Unboxing and review of Airfix’s newly tooled (2021) de Havilland Chipmunk T.10 in 1/48 scale. Product Ref A04105.
Airfix’s 1/48 scale Chipmunk T.10 was a surprise, but welcomed, addition to their 2021 range of kits when it was announced it was going to be released. Airfix had previously offered the Chipmunk in 1/72 scale, but this was a very old tooling; but still available second hand. Many UK modellers will have fond memories of the Chipmunk, especially if they were in the Air Training Corps (Air Cadets) when they were a child; and like myself it’s likely many will have actually flown in one for an experience flight.
My unboxing and review of this kit was first livestreamed on YouTube, and I have edited it down (from 45 rambling minutes to less than 15!) and included close-up pictures of the parts. You can watch the video:
Since the kit was first reviewed I have also built it. You can read about it, see the pictures and watch my summary video: Airfix Chipmunk 1/48 Build.
The kit comes in the typical Airfix box (the size often used for 1/72 modern jets) with the box art showing a Chipmunk in red, grey and white livery. There are four options – though bizarrely none are of the livery that many will have flown in!
The kit is spread over three sprues (plus a sprue for the clear parts), and is moulded in grey styrene. Airfix’s plastic sometimes seems a little soft compared to manufacturers such as Tamiya, though the detail does look fine with plenty of recessed panel lines as well as raised details. The ribbing effect has been moulded into the plastic very nicely. It must be remembered that the Chipmunk’s were training aircraft and normally flew from concrete (not grass) runways, so would not be dirty. This means that weathering must be minimal to keep the aircraft clean, but enough to highlight these details. (I find this a tricky balance!)
The cockpit and controls are relatively simple, but it could have been possible for some of the controls to be separate parts and not moulded on. This was probably done to keep the kit simple, and no doubt aftermarket manufacturers will bring out photo-etch upgrades for those modellers wishing to add extra details.
Many of the control surfaces (though not the flaps) are separate items, though may need a little fettling if the modeller wishes to pose them in a non-central position. There is the option of displaying the model with the engine cowlings open to display the engine. It’s not a large or overly complicated engine, and at the protype was simple by design (originally it was used in the Tiger Moth) there isn’t too much that would need to be done to add further detail.
The mouldings look good, and a wash should highlight the details nicely. The clear parts look very shiny, and only have a little distortion through the slightly curved bulging side windows. They are a little thick, but even in the closed position viewers will still be able to get a good look into the cockpit. (Again, a reason why additional detailing and upgrading may wish to be considered).
There is a good sized decal sheet, and with the four options I can imagine some modellers building a couple of different versions.