Regarding whether I think this is a VFM kit - "Value For Money" kit, the answer would be a definite "Yes"!
This 1/32 scale Revell Germany kit is only $23.95 to buy in the USA; about 16.00 quid when converted for our UK modelers. Here's a link to where I purchased my kit:
http://www.hobbylinc.com/revell-germany-spitfire-mk-ii-plastic-model-airplane-kit-1:32-scale-03986
Regarding providing my scores for the overall quality of engineering, quality of molded product, quality of details included, quality of the instruction manual and the decals and packaging, I score as follows:
Quality of Engineering Fits: 9/10 Everything goes together very well and very easily. The only reason that I marked the score down to 9, was because the bullet proof windscreen was about 0.75mm from the surface of the fuselage leaving a gap beneath it. I rectified this by scraping down the two sides of the fuselage profiles where the windshield fitted into, then applied a small amount of filler along the joints of the windshield to fuselage, and then blended it in.
Quality of molded product: 9/10- the product is very nicely molded, parts are crisp and clean with just a few spots of flash. No warp was present on any of the parts and ejector pin witness marks were away from visual area. I didn't have any sink marks to contend with and the canopy parts were nice and clear with minimal distortion when looking through. There are finely recessed panel lines and rivet details, although some of the rivet details are too fine for them to show when the plane is given a dirt wash during the finishing stage. A good rivet forming tool would cure that, should you have one and want to attempt improving them.
Quality of details included: 8/10- I'd pay an extra $5.00 to $8.00, if this kit was further enhanced with the inclusion of a Rolls Royce Merlin Engine to display with the cowlings removed.
Quality of the instruction manual: 9/10- I thought it was very easy to follow, but, it would be nice if the painting instructions were in color and alternative manufacturers paint shades were included for those that cannot get Revell paints easily, or prefer to use other brands.
Quality of Decals: 9/10- There are two options for squadron markings and the decals go down very well with a decal setting solution, conforming nicely to raised and recessed surface details. The kit does lack some of the smaller stencil markings such as "no step".
Quality of packaging: 8/10- Typical Revell thin card packaging with access to the box by opening the end flaps. The Sprues are packaged in clear polythene bags that are taped closed.
Further notes: I would recommend this kit to anyone that has half a dozen or more builds under their belt, despite its Skill Level 4 marking, it's very easy to put together and goes together well.
Did I enjoy the build?- Yes, very much so; the only issue that affected my enjoyment was the fact that I had a missing upper starboard side wing section and my portside fuselage- tail end- got damaged.
Would I buy this kit again? Yes, I already did! I'll be buying after-market enhancement for the cockpit and some after-market decals to allow more options for finishing.
If you'd like to see my "Final Reveal" video for this update, here is the link to that:
https://youtu.be/IfKX4uaCWy4
Thanks for following along and for your comments, much appreciated! :) :thumb1:
Happy modeling and have fun!
Cheers :)
Martin