RetroWings 1/144 Eduard Spitfire Mk.IX Cockpit
By Matt Bittner
When Eduard released their 1/144 Spitfire Mk.IX – without any type of cockpit – it was just a matter of time before we started to see aftermarket sets to add a cockpit to the kit. The first one released was from Brengun, followed closely by Eduard. The Brengun set has plenty of folding and parts-buildup, while the Eduard set is mostly a fold-up, entire cockpit. Even so, the easiest way to add a cockpit to the Eduard 1/144 Spitfire Mk.IX is this set from RetroWings.
It consists of a cockpit "tub" (more like a semi-floor with a front and rear bulkhead, seat and rudder pedals), two sidewall pieces, an instrument panel and a control stick. The sidewall pieces are the easiest to add as Eduard molded this area in their cockpit as a depression so the sidewalls are just inserted into them (however, you'll need photos to be sure which one goes where – there are no "instructions" with this set, just a paper header). It will be interesting to see how the "floor/bulkhead" piece is added as again, there are no instructions on how it's glued in (it shouldn't be difficult, though). But once everything is all together then you'll have an excellent cockpit in your otherwise barren Spitfire cockpit.
Once again, a definite "thanks" to RetrokiT for the review cockpit.