Spitfire Mk. XIVc – Academy 12274
Great looking Spitfire for beginners. The instructions includes an overview of all the sprues and also mention which parts are not used to avoid confusion. Assembly is described in 8 steps. The cockpit and guns has some nice details for a model kit in this price range.
However, I am not happy with the final result due to the very large decals used for the stripes on the wings and main fuselage; they are very difficult to align perfectly and I think the result would have looked better if I had painted the stripes with my airbrush and the decals just contained the RAF markings and letters/numbers instead of these huge decals.
| Model: | Spitfire Mk. XIV c |
| Brand: | Academy |
| Number: | 12274 |
| Scale: | 1:48 |
| Released: | 2012 (new decals) |
| Tools: | 1996 |
| Rating: |  |
Pros
- Model can be build with open or closed canopy
- Model can be build with open or closed access doors to the cannons.
- Decal for seat belt included
Cons
- I would prefer decals with just letters/numbers + RAF markings instead of the large decals with the colored stripes.
- No decals for cockpit instruments
- Cockpit very difficult to see if you decide to build with closed canopy
- Only one paint scheme included
- Instructions are black & white only, would be nice with colored page for paint scheme.
Conclusion
Beautiful paint scheme and like the option to open or close cannon access doors. However, some issues with the large decals was a major turn-off for me and for this reason I will rate this kit below average.