This is my second Tamiya 1/32 Spitfire having recently built the MkXVI. I still have the Mk VIII in the stash to build later this year, or next.
These Tamiya 1/32 scale Spitfires are outstanding, engineering, fit, accuracy, they have it all just like all the other 1/32 Tamiya WW2 warbirds. These Spits are not perfect as I do think they have been over-complicated by the silly toy like aspects such as being able to switch between undercart up or down, removable engine panels etc. The theory of this is much better than the execution. As usual I built the kit all buttoned up, I just love the clean lines and do not bother with the alternative parts to change the aspect of the undercarraige.
I used some aftermarket:
A resin door and crowbar
Metal u/c legs
Eduard 'steel' seatbelts - while these are good they are not the best option for this kit because of the fixing points and how they thread through the seat so I will find another solution for the MkVIII.
Techmod decals - I always get aftermarket decals with Tammy kits but I found these Techmod ones as bad as Tamiya for splintering apart. The final result ended up a mix of both sets due to this. Getting the markings on and looking right was the most difficult part of the build and I had to do a lot of painting over the decals. Its not fun trying to match colours!
In future I plan to use paint masks whenever possible, for the main markings anyway, and resort to decals as little as possible. I did find masks a lot easier than decals when I have used them in the past.
Anyway the Spitfire I have modelled was based in Tunisia in 1943 with 145 Squadron RAF, Polish Fighting Team. I used Stynylrez primers, AK Interactive acrylics alongside Vallejo Model Air. AKI weathering washes and pigments and Uschi metal powders.
The pictures:
These Tamiya 1/32 scale Spitfires are outstanding, engineering, fit, accuracy, they have it all just like all the other 1/32 Tamiya WW2 warbirds. These Spits are not perfect as I do think they have been over-complicated by the silly toy like aspects such as being able to switch between undercart up or down, removable engine panels etc. The theory of this is much better than the execution. As usual I built the kit all buttoned up, I just love the clean lines and do not bother with the alternative parts to change the aspect of the undercarraige.
I used some aftermarket:
A resin door and crowbar
Metal u/c legs
Eduard 'steel' seatbelts - while these are good they are not the best option for this kit because of the fixing points and how they thread through the seat so I will find another solution for the MkVIII.
Techmod decals - I always get aftermarket decals with Tammy kits but I found these Techmod ones as bad as Tamiya for splintering apart. The final result ended up a mix of both sets due to this. Getting the markings on and looking right was the most difficult part of the build and I had to do a lot of painting over the decals. Its not fun trying to match colours!
In future I plan to use paint masks whenever possible, for the main markings anyway, and resort to decals as little as possible. I did find masks a lot easier than decals when I have used them in the past.
Anyway the Spitfire I have modelled was based in Tunisia in 1943 with 145 Squadron RAF, Polish Fighting Team. I used Stynylrez primers, AK Interactive acrylics alongside Vallejo Model Air. AKI weathering washes and pigments and Uschi metal powders.
The pictures:
