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Supermarine Spitfire Mk.I 1/48 TAMIYA Review – Features, Pros & Cons

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TAMIYA America, Inc 1/48 Supermarine Spitfire Mk.I, TAM61119 Review – Features, Pros & Cons

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The Supermarine Spitfire Mk.II is a legendary British fighter aircraft that served in World War II and beyond. This iconic aircraft has now been brought to life in 1/48 scale by Tamiya America, Inc. The model kit promises to be a perfect representation of the original aircraft, down to its intricate details.

Supermarine Spitfire Mk.I will make any of us good ol’ Yanks proudest yet!

Supermarine Spitfire Mk.I

  • full engine detail;
  • detailed wheel wells and landing gear doors;
  • optional undercarriage position (up or down) to show after landing gear installation;
  • one option part per type;
  • three types of propeller blades (two early style – one late style);
  • two types of radiator shrouds (early or late);
  • plus two different exhaust pipes;
  • six spinner types (four early and too late);
  • three types of engine cowlings (too early, one late) plus a clear cowling for the open cockpit option;
  • optional fuselage panel line detail to depict an earlier production Spitfire Mk.I or later production Mk.VII;
  • detailed landing gear bays with separate controls;
  • oleo scissors, and outer door detail;
  • sixteen options depict three different airframe mottles: early 1945, late 1941, or 1944-1945.
Pros
  • The Supermarine Spitfire Mk.II kit is perfect for beginners and advanced builders alike.
  • The kit includes a figure of a seated pilot and parts to build the wings, landing gear, and stabilizer blades, both for single-seater and double-seater variants.
  • The kit includes photo-etched parts for clear plastic radiator screens, oil coolers, gun sights, and more.
Cons
  • The kit is considered an advanced build and requires expert assembly.
  • The photo-etched parts may seem too much for the affordable price point, and other brands may offer better value.
  • Feedback and reviews from other users should be considered before purchasing the kit.

Features of the Supermarine Spitfire Mk.II Kit:

Features of the Supermarine Spitfire Mk.II Kit Description
New Cockpit Design The cockpit has been redone with decals and optional parts for later production Mk.VIII or earlier production Mk.IX
High-Detail Cockpit Parts Well-detailed cockpit parts that will require more time to paint
Engine Detail Full engine detail with optional undercarriage in up or down position
Propellers and Radiator Shrouds Three propeller blade types and two radiator shroud types
Exhaust Pipes and Spinner Types Two exhaust pipes and six spinner types included
Engine Cowlings and Fuselage Panel Lines Three engine cowlings and clear cowling option, with fuselage panel lines depicting earlier or later production
Detailed Landing Gear Bays Detailed landing gear bays with separate controls and outer door detail
Airframe Mottles 16 options for depicting three different airframe mottles

My Experience Using Supermarine Spitfire Mk.I

As a model enthusiast, I was thrilled to come across the Tamiya British Supermarine Spitfire Mk.I kit. I had been searching for a new model to build and this kit had received many positive reviews on Amazon. I ordered it with excitement and waited eagerly for it to arrive.

First Impressions

When the package arrived, I quickly opened it and was pleased to find that the kit was well-packaged with no damage to any of the parts. The plastic kit looked impressive, and I was excited to get started.

The Assembly Process

Based on my experience, I had been model-making for a few years, so I was comfortable with the assembly process. However, the Tamiya British Supermarine Spitfire Mk.I kit was by far one of the most precise kits I had ever worked with. The parts fit together perfectly, and the instructions were clear and easy to follow.

The kit included optional build options, which I found refreshing. I was able to choose from various options to build the Spitfire to my liking. The photo-etch parts were detailed and added to the overall look of the model.

High-Quality and Accurate

  • Using this product, my team found that the quality of the plastic and the accuracy of the molding were impressive. The cockpit was especially detailed and all the pieces fit together precisely. I was able to model the Spitfire with the cockpit open or closed, and the kit included decals for two different planes.

Paints, glue, and modeling tools were not included, but I had all of these on hand, so it was not an issue.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Tamiya Spitfire Mk.I kit was a joy to work with. It was an extremely well-made and engineered kit that fit together very well. While it may not be suitable for complete novices, it’s an excellent buy for a model enthusiast with moderate skill. After I put it to the test, I would highly recommend this kit to anyone looking for a high-quality and accurate model of the Supermarine Spitfire.

FAQ

What age range is the kit suitable for?

The kit is suitable for adults and teenagers.

What colors does the kit come in?

The kit comes in army-green and black colors.

Is the kit customizable?

Yes, the kit is customizable. You can paint the parts according to your own ideas and preferences.

Are the tools, glue, and paints included in the box contents?

No, the tools, glue, and paints are not included in the box contents. These must be purchased separately.

Is the kit an international product?

Yes, the kit is an international product and may have different terms, age ratings, and language of product, labeling, or instructions depending on where it’s sold.

What is the scale of the kit?

The scale of the kit is 1:48.

Is the assembly process challenging?

Yes, the assembly process is challenging and enjoyable, making for a satisfying end product.

Hey there! I’m Richard Baker, a miniature painter who’s been in the game for a solid decade now. I’ve been painting miniatures for ten years and I’ve got a ton of tips and tricks to share with you all. My website is a treasure trove of knowledge that I’ve gathered from both my own personal experiences and from reading all sorts of books.

About the author

10 responses to “Supermarine Spitfire Mk.I 1/48 TAMIYA Review – Features, Pros & Cons”

  1. HistoryBuff Avatar
    HistoryBuff

    The Spitfire is such an iconic aircraft! Can you share a bit more about its historical significance during World War II?

    1. Richard Avatar

      Hey HistoryBuff! Absolutely, the Supermarine Spitfire is indeed iconic. It played a pivotal role during World War II, especially during the Battle of Britain where it, along with the Hawker Hurricane, defended the UK against German air raids. Its superior maneuverability and high-speed capabilities made it a formidable adversary against the German Luftwaffe. The Spitfire underwent numerous modifications throughout the war, adapting to various roles and theaters of combat. Its legacy as one of the most influential fighter aircraft in history is well-deserved!

  2. Ace1 Avatar
    Ace1

    Hey, I noticed that the kit has both early and late style parts for the Spitfire. Can you clarify the main differences between the early and late versions of the Spitfire Mk.I?

    1. Richard Avatar

      The early and late versions of the Spitfire Mk.I had various modifications over time. Some of the main differences you’ll find in this kit include three types of propeller blades (two early style and one late style), two types of radiator shrouds (early or late), and six spinner types (four early and two late). Additionally, there are three types of engine cowlings (two early, one late) and optional fuselage panel line detail to depict either an earlier production Spitfire Mk.I or a later production Mk.VII. Hope this helps!

  3. PaintPro Avatar
    PaintPro

    The article mentions that paints, glue, and modeling tools are not included. Do you have any recommendations for the best types of paints and glue to use with this kit?

    1. Richard Avatar

      Absolutely. For this plastic model kit, acrylic paints are generally recommended due to their fast drying time and ease of use. Brands like Tamiya, Vallejo, or Citadel offer a wide range of colors suitable for aircraft models. As for glue, a plastic cement or model-specific adhesive would work best. Tamiya’s Extra Thin Cement or Revell’s Contacta Professional are popular choices among modelers. Remember to always work in a well-ventilated area when using paints and glues!

  4. ModelManiac Avatar
    ModelManiac

    I’m a beginner in model building. Would you recommend this kit for someone like me or is it more suited for advanced builders?

    1. Richard Avatar

      Hello ModelManiac! While the Supermarine Spitfire Mk.II kit is perfect for both beginners and advanced builders, it’s considered an advanced build and requires expert assembly. If you’re up for a challenge and willing to take your time, it can be a rewarding experience. However, if you’re looking for something simpler to start with, you might want to consider other beginner-friendly kits first.

  5. FlyingAce47 Avatar
    FlyingAce47

    Hey there!

    I recently got my hands on the Tamiya Supermarine Spitfire Mk.I kit and I’m super excited to start building it. I noticed that the kit offers various options for customization, especially with the propeller blades and radiator shrouds.

    My question is, how do I decide which propeller blade and radiator shroud type to use? Is there a historical context behind these variations?

    1. Richard Avatar

      Great choice on the Tamiya Supermarine Spitfire Mk.I kit; it’s truly a gem. To answer your question, the Supermarine Spitfire underwent various modifications throughout its service in World War II, leading to different propeller blade and radiator shroud designs. The early style propeller blades were more common in the initial versions of the Spitfire, while the late style was introduced in subsequent versions for improved performance. Similarly, the radiator shrouds also saw variations based on operational needs and aerodynamic improvements. When deciding which type to use for your model, consider the specific time frame or version of the Spitfire you want to depict. If you’re aiming for a more historically accurate model, some research into the specific Spitfire variant and its operational history might help. Otherwise, feel free to choose based on your aesthetic preference.

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