Israeli Spitfire Mk IXe of 105 Squadron

So, this will be my first attempt at a modern Eduard kit. About 20 years ago I started a 1/48 Sopwith Camel, but never finished. I have managed to get my hands on to 3 Eduard Mk. VIII Spitfires, and this IX. The IX is kind of a "dry run" model because I got it dirt cheap, and I have heard that these Kits can be a challenge so I am using this build to prepare for the other 3. So far, the printed photo etch is wonderful!

Ran into problems with the cockpit. I initially had the seat too high, but didn't realize it until I test fitted the cockpit to the fuselage. Had to disassemble and reassemble to get things right. The most rear frame gave me problems too in that according to the instructions, it was to be attached to the right bulkhead, but there was very little in the way of an attachment point. Next time, attach after the side walls are in place.

Love Eduard seatbelts...

Fuselage halves went together very nicely...

I am starting to wonder about some of the choices Eduard made designing this kit. DO you know what this piece is? Well, the port and starboard elevators are moulded as one piece, like the real aircraft. There are two of these tiny pieces that are use to fill in the gap. Two things: 1) Whys? They really seem to serve no purpose other than to add more parts to the assembly process. 2) Of all the parts I have glued in so far these were the most difficult to get into place and had the worst fitting.

I had read that the upper engine cover in the kit was made in two halves and presented a seam. Thinking ahead, I decided t invest in the Eduard resin replacement. My assumption was that since it came from Eduard, it should just drop in, right? Not exactly... (I have heard that the Barracuda piece fits better than the Eduard piece...)

The Lower nose section comes in two halves as well, but no one make a replacement part so I had to make do. Also, the fit was poor with gaps and steps here and there. I could have sanded and puttied, but that would have obliterated the surface detail. I may consider gluing each of the nose halves to the fuselage first...

The Eduard masks worked great...

I have started to become a fan of primer coats, so the first layer is good old Tamiya acrylic. Tamiya is my go-to paint. So my style of pre-shading may be a bit extreme, but it works for me...