Well, I got started on the Eduard 1:48 Spitfire Mk. VIII that came out in March. Since it's new, I'll give a mini review here.
I was excited to get this, and I have to say that it's one of the single best kits I've ever seen in this scale at first look. The recessed detail is crisp and subtle, much like Eduard's Bf-109 E series in 1:48. There are markings for six aircraft, and I am opting to build the Aussie one because I have a few Brit Spits already and I like the shark mouth. The color PE set is typical Eduard, and is very nice.
As I began building it, it was really apparent that this thing is well-engineered. The wheel wells comprise 15 parts on their own, and they fit perfectly. The cockpit is nice, and even if you don't have the PE set, there are nice touches like the armor plate having a tapered edge to give it the impression of scale thickness. Control surfaces are molded separate from the wings, and while I don't care about that with the ailerons, it's really nice for the elevators, since Spits seem to always have them dipped down (in the dive position) when they're on the ground. Flaps are molded into the wings.
The wings themselves are great - no random open panel options to complicate the building. There are options for three different wingtips, and the LF (clipped) wingtips are molded in both solid, and clear - so you can keep the navigation lights clear.
Masks are included, which is nice since Eduard has you installing the under wind lights before the wings themselves are assembled. I'd still prefer to drop them in at the end, but this probably makes for a tighter fit.
So far, I've done most of the cockpit. There are a bunch of small PE parts for items like the compass, and Eduard gives you spares in case they decide to take flight on their own off the fret. I was able to keep all of mine, so I'll have a compass and a few other parts for my Tamiya Spitfire V that I have in the stash.
The exhaust pipes and cannon are out on the side, and Eduard has molded them with recessed openings, so you don't need to drill them out (I believe this sprue might be the one from their Spitfire IX).
The one complaint I have so far is that the hood is provided as two pieces that need to be joined, and I found it hard to have a consistent depth in the seam. I'll probably have to fill it and describe it so it doesn't look funky.
Decals are Cartograf, and there is no engine. I like that the tires are molded separate from the wheels so you don't have to be as careful painting them.
Here are a couple quick pics I snapped tonight.
I still need to hit some details, like the white handle for the throttle and a few others, but the cockpit is well on its way to being done. I can't wait to get to main assembly.
-BD-