Fairy Swordfish Mk.I Floatplane, Tamiya 1/48
Today, I would like to upload a biplane I adore, the British Royal Navy's Swordfish. This is Tamiya's 1/48 Swordfish Mk I floatplane. Normally, I avoid 1/48 scale due to space constraints, but my desire to build this aircraft won out, and I decided to give it a try. When completed, I was somewhat taken aback by its sheer size, which is hard to believe for a single-engine aircraft. However, compared to 1/72 scale, the level of detail that can be expressed is significantly higher, and I was once again impressed. Although it is one of Tamiya's older kits, as expected from Tamiya, the kit is designed in such a way that this complex structure can be assembled without much difficulty. The shape came together more smoothly than I had anticipated. Here are some highlights of this build:
For the rigging, I did not use Tamiya's dedicated etching parts but instead used a material called stretch rigging. As the name suggests, this material stretches, allowing it to absorb distortions that may occur after completion, thereby minimizing potential regrets later on. I also attempted to replicate the control wires for the tailplane using even finer rigging material meant for ships.
For the markings, I chose one of the two options included in the kit, specifically the one for which color photos exist. The upper surfaces are camouflaged with Extra Dark Sea Grey and Dark Slate Grey. The kit instructions show camouflage on the upper surfaces of the floats as well, but in the previously mentioned photographs, the lower surfaces appear to be Sky Grey, so I did not include the camouflage there. The aspect I focused on the most this time was the selection of Dark Slate Grey. The color on the previous British Navy aircraft I built, the Sea Hurricane, did not match my image, so I chose this color carefully. I found that some experienced modelers on the internet recommended using Tamiya's XF22, and when I tried it, I felt it matched the image I wanted perfectly.
Other minor details include the way the Sutton Harness is attached in the pilot's seat. After doing my own research and consulting the internet, I tried to replicate what I believe to be the correct interpretation. The seat belts for the other two seats were less clear, so I referred to the works of experienced modelers and crafted them myself.
Building the Swordfish has been a rewarding experience, and the result is a model I'm truly proud of. I hope some of my experiences inspires fellow modelers to take on their own challenges and enjoy the process as much as I did.
G’day Naoki (@yamanaka),
This is a beautifully presented build.
It is interesting that XF22 is a good match for Dark Slate Grey, a colour I’ve never been sure of.
Liked!
Thank you for the comments! Please try XF22 for dark slate grey, and I hope you like it.
Excellent Swordfish, Naoki!
One of the best, maybe the best, I have ever seen.
Well done, Naoki!
Besides a wonderful build also the pictures are superb, Naoki @yamanaka
Especially the one with the spinning propeller.
Well done.
Naoki. (@yamanaka),
A lot of thought, patience, time and care went into this build and it shows. We can thank the Senior Tamiya for choosing to make this jewel. Two thumb up.
Love it! Thanks for sharing this.
Rod
Really nice work and an excellent result.
Very well done, Naoki (@yamanaka).
Outstanding work along with the photos and lighting. The crew figures really make it, Naoki.
This is an impressively built model , Naoki ! Your expert work on it really paid off with wonderful results. The rigging is very nice… I stay away from biplanes primarily because of the rigging required. Looks like you’ve mastered that difficult art though.
What a stunning beauty, Naoki @yamanaka. Looks absolutely fantastic! I have the Airfix Swordfish and want to get started now🤗
I have also built Airfix's swordfish 1/72 a bit time ago. At the time I was just a beginner and found rigging was just a challenge for me. But I was sure it was a lovely kit. Please enjoy it!
Superbly finished and weathered, Naoki. A couple of your photos are so realistic that the model looks like the real thing. You've done an outstanding job on the rigging as well. The float plane version of the Swordfish is somehow the most attractive, in my opinion. This is a great example of how to get the most from the Tamiya kit.
Excellent result! All elements combine nicely to highlight a superb model. If I have one suggestion this would be to use brass rod for the engine bearers rather than PE. It takes longer and is more fiddly but really adds something. Your aircraft crew are very, very accomplished.
Oh yes. I totally agree with you. Tamiya's PE is designed too conservative; thus I did not use almost all of them. But I use engine bearer part. It was a pity for me as well. Next time I try it. Anyway, thank you for your suggestion. I appreciate it very much.
Thank you all for your generous comments as always. I will continue to pursue Royal Navy-related matters (ships and airplane) as one of my lifelong endeavors..Thank you.
Great looking build.
Beautifully done!
Naoki, @yamanaka, that is are really well done and beautiful build of the Swordfish. I also think your photography shows off your excellent work quite nicely!