[1250ships]

All last year the big buzz in the 1/72 warbird world was about the coming Gemini Aces models. I wasn't all that interested at the time because they were trodding some well worn ground with more Spitfires, Mustangs (albeit "B" models), and ME-109s. None of these were the carrier based aircraft I was concentrating on. When they hit the stores with positive reviews I passed them by and figured at 2000 units each I would probably not get any of them before they sold out as everyone was predicting.

Flash forward to a week ago. A couple of sites put the first ME-109F on sale for clearance. I thought about it but didn't get one. Then another site put the first six models on clearance for $16.99 each. Since the lowest price I'd seen on these was $24.50 that was quite a deal and I bought four of the first six releases. I passed on the first ME-109F because I already have a couple of Easy Model 109s and because it was a Russian Front aircraft- not my thing. And I passed on the first P-51B because of the problem with the aerial. But that got me two Spitfire Mark IXs, an ME-109F and a P-51B.

They arrived today and these things serious rock. I photographed the two Spitfires and will do the others in a day or so. Let's start with the first Spitfire. It is a Spitfire Mark IXe of the No 141 Wing (Canadian) based in Normandy in the Summer of 1944 and represents the plane of ace J.E. Johnson.








A few comments. The landing gear is brilliantly done. I detest lots of fiddly little bits in a model. The landing gear part is one piece along with the air intake. The whole thing lifts out to be replaced with the gear in the down position with a new intake. I choose to put this one gear up because the gear dooor had come off the down piece. It would take a drop of super glue to fix- nothing broken on it. One piece landing gears are a godsend when dealing with aircraft with tricky gear geometry like the ME-109.

The stand is a painted version of what Gemini sells for its airliners. Works fine on the Spitfire and is metal all the way. Wing tips are clearly designed as a separate part to allow them to easily make the clipped wing version. Smart planning by Gemini.

OK- that is their first Spitfire try, here is the second, the clipped wing Spitfire Mark LFIXe of No 144 Wing (Canadian) from 1944.







Comments- camo is identical to the first one- assume that is because they are both from Canadian squadrons. Adds decals on the prop which I like. Different depiction of the wing machine guns and I like the first version better on those.

I'm very pleased with both of these planes. They are almost entirely metal and have a good heft to them. To my eye they are excellent depictions of a Model IX Spitfire. I had to have both because I like the clipped wing planes- she will be a nice contrast to the regular Spit and my clipped wing Zero.

It seems like these did not sell out in dealer hands and if you are willing to wait a bit you can get a great deal on them. I'm now looking forward to seeing what else Gemini does in this scale.

And if you are on the fence I think these look better in person than in the photos.

[Canucklehead]

First off, great pics 1250ships. Your review was also spot on. The first lot of castings from Gemini are great and deserve to be applauded as you have done.

While Johnnie Johnson was leader of the Canadian wing, he was in fact British. I do believe he was made an "honorary" Canadian by the men who served under him.

Expect to see quite a bit more of the camo pattern that's on the first couple of Gemini Spitfires. It was the standard RAF camo pattern for the type, so most models you see will be done with almost identical paint jobs, only differing in aircraft ID numbers, nose art (if there was any, it was frowned upon by the RAF at the time) and squadron markings. While this similarity may put some people off, it makes quite an impression when you have several Spitfire models lined up in a row.

[sniperUK]

Nice castings but that green Gemini its supposed to be BSC 241 the same green that been used by the UK since before WWII and is still used. This is the reason I have not bought any of the Gemini Spits.

[hworth18]

Originally Posted by sniperUK

Nice castings but that green Gemini its supposed to be BSC 241 the same green that been used by the UK since before WWII and is still used. This is the reason I have not bought any of the Gemini Spits.

True, the Green is off, and 1250's great pictures actually amplify the "green-ness".. I am sitting here looking at mine and the green isn't actually that bright.. But they are awesome pics nonetheless... And I agree with you 1250, (color off or not) these things are some of the best out on the market..

[Captain Eddie]

Hworth is correct, on my JEJ Spit the green is more subdued than in the pics.

[PappyB]

Cool pics! I also think these are THE best 1:72 spits around -- and that price you got is crazy low , you'd of been crazy yourself not to buy 'em

[djjeffhall]

1250Ships,
Glad to see you took the plunge. I really like the new Gemini birds and think you pickd up a pair of winners.

[1250ships]

Originally Posted by Canucklehead

While Johnnie Johnson was leader of the Canadian wing, he was in fact British. I do believe he was made an "honorary" Canadian by the men who served under him.

Expect to see quite a bit more of the camo pattern that's on the first couple of Gemini Spitfires. It was the standard RAF camo pattern for the type, so most models you see will be done with almost identical paint jobs, only differing in aircraft ID numbers, nose art (if there was any, it was frowned upon by the RAF at the time) and squadron markings. While this similarity may put some people off, it makes quite an impression when you have several Spitfire models lined up in a row.

Fixed Johnson's nationality- I'm not up on my aces.

If Gemini cranks out a bunch of these with the same paint scheme I'll probably pass them by. But I can see how a real Spitfire nut might want them. I just think they would have trouble moving 2000 copies of them.

Just looking and I'd guess the Gabreski Spit is the same scheme? Obviously the fourth one is certainly different though I'd want to see a better photo of it before I bought it.