Yesterday I received Hobby Master's 2nd issue Spitfire, which is a 1/48 scale diecast model. This plane had been backordered from 11/2/07 and On Mark International's packing was first-rate, the plane arrived in perfect condition. My limited edition issue number is 57 of 1800.
The model came packed in Hobby Master's colorful box, with two clear acetate inserts holding: the plane (gear up); choice of up or down tailwheels; pilot; and stand. The canopy came installed.
The detail on the plane is excellent, this is a very nice model. The landing gear takes a bit of coaxing due to the deep radiators but they will extend without much problem. Once down, the gear appears to scale, has the right sit and is sturdy.
Quite by accident I discovered the cannons may be accessed; the cover felt moveable although the tolerances are very tight! I was able to lift off the right cover to reveal the two cannon.
Vertical and horizontal tail surfaces also gently move.
The plane is resplendant in a faint wash, which really accentuated the detail, especially the undersides.
The one minus for the kit is the wingtips, which in my example had a slight droop (forgive the picture quality).
My attempt to gently correct this snapped the plastic tip off.
The good news is the fit is so tight, I can push it back in place, and I will also have no problem supergluing this item to its correct configuration, without a droop.
Conclusion: worth every penny and a great addition to the collection. This kit is class, right up there with my Carousel 1 Shields Wildcat and just above my Eagles International Pattie Ann II P-51B. The wing/fueselage joint is so tight it's indecipherable: I cannot see how this model went together. The markings appear painted and are flawless, and the rubber wheels add the right feel as this plane is handled and placed down again and again. An advantage that diecast models enjoy over plastic scale models is the handlability; you will want to examine this Spitfire closely and often, and it's durable enough to take it. The wingtips are a drawback but many of us suspected there would be an issue as the first edition Spitfire was the clipped version. The problem is not a showstopper and can be fixed. The retracting gear is a nice feature as the mechanism does not detract from the appearance of the model.
Grade: 9/10.