Tamiya 1/48th scale Supermarine Spitfire Mk.I
Greetings & salutations fellow modelers!
This is my latest finished project, the Tamiya 1993 version of the Spitfire Mk.I. A very simple and enjoyable kit to build. Went together nicely, good detail and straightforward in construction. This was my choice for the annual Models For Heroes "48 in 48" weekend in mid-March of this year. Actually, it was "48 in 5 weeks" π The kit-supplied decals didn't work very well, so I cut my losses and ordered an aftermarket sheet. Chose the version I made because I was- and still am- fascinated with the split-color underside of early war British aircraft. Found there were a few variations of this and intend on featuring each one on other models in the future. Painted with Tamiya XF-21 Sky & Hataka Jet Black for the underside, Mr. Color Dark Earth and Tamiya XF-81 Dk. Green for the topside colors. After the paint, chipped with an AK aluminum weathering pencil...I think that's what it is π€ Tamiya panel line washes, AK weathering fluids and finally EZ line for the antenna wire. The tires are one piece, something I wish all model makers would feature. Added a few external details to liven up the appearance: hollowing out the exhausts, replacing thick plastic with thin wire on the landing gear struts. I think they were hooks for towing the aircraft when moving around an airdrome. Coated the clear parts with Future, masked with Tamiya tape. Overall a great model that has aged well in my opinion. Very pleased with this, personally I'm amazed at starting & finishing a kit in ONLY five weeks! I say that because most of my models are NOT built with 'alacrity' π
Hope you like, take care & keep on modelling!
Beauty
Thank you George
Great result, Jim!
Thanks John! A very enjoyable build experience, which is why I like Tamiya kits so much. They make the 'building' part fun for a modeller like me that struggles to build his models "square and plum".
Fantastic result, Jim!
Congratulations!
Thank you Spiros! This was a fun model to build and paint. Very much enjoyed the journey.
A fine looking Spitfire, Jim @jaltergott6
Well done.
Thank you John! A fun experience from start to finish.
Well done, Jim!
Thank you Gary! Very pleased with the finished product.
I too am fascinated by the dual color undersides. Very nice subtle weathering as well.
Thank you Chris π
I try to build the weathering up slowly on airplanes. Unlike armour, it is easy to go too far too fast when weathering aircraft models, at least in my experience.
That is a handsome Spit! Well done.
Thanks Greg! It was a very enjoyable build process π
Nicely done, she's a beauty!
Thank you Bob! Really enjoyed both the build & paint process.
Gβday Jim (@jaltergott6),
Nicely done with a classic kit.
Liked!
Thanks Michael π
I've heard Tamiya's newer Spitfire has a lot of neat features and details. This one doesn't disappoint, a great model!
Great looking Spitfire, Jim.
I built the original tooled Tamiya Spitfire around the time it was first released. Truthfully, I prefer it over their newer tooled Spitfire. You did a fine job on yours, however the is one little niggle with it. You have used the markings of a 118 Squadron Spitfire. This particular Spitfire was a Mk.II not a Mk.I. The only difference between the two is the Mk.II had a Coffman starter so there should be a small tear shaped bulge on the starboard side engine panel. Don't go crazy trying to correct your kit as I doubt anyone will notice anyway.
1 attached image. Click to enlarge.