parts on the wings, while the flaps are moulded closed and as part of the wing.
Separate wing tips are supplied, but only the rounded ones are used for this version.
The forward wing roots are separate parts as other variants have a different wing root.
The early rounded and tall pointed later rudder are also supplied, with only the rounded used.
The horizontal stabilisers are moulded as one part each and have the elevators in the neutral position.
Two types of cowling are supplied, with only option E using the different one. Both are split along the middle, so a seam line will need to be addressed.
Two types of exhaust stacks are supplied, round and fishtail designs, and as both are tiny they are not hollowed out (Eduard do produce two resin sets, which are hollowed out if you wish to improve this area). Only one type is used however.
A one piece four bladed propeller is supplied.
Both the underwing air intakes sport a nice photo etch screen

Interior detail is just as impressive as the external, with the option of photo etch or decals for the instrument panels. More P.E can be added to the interior for the various levers and throttles.
P.E harness's add to the detail for the seats.
The canopy can be modelled open or closed, but with the amount of detail in the cockpit, why would you close it lol.
The cockpit door can be modelled open or closed.
The undercarriage is just as detailed with the legs as one part each. Eduard supply three, four, five spoke and covered wheels for this kit. The hubs are separate from the two part tyres, so painting should be a breeze.
The landing gear openings have a oval shape to them which will keep the aficionados happy.
A one piece tail wheel is supplied which just slots into the rear fuselage.

External stores come in the way of 2 underwing bombs, a centerline fuel tank and two types of centerline slipper tanks.
An added bonus in this boxing is the inclusion of two beer barrels in resin. The detail is exquisite for these and are for marking option F.

Instructions, markings and decals

The instructions are typical Eduard style, in a colour folded A4 size booklet.
The first page covers the parts trees with any parts not used highlighted in blue.
The build takes place over 7 pages and is easy to follow with internal colours for the Aqueous and Mr Color paints. P.E and optional parts are clearly marked.
All the paint and decal schemes are in colour with all four profiles of the aircraft shown.
As with the internal colours, paints are for the Aqueous and Mr Color range.
The decals are printed by Cartograph, so the quality will be assured. The stencils are printed inhouse by Eduard, of which there are two sheets.
A full page stencil guide can be found on the back page of the instructions.

Six marking options are available, which are -
A Spitfire Mk.IXc, ML214, No. 126 Squadron RAF, Harrowbeer Air Base, June 6th, 1944
B Spitfire Mk.IXc, MK924, flown by F/Sgt Michal Murayda, No. 302 Squadron, Chailey, June 1944
C Spitfire Mk.IXc, MK892, flown by F/Lt. C. H. Lazenby, No. 222 Squadron RAF, Normandy, June 10th, 1944
D Spitfire Mk.IXc, MH819, No. 310 Squadron, Appledram Air Base, mid June 1944
E Spitfire LF Mk.IXe, PL124, No. 312 Squadron RAF, June 1944
F Spitfire Mk.IXe, MK329, flown by W/Cdr J. E. Johnson, CO of No. 144 Wing, June 1944
All the marking options are have the grey/green uppers and all sport the D-Day invasion stripes.

Conclusion

Eduard's 1/72nd Spitfires are as detailed as many 1/48th kits, and provides an easyish build. The inclusion of two kits in this boxing really does make this a worth while buy.

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE.