These are the two most recent Mk IX kits on the market. The Airfix Mk IX is older, having been released in 2009 and re-released in 2014 with new decals. The AZModel Mk IX was released in 2012. While both are nearly the same in terms of timing, and are generally accurate in shape, the difference in quality is quite marked.

Airfix Mk IXc, kit A2065

This kit represents Hornby capability in model kit making as they attempt to reenter the market place. Their older Mk IX was definitely aged and a new Mk IX was certainly needed in our scale, even if only to make money for Hornby. This kit does that, albeit some details are either too heavy, or not quite right.

The panel lines are quite heavy for this scale. They are not only wide, but also deep. Granted, the majority of modelers this kit targets will use a hairy stick to paint it, and that will hide most of those awful panel lines quite well.

Cockpit detail is very poor. Again, since the target modeler will not open the canopy (I’m one of them!) there isn’t much to see anyway. It is sufficient for my needs, but I admit I do like knowing it’s “right” even if not visible.

The configuration is a mixed bag. The wings are listed as “c” wings, but have the wheel well bulges added post-war to the IXe and XVI machines still around. The elevator horn balances are for an early IXc, and of course the rudder is the early, rounded type. All of these can be easily corrected with basic modeling skills. The propellor is a tad short in diameter.

Because the price is so low, typically less than $8 USD, this is an easy decision for myself for a standard, early Mk IXc. The above issues are either acceptable to me, or can be corrected with minimal fuss. To make this kit into a later IXc, or IXe simply requires using the 3D-Kits upgrade set which includes a new correct prop, larger pointed rudder, a set of round exhausts and correct narrow wing bulges. This coupled with a set of Master brass cannon barrels can make this kit a real beauty, if you accept the cockpit. Total price puts this in the same price range, however as the AZModel IX.

AZModel Mk IX, kit AZ7701

This kit was released with some fanfare when AZ announced it would be made from “HQT metal molds”. The initial impression, before anyone really had either the kit or any details, was this would be made using traditional steel molds instead of AZ’s original ceramic molds. The ceramic molds could produce quite good detail, however they were limited in the quantities of kits they could make.

HQT simply stands for high quality technology, and as I understand it means the ceramic molds are simply coated in metal, which equates to longer life and higher production runs. Detail is still on a par with other AZ Spitfire kits, which is quite good.

The kit can make any high back Mk IX or XVI. All the bits are there to make F, LF or HF variants, including choice of wing tips; and whether ‘c’ or ‘e’ armament. Bomb racks are provided, but not bombs. Both styles of rudder are provided. A later boxing includes two new fuselage halves to make the low back (bubble canopy) variant.

In terms of construction the kit goes together quite easily. I had difficulty in only two areas: 1) the exhausts; and 2) the landing gear. Both issues were of my own doing, I didn’t take good care when preparing the fuselage for the exhausts, nor in placing the wheel well inserts. I have not tried modifying the wing for standard wing tips, however I’ve seen some folks do this quite well. I did use the Master gun barrels and Peewit masks, which make a huge difference. Everything else came from the kit.

Summary

Either kit can make a nice high back Mk IX or XVI. For my money, and availability, I’ll probably make more of the Airfix kits, but do plan to get more AZModel to use up all those clipped wing decals in my stash, as it makes a much better model in the end. In the end, it’s a toss up. If cockpit detail is important, and you just cannot stand those deep panel lines, then the AZModel kit is the better choice.

Thanks for looking…