[Cardinal]

Image courtesy of Hobby Master Limited

I just received my 1/48 HM 'Maridor' Spitfire and thought that a quick review would be in order .

Overall impression is that this is a superb model that is possibly one of the best 1/48 diecast Spits currently available .

Pros

• Quality of paintwork and finish is excellent (cannot be improved upon)
• Detail is superb
• Undercart - excellent design and operation
• Fit - generally very good
• Very good value for money

Cons

• Wingtip fell off when lightly touched - easily fixed
• 'Droopy' gun barrels
• Canopy - overly 'thick' with noticeable 'seam' line and could be more 'polished' (will use Johnson's Klear on mine)
• Pilot - its all been said before

Although some 'negatives' were mentioned, these are all relatively minor and should not in any way prevent you from acquiring an exquisite diecast replica of one of the most famous fighters ever built .

[William]

Originally Posted by Cardinal

I just received my 1/48 HM 'Maridor' Spitfire and thought that a quick review would be in order .

Overall impression is that this is a superb model that is possibly one of the best 1/48 diecast Spits currently available .

Pros

• Quality of paintwork and finish is excellent (cannot be improved upon)
• Detail is superb
• Undercart - excellent design and operation
• Fit - generally very good
• Very good value for money

Cons

• Wingtip fell off when lightly touched - easily fixed
• 'Droopy' gun barrels - easily fixed
• Canopy - overly 'thick' with noticeable 'seam' line and could be more 'polished' (will use Johnson's Klear on mine)
• Pilot - its all been said before

Although some 'negatives' were mentioned, these are all relatively minor and should not in any way prevent you from acquiring an exquisite diecast replica of one of the most famous fighters ever built .

Hi,

Thanks for the review. For the next release we will improve the "height" of the pilot. In the meantime, I will pur a little blue tab underneath to solve the problem.

For other issues, we will take note of these.

[Cruver Collecter]

Good review, thanks for posting.

[weiwencheng]

I actually have this one on the way. Will be the first HM 1/48.

[ZS-VAN]

Thanks for the review Cardinal. I'm contemplating one of these to go with my JE-J one. I want a standard razorback with pointed wings. With the pending release of Ginger Laceys' machine in a different configuration that one is also on the cards.

[flyXwire]

Thank you for that excellent review, Cardo. I have this particular livery on it's way as well.

[Ara1]

Originally Posted by Cardinal

Wingtip fell off when lightly touched - easily fixed

Nice model and review Cardinal. I have this model on pre-order for a friend-- it will be his first Hobby Master model.

I give a quick-n-dirty review of how to fix droopy and broken Spitfire wingtips here.

DWD Spitfire review (2nd Spitfire issue)

[Elmer]

Thanks for the review, Cardo. I am glad yours arrived without any major QC problems (other than the cons you pointed out). Mine arrived a few days ago with:

1. a dark paint glob on the spinner (can't tell if it is paint or possibly blood)
2. a glob of glue on the cockpit door (exterior surface)
3. patches of oily residue all over upper wing surfaces and fuselage

Needless to say, it had to go back for exchange. Kind of soured me a bit. Also, even in the flesh, the canopy just didn't look right, as you pointed out it is thick and looks bulbous to me... spoils the profile. I think mine will stay permanently open. Due to this problem, this one will probably be my only razorback. I look forward to more bubbletop liveries.

[hworth18]

I have looked at this and I think I will check to see if an aftermarket canopy will fit, even if it isn't operational.

[Elmer]

Originally Posted by hworth18

I have looked at this and I think I will check to see if an aftermarket canopy will fit, even if it isn't operational.

Good idea, Harry. Let us know if you find one, if it works, and then please post pics.