Improving the 1/72 Tamiya Spifire

[Jazzy Jase]

I've got a couple of 1/72 Tamiya Spitfires in the stash. I've started on a Vb and I've got a Mk1 to build for the Bob group build.

Now, I'm aware that some think this kit is inaccurate, but I'm not particularly bothered about it. Having said that, I do think the prop blades are far too narrow. So, I've been looking for a replacement prop and the only one I can find is this aeroclub one: http://www.hannants.co.uk/search/?FULL=ABP083

Is this the correct prop to put on a Spitfire Mk1 and/or Vb? And will it fit the Tamiya kit?

Whilst I'm at it, is there anything else I could do to improve the kit without spending a fortune and without major surgery to the kit?

Edited June 9, 2008 by Jazzy Jase

[Greg B]

Best person to ask would be Edgar, if he doesnt see this I'd PM him. He can be a grumpy bugger at times, but he doesnt bite

[Test Graham]

There were two different Rotol props on early Spitfires. The Mk.II (with a few Mk.Is) had a large almost-hemispherical spinner. The Mk.V had a bullet-shaped one, but this was more common on the Mk.Vc than on the Mk.Vb. I don't know which this is, but John Adams at Aeroclub will tell you if you ask him.

One point. It is not that some people think the Tamiya Spitfire inaccurate. It IS inaccurate, but some people don't care. Happy modelling.

[The wooksta V2.0]

Offhand, take out the protruding flash eliminators on the wings (early aircraft only) and replace the canopy. Everyone I've spoken to reckons that Tamiya really ballsed that up.

[nsmekanik]

and replace the canopy. Everyone I've spoken to reckons that Tamiya really ballsed that up.

They did , it's like trying to look at the head of a pin through the bottom of a glass pop bottle . So either don't waste your time on the innards, or get a vac canopy. Since I have not a clue about such demensional follies , the damned thing built up very nicely, and looks the part to me

[darson]

Hey there Jazzy,

There is a very good article on Internet Modeler by Chris Bucholtz which addresses all the areas of concern with the Tamiya 1/72 spit. Have a read of the article and make use of the bits and pieces that you want.

Happy modeling

[Edgar]

Best person to ask would be Edgar, if he doesnt see this I'd PM him. He can be a grumpy bugger at times, but he doesnt bite

No, I wouldn't; Graham's a better bet, since I don't build 1/72nd. I can tell you (some of the facts) about the real thing, but not model kits, unless they're 1/32nd., or bigger.

Edgar