Best 1/48 Spitfire Kit??

[Warren]

Gentlemen,
I am searching for a 1/48 Spitfire kit to add to my stash for future build. I surfed the internet and got various opinions as to what was the best 1/48 scale Spitfire kit. There was a variety of opinions from TAMIYA, HASEAGWA and AIRFIX. However, the kit that got excellent reviews was the EDUARD Spitfire F MK 22/24 kit #1121. On the Eduard web site this kit is listed as discontinued. The price was US$55. When originally introduced the price was about US$46.
No one seems to have the kit available for sale. However, by sheer luck I found it in E-Bay (USA) for US$10 + US$19 shipping. All in about US$29.
The kit includes photo etch for the cockpit, and canopy paint mask. I put in a bid and will have to wait.

Would appreciate your opinion on what you consider the best 1/48 Spitfire kit, and what you think of my Eduard selection.
The cost of the cockpit photo etch, and canopy paint mask alone is equal to a least half of the US$29.

Thanks.
Warren

[Avgas]

If it's the one I'm thinking of its the old Airfix kit which was very good. It should come with a resin cockpit as well. Can't go wrong for that price.

[Cymru]

You can check out kits, including reviews, here: https://www.scalemates.com

[Willem]

The Mk 22/24 is based on the old Airfix plastic which was (back in the 90s) the top choice.

I'd go a Tamiya Mk I for easing yourself in, otherwise one of the Eduard Mk IXs, VIIIs etc. Just watch out for two piece cowlings on the nose.

[shortCummins]

I've built the "new" Airfix Spitfire Mk.I and most of an Eduard Mk.VIII (the dog ate it) and I must say the Eduard is the far more detailed kit however the Airfix is the easier kit.

I plan to get another Eduard Spitfire and remove my dogs teeth

[Stokesy44]

I've built 3 of the new Airfix Spits and they were very nice builds. I have a Eduard Mk 9 in the stash and it looks beautiful. I've heard lots of good things about Tamiya too. Haven't made the Spit but their P51 and Corsair are absolute dreams!

Any of the above would be a nice kit to work on.

[Warren]

Avgas,
You are correct, the EDUARD Spitfire F MK/22/24 #1121 is the old AIRFIX kit.

I decided on it because the price is so appealing, assuming I win the e-bay bid, which as of today,
I am the only bidder.

I priced the TAMIYA MK1 on Amazon at US$21. However, the Eduard canopy mask is US$6 plus another US$6 for the
Eduard cockpit photo etch, and the total price, comparable to the EDUARD kit, is US$33. The EDUARD MK VIII is
selling for US$50, on the Eduard's web site, slightly less costly at some of the hobby shops in the US. This
includes the cockpit photo etch and canopy mask.

Thank you all for your helpful comments.

Warren

[wookiee76]

The new tool eduard is apparently superb, same kit as the ak one.