1:48 Spitfire Tr.9 exhausts for Airfix

Clear Prop Models – exhausts for the Spitfire Tr.9, 1:48 scale

This item is not a kit of an aircraft but a detail accessory in resin, produced by 3D printing. The set replaces the exhaust stacks of the plastic model of the two-seat Spitfire Tr.9 trainer in 1:48 scale from Airfix. Its main added value is the hollow exhaust ends and the sharp, thin-walled edges that injection-molded plastic cannot capture faithfully for technical reasons. The base kit is always needed to build the model — and it is not included in the package.

The real subject

The Spitfire Tr.9 was the two-seat trainer conversion of the Spitfire Mk.IX fighter. Behind the original pilot's cockpit it received a raised instructor's cockpit with its own canopy, which let it keep the flying qualities of a combat machine and at the same time made pilot training possible. The Rolls-Royce Merlin power plant stayed the same as on the single-seat version, including the characteristic rows of short exhaust stacks along the sides of the engine cowling. Those are among the most noticeable details of a finished model.

Fitting and painting

• First wash the parts in lukewarm soapy water — this removes print resin residue, without which the paint will not hold.
• Cut the supports (the print struts) off with a sharp modeling knife or a fine saw as close to the part as possible and sand the rest away with fine abrasive paper.
• Glue the resin with super glue (cyanoacrylate) — ordinary plastic cement does not work on resin.
• Apply a primer before painting; the best result comes from a dark metallic shade filled out with rusty and sooty shades and pigments.
• When sanding and cutting resin work with respiratory protection and preferably wet — resin dust is harmful to health.

Who the set is for

For modelers who are building the Spitfire Tr.9 in 1:48 scale and want to move the level of detail on without a demanding conversion. Working with resin and super glue calls for a little experience, but swapping the exhausts is among the simplest and most effective improvements there is.

An accessory for a kit, not a model in its own right. The kit, glue and paints are not included in the package. Sand and cut resin parts with respiratory protection, out of reach of children.