Despite all the hype, Tamiya's much-vaunted Spitfire really does live up to expectations. As a prelude to our On-Line build, here's an overview of the contents.
Link to Item
If you have comments or questions please post them here.
Thanks!
World War II
Discuss WWII and the era directly before and after the war from 1935-1949.
Discuss WWII and the era directly before and after the war from 1935-1949.
Hosted by Rowan Baylis
REVIEW
1:32 Spitfire Mk.IXc
Merlin
Senior Editor
#017
Joined: June 11, 2003
KitMaker: 17,582 posts
AeroScale: 12,795 posts
Posted: Saturday, December 05, 2009 - 09:49 AM UTC
Despite all the hype, Tamiya's much-vaunted Spitfire really does live up to expectations. As a prelude to our On-Line build, here's an overview of the contents.
Link to Item
If you have comments or questions please post them here.
Thanks!
Holdfast
President#056
Joined: September 30, 2002
KitMaker: 8,581 posts
AeroScale: 4,913 posts
Posted: Saturday, December 05, 2009 - 10:55 PM UTC
Hi Rowan,
An excellent review, as usual.
It certainly looks like a MkVIII is in the offing, as the rear fuselage is separate. So that means that I need at least 2, one for "Grey Nurse" the Aussie shark mouth version
When I was at Telford, in November, and able to fondle the plastic of this kit, I found that the rubber tyres appeared to be different. One pair being softer, possibly hollow, if this is the "wheels down" set, could the weight of the model give the tyres a natural bulge?
A superb kit and certainly my model of the decade because as we all know; "you just can't have too many Spitfires"
An excellent review, as usual.
It certainly looks like a MkVIII is in the offing, as the rear fuselage is separate. So that means that I need at least 2, one for "Grey Nurse" the Aussie shark mouth version
When I was at Telford, in November, and able to fondle the plastic of this kit, I found that the rubber tyres appeared to be different. One pair being softer, possibly hollow, if this is the "wheels down" set, could the weight of the model give the tyres a natural bulge?
A superb kit and certainly my model of the decade because as we all know; "you just can't have too many Spitfires"
Merlin
Senior Editor#017
Joined: June 11, 2003
KitMaker: 17,582 posts
AeroScale: 12,795 posts
Posted: Saturday, December 05, 2009 - 11:22 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Hi Rowan,
An excellant review, as usual.
It certainly looks like a MkVIII is in the offing, as the rear fuselageis seperate. So that means that I need at least 2, one for "Grey Nurse" the Aussie sharkmouth version
When I was at Telford, in November, and able to fondle the plastic of this kit, I found that the rubber tyres appeared to be different. One pair being softer, possibly hollow, if this is the "wheels down" set, could the weight of the model give the tyres a natuaral bulge?
A superbe kit and certainly my model of the decade because as we all know; "you just can't have too many Spitfires"
Cheers Mal
Yes, there's definitely the option of a Mk.VIII in the future with the way the tail breaks down, so get cracking designing your sharkmouth masks!
The tyres? No, in fact it's the other way round - the "wheels down" ones are moulded solid, while the retracted ones are slightly hollow, so I'm afraid they aren't likely to bulge much under the weight of the model.
All the best
Rowan
Holdfast
President#056
Joined: September 30, 2002
KitMaker: 8,581 posts
AeroScale: 4,913 posts
Posted: Saturday, December 05, 2009 - 11:36 PM UTC
Have you thought of trying the tyres the other way around? 
The desert scheme that Jean-Luc did is very attractive, I may possible require a third kit I'm hoping though that Eduards kit is also very good but cheaper
The desert scheme that Jean-Luc did is very attractive, I may possible require a third kit
I'm hoping though that Eduards kit is also very good but cheaper Merlin
Senior Editor#017
Joined: June 11, 2003
KitMaker: 17,582 posts
AeroScale: 12,795 posts
Posted: Saturday, December 05, 2009 - 11:45 PM UTC
Quoted Text
Have you thought of trying the tyres the other way around?
Hi Mal
Sorry - it wouldn't work. The retracted ones are only half-round - they're hollow at the back, not inside.
All the best
Rowan
FalkeEins
Joined: March 07, 2005
KitMaker: 868 posts
AeroScale: 690 posts
Posted: Sunday, December 06, 2009 - 12:42 AM UTC
..looks fabulous, I'm very envious Rowan, have fun..
I did see that Graham at Relish models had his stock on sale at 'only' 84 GBP ...would love to get one, but the kids have to eat next week..
betheyn
Senior Editor#019
Joined: October 14, 2004
KitMaker: 4,560 posts
AeroScale: 2,225 posts
Posted: Sunday, December 06, 2009 - 12:53 AM UTC
Quoted Text
..looks fabulous, I'm very envious Rowan, have fun..
I did see that Graham at Relish models had his stock on sale at 'only' 84 GBP ...would love to get one, but the kids have to eat next week..
Do they have too, if mine are anything to go by, they wouldn't be grateful
.Great review Rowan.
Andy
Holdfast
President#056
Joined: September 30, 2002
KitMaker: 8,581 posts
AeroScale: 4,913 posts
Posted: Monday, December 07, 2009 - 07:04 AM UTC
Quoted Text
Sorry - it wouldn't work. The retracted ones are only half-round - they're hollow at the back, not inside.
Oh well, it was just a thought. It would have been a clever trick if Tamiya had thought of it though. Maybe they'll read this and give it a go next time
Quoted Text
would love to get one, but the kids have to eat next week..
Errrr, Neil, I think that you have your priorities totally wrong there, I do believe that Spitfires come before the kids (they do in my house anyway)
Kornbeef
Joined: November 06, 2005
KitMaker: 1,667 posts
AeroScale: 1,551 posts
Posted: Friday, December 11, 2009 - 07:37 AM UTC
I've waited with bated breath for this kit but the price....No
Instead I got the Eduard BF109-E3 coming as am Xmas pressie in the hope their Spitfire (If released) will be a suitable period match and realistically priced alternative. Time will of course tell and maybe I'll find a Tamiya one reduced once the fever dies down...till then I spose I'll plod on in WW1 and my Jug.
:) ~k~
Instead I got the Eduard BF109-E3 coming as am Xmas pressie in the hope their Spitfire (If released) will be a suitable period match and realistically priced alternative. Time will of course tell and maybe I'll find a Tamiya one reduced once the fever dies down...till then I spose I'll plod on in WW1 and my Jug.
:) ~k~
Merlin
Senior Editor#017
Joined: June 11, 2003
KitMaker: 17,582 posts
AeroScale: 12,795 posts
Posted: Friday, December 11, 2009 - 11:10 AM UTC
Hi Keith
Tamiya's kit is fantastic. There's no two ways about it. Obviously, in reviewing so many kits, I've seen a lot - but every so often there's a bit where I just have to stop and think "Ohh you clever b*ggers!" But still, I'll definitely be keen to see how Eduard tackle it! The benchmark has been set and the gauntlet thrown down... I reckon we could be in for a real treat!
All the best
Rowan
Tamiya's kit is fantastic. There's no two ways about it. Obviously, in reviewing so many kits, I've seen a lot - but every so often there's a bit where I just have to stop and think "Ohh you clever b*ggers!"
But still, I'll definitely be keen to see how Eduard tackle it! The benchmark has been set and the gauntlet thrown down... I reckon we could be in for a real treat! All the best
Rowan
Holdfast
President#056
Joined: September 30, 2002
KitMaker: 8,581 posts
AeroScale: 4,913 posts
Posted: Friday, December 11, 2009 - 11:59 PM UTC
With Eduards Spit on the way it will be like all my birthdays and Christmases coming all at once It is disappointing that Tamiya's price is high and I would never normally say this but it does look worth it. It is probably a kit that you only ever buy one of and I'm hoping that Eduard's example is as good in shape but a lot cheaper, so that I can have my Squadron
There is always the Pacific coast example, but it just doesn't compare for quality but it can be built into a nice example and will be joining my Squadron
There is always the Pacific coast example, but it just doesn't compare for quality but it can be built into a nice example and will be joining my Squadron
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