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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.

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