This is the real "Old School" (1979) Airfix version of the Hurricane, so we won't spend a lot of time on this kit discussion as Airfix has since totally revised its 1/48th Hurricane in 2015.
Notable Kit Features:
Basic kit with few parts
Decent overall shape
Good raised and recessed surface detail
Inexpensive
Build Inspiration:
If you are a WWII aircraft enthusiast, then a Hurricane is very likely addition to your collection. The Hurricane was instrumental in the early years and particularly in the Battle of Britain. I did my Hurricane model up in the markings of British fighter pilot Robert Stanford Tuck (DSO, DFC & Two Bars, AFC). Tuck joined the Royal Air Force (RAF) in 1935 and took part in the Battle of France, Dunkirk, the Battle of Britain and later fighter sweeps over France, until he was downed and taken prisoner on 28 January 1942.
Heads-Up Report:
This kit is definitely showing its age in the heavy sprues and flash
Basic cockpit
Sink marks present in a number of parts (especially the propeller blades in my kit)
Some fit issues
Kit Additions / Modifications:
Added seatbelts
Thinned top aerial
Used third-party decals SKY48-051
Finishing:
The paint finish for this 1/48th Airfix Hurricane Mk.I was the standard early RAF Dark Earth and Dark Green over Sky The tail band was also in Sky. Tuck's Hurricane also had the port underside of the wing painted near black. This was part of a (ground observer) aircraft identification means during the defence of Britain starting in November 1940 and ending April 1941. (Earlier aircraft identification means utilized a near black port wing and white starboard underside finish.) My go-to decal preparation of coating the model with Pledge / Future floor finish gloss was utilized and some weathering was added before the final top coat of Model Master Matt coat. Not a prize winner by any means but a "lets get an old kit and give it a go, out of the box build just for fun".
The After-Build Report:
If you were wanting to build a 1/48th Hurricane Mk.I, looking for the best value for money you should probably go with the new tool 1/48th scale Airfix kit released in 2015 - 2020. Airfix also did the Tropical and Sea Hurricane version in this series. The Hasegawa kits are also nice, however the new Arma Hobby kit may be worth a look if you have a bigger budget. Either way there are a few good choices out there for your upcoming hurricane build.
Feel free to comment or ask any questions - Keep on building, gain experience, challenge yourself if you like, but try not to stress yourself out over the build - it is supposed to be an enjoyable hobby after all - Cheers
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