TAMIYA SUPERMARINE SPITFIRE MK.I 1/48

[dai phan]

5 hours ago, lgl007 said:

Wow... great build!  Decal issue seems very well resolved.

 

-Greg

Yes I am glad that I was able to save the decals. Upon further investigation, the reason for the alligator effect over the decals is that I applied too heavy of a coat rather than misting in between the coats or the next coat was applied too soon.  Lesson learned as I was rather in the rush to get the gloss coat down before going to work. Dai 

[dai phan]

Hello all,

 

Even though it was touted weathering with colored pencil is reversible as any mistakes can be wiped away with water. That is not very true. The matt surface will catch some fine pigments that can be really hard to get rid off especially silver even you try your best. I had to resort to some thinner or even some light sandings to get rid of the tiny unslighlty silver specks. But this is way better than silver paint because there is no way you can wipe all off with the matt surface. You will see annoying silver specks. But then again with silver paint method, I do on gloss surface for easier and complete removal should you made some mistakes. Dai 

[dai phan]

Happy Sunday dear fellow modelers,

 

Finally completed the build. The most frustrating task was to install the PE framework as they are provided in multiple pieces. The best way is to cut out each pieces making sure they are at correct lengths and then CA each piece onto the fuselage. Then one by one CA one onto the other. The other thing to note is this early kit does not have the correct parts to make Robert Tuck's FZ-L machine as it does not have the non armoured front windshield, straight antenna and early pitot tube. I had to rob the antenna and pitot tube from the newest release. The front windshield I leave as is as the newest version does not fit. 

 

PROS: 

1. Excellent replica of the BOB Spitfire Mark I.

2. Excellent engineering and fit (Tamiya's default).

3. Good cockpit details.

 

CONS:

1. Lack of important details such as fuselage air scoops as well the large underwing triangular scoops (I rob from the latest release).

2. Poor decal sheet (too thick). This goes to the newest release too. I use the newest's kit decals. 

3. The pilot door must be cut out if desired. The door is included as a separate piece.

4. Molded in control surfaces. 

5. Outline can be a problem if you are a rivet counter. Compare the old and new versions indicates the older has "chubbier" cross sectional area.  Tamiya realized its short comings and hence they decide to upgrade this 29 year old tooling. 

 

The CMK kit is detailed but simple and lacking important details such as the top bar and hoses. The cowling framework is not accurate if you compare with the real things and with Eduard's offering. Top Notch mask works flawlessly and yes they can be reused many times over. Dai

 

 

 

 

 

Edited October 14, 2022 by dai phan

[lgl007]

Very nice.  Finished product looks really great 🙂

 

-Greg

[barkin mad]

Fine looking Spitfire, I can see much time and effort has been well spent. Any thoughts on the markings for the "paused" second one?

 

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[dai phan]

Howdy fellow modelers,

 

Not happy with the inaccuracy of the cowling framework from CMK (more appropriate for late Spitfire), I used PE parts from Eduard's engine set. Now the result is much more acceptable. You can see the addition/replacements in brass colors. Dai 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited October 14, 2022 by dai phan

[dai phan]

6 hours ago, barkin mad said:

Fine looking Spitfire, I can see much time and effort has been well spent. Any thoughts on the markings for the "paused" second one?

 

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The original build is on hold at this time as the cowl has been removed in anticipation of the engine that did not fit (it was made for earlier release). When someone makes an engine kit to fit, then I will complete the project. Dai