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

  • By: Richard
  • Date: March 14, 2023
  • Time to read: 5 min.

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 passionate scale modeling enthusiast, I recently had the opportunity to try out the Supermarine Spitfire MK.I Plastic Model Airplane Kit. Here’s my opinion on the product:

Impressions of the Supermarine Spitfire MK.I

Right out of the box, I was impressed with the level of detail on each part of the kit. The pieces are well-crafted, with intricate designs and accurate dimensions that make for a realistic finished product. The army-green and black color scheme is visually striking and adds to the overall appeal of the kit.

Assembly Process

The assembly process of the Tamiya 61119 1/48 Supermarine Spitfire MK.I Plastic Model Airplane Kit was challenging and enjoyable, making for a satisfying end product. The kit requires some effort to assemble, but the instructions are clear and easy to follow. The best part of the kit is that it’s customizable – I was able to paint the parts to my liking, creating a personalized end product that reflected my creativity.

Tools, Glue, and Paints

It’s worth noting that the kit doesn’t come with tools, glue, or paints. These must be purchased separately, which can be an additional cost. However, the quality of the finished product was well worth the investment in separate materials.

Pros and Cons

In terms of pros, the Spitfire MK.I is highly detailed, customizable, and suitable for both adults and teenagers. The assembly process is challenging and enjoyable, making for a satisfying end product.

The main drawback is the need to purchase separate tools, glue, and paints, which can be an additional cost. Additionally, as an international product, the kit may have different terms, age ratings, and language of product, labeling, or instructions depending on where it’s sold. However, these are minor issues in light of the overall quality and appeal of the product.

Overall Impressions

I highly recommend the Supermarine Spitfire MK.I Plastic Model to anyone who loves building detailed and customizable model airplanes. The high-quality and detailed parts make for a realistic finished product, and the assembly process is both enjoyable and challenging. While the need for separate tools, glue, and paints may be a drawback, the investment is well worth it in the end.

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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