CHRIS CLIFFORD inspects the all-new 1/35 Spitfire Mk.Vb with interior from Border Model.
While it produces armour in 1/35, Border Model has also made a name for itself by offering same-scale aircraft. This is arguably so aircraft modellers can, if desired, create dioramas incorporating subjects from both genres. The firm has released types such as the Stuka, Bf 109G and B5N2 Kate, but its latest venture is a 1/35 Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vb with interior (item BF004). Besides a busy cockpit, it also provides complete .303 machine guns with ammunition boxes holding belted rounds, drum-fed 20mm Hispano cannon and a full engine. As well as the six styrene runners there’s a photo-etched brass fret, which carries seatbelts, armour plate for behind the seat, main undercarriage bay lining and 38 individual fastening points for the engine cowlings. Just one airframe is catered for by the decal sheet.
Above and below: Border has ensured that it’s Spitfire’s surface is replete with fine, recessed rivets. Note the support strips for the engine cowlings and just a hint of detail on the starboard inner fuselage half.
On close inspection, many of Border’s parts are remarkably similar to those for Trumpeter’s 1/24 Mk.Vb, in terms of design an…
