One of Airfix's refreshed kits (new tooling and molds), the 1:72 Spitfire has an astonishing amount of detail for a 1:72 scale kit. The decal sheet is quite intimidating because it offers so many tiny labels and markers if you want to use them. Positives: High quality plastic parts, everything fits together very well (although one part is a bit tricky), extensive set of decals, small number of parts (good for beginners), includes both the Mk.1 and the Mk.2 kit (which is handy not just for variety, but there's essentially a spare canopy if you paint over the first one). Negatives: Instructions regarding the insertion and gluing of the cockpit are a bit cryptic. You have to slot it in between some of the gaps which aren't immediately obvious, so don't be hasty with the glue. For the propeller to fit and spin, the shaft component should be sanded down a bit so the ‘inside cap’ can fit properly (once again, try the fit before gluing and see where the adjustments should be made). A bit of graphite from a sketching pencil helps to smooth out the motion as well. Extra notes: kit generally fits well enough to not need any gap filler, but decal solution would be recommended just because of the panel line detail. The lines are all indented (which is a plus), but the nature of decals means that they won't fully sink into the gaps on their own.

Overall, very happy with this kit and I highly recommend it everyone, including both beginners and people who love decals.