shortCummins Posted August 2, 2020 Share Posted August 2, 2020 (edited) While I’m waiting for Hannants to get a resupply of the parts I’ve ordered for my Tamiya 1:32 Spitfire I’ve been wondering “what to do in the meantime”? Last week we were lucky enough to have my 6 year old grandson to stay for a couple of days and managed to take him to the Newark Air Museum aircraft museum, which I can highly recommend, it’ll be even better when the restrictions are lifted as you’ll be able to then go “into” several of the aircraft on display, due to COVID you can only currently see the outside of them. Still a splendid time was had by all and I managed to pick-up, at a surprisingly reasonable price £19.99, a Tamiya 1:48 Spitfire Mk.Vb TROP. I know that this kit isn’t as good as Tamiya’s latest Mk.I or Eduard’s various Spitfires however, many moons ago I saw this scheme… …this was from an Airfix offering, I’m not too keen on their Spitfires, I built their Mk.I a while ago but since then I’ve built mainly Eduard versions and they are streets ahead of Airfix so, being totally knocked out by Tamiya’s 1:32 Spitfire I thought I’d give this one a go. I know that this won’t be in the same league as the 1:32 kit, lets face it it you could buy 5 of the 1:48 Spitfires for 1 of the 1:32 so you’d expect the quality to be slightly less? Having said that looking at the plastic it doesn’t look half bad, so we’ll see how much putty is required as we go. I plan to have the pilot sitting in the aircraft, also I’m thinking of having it “wheels up” but I look at that option during the build. For the aircraft markings I’ve got a Montex mask set… Not sure which squadron codes I’ll use, this won’t be an accurate aircraft as I’m more interested in the camo’ scheme rather than a “specific” aircraft, I’ll probably try and get something “close” to one of the Spitfires that served in Malta but accuracy won’t be high on my agenda I’m afraid. While I was looking for “Mediterranean” schemes I came across this photo… …now I’m tempted to give her a red spinner. Next as usual I’m be starting with the cockpit, let the heresy begin. until next time as always, any suggestions, criticisms or comments will be gratefully received. rgds John(shortCummins) Edited December 24, 2020 by shortCummins 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbadbadge Posted August 2, 2020 Share Posted August 2, 2020 Nice, this will build up into a nice model, although personally I believe the Airfix Vb is better, but I am no expert and may need to get my coat. I have yet to build an Eduard Spitfire, but have one in the stash Good luck with your build. All the best Chris 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortCummins Posted August 2, 2020 Author Share Posted August 2, 2020 5 minutes ago, bigbadbadge said: Nice, this will build up into a nice model, although personally I believe the Airfix Vb is better, but I am no expert and may need to get my coat. I have yet to build an Eduard Spitfire, but have one in the stash Good luck with your build. All the best Chris Thanks Chris, I had a number of fit issues with the Airfix Mk.I, namely the wing roots (no real surprise there!?) and where the fuel tank assembly fitted, or didn't, to the fuselage, I ended up having to use plasticard shims. The Eduard Spitfires are really nice, the landing gear bays are a little fussy and I'm not a fan of the way they do the exhausts but in my opinion they're far better kits than the Airfix, that might be because I've made more of them? 1 Airfix and 4 and a half, my then puppy decided to eat one part way through a build!, I'm tempted by the latest Mk.I from Tamiya, Eduard's version is around £50 which is a bit rich for me, I know you get 2 kits and lots of marking options but its more than I want to pay, at least until I see someones stunning model and then I'll probably want one only to find out they've been discontinued and they're twice as much on eBay! rgds John(shortCummins) 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbadbadge Posted August 2, 2020 Share Posted August 2, 2020 Hi John, I think I may have been lucky with the Airfix Vb as I didn't have any issues with the part D33 but, I left the cockpit interior loose until that was fitted. I do have an Eduard Mk IX in the stash and will do it one day. You can never have too many Spitfires. Now the dog ate your Spitfire is not a decent excuse you know !!! All the best Chris 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FPDPenguin Posted August 2, 2020 Share Posted August 2, 2020 Nice. Look forward to seeing what you do. I did the tamiya 1/32 a few months back. The pictures are in my WIPs somewhere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jamie @ Sovereign Hobbies Posted August 2, 2020 Share Posted August 2, 2020 The Airfix Vs are sufficiently different kits from the Is in this regard and they build up fine with minimal tomfoolery required. On my opinion they are the better Mk.V overall, shape-wise I mean although they do need the builder to be switched on. Everything does fit just fine but attention is required to make sure it does. The Tamiya is certainly a painless build, but its accuracy niggles are harder to sort than the Airfix is to do a reasonable job of so I went that way when I built the same Malta scheme. It's both attractive and unusual, so regardless I am sure this will make a nice addition to your collection. Not knowing much about the grey used, I chose a Royal Navy paint I liked from the stash and just used it. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fubar57 Posted August 2, 2020 Share Posted August 2, 2020 Looking forward to the build. I used the Airfix kit for GN•H The upper camo was done with XF-54 Dark Sea Grey, for the Dk. Earth I used a 50/50 mix of XF-64 Red Brown and XF-52 Flat Earth. The lower surface was done with XF-19 Sky Grey 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortCummins Posted August 3, 2020 Author Share Posted August 3, 2020 13 hours ago, FPDPenguin said: Nice. Look forward to seeing what you do. I did the tamiya 1/32 a few months back. The pictures are in my WIPs somewhere. Thanks FDDPenguin, my 1/32 build is at the stage were I "need" the aftermarket stuff or press ahead without so I've decided to wait, I've wanted to build the 1/32 Tamiya for years, a few extra weeks aren't going to hurt and I'm hoping this should be a reasonably quick build? 13 hours ago, Jamie @ Sovereign Hobbies said: The Airfix Vs are sufficiently different kits from the Is in this regard and they build up fine with minimal tomfoolery required. On my opinion they are the better Mk.V overall, shape-wise I mean although they do need the builder to be switched on. Everything does fit just fine but attention is required to make sure it does. The Tamiya is certainly a painless build, but its accuracy niggles are harder to sort than the Airfix is to do a reasonable job of so I went that way when I built the same Malta scheme. It's both attractive and unusual, so regardless I am sure this will make a nice addition to your collection. Not knowing much about the grey used, I chose a Royal Navy paint I liked from the stash and just used it. Thanks Jamie, to be fair its the camo' scheme that drew me to the "tropical" Spitfire and because of my experience with Airfix's Mk.I I decided to have a go at Tamiya's version, I'm sure Tamiya makes a bad kit, I've not come across it yet (fingers crossed) 12 hours ago, fubar57 said: Looking forward to the build. I used the Airfix kit for GN•H The upper camo was done with XF-54 Dark Sea Grey, for the Dk. Earth I used a 50/50 mix of XF-64 Red Brown and XF-52 Flat Earth. The lower surface was done with XF-19 Sky Grey thanks fubar57, your's looks very nice, I'll be stealing borrowing your colour mix for the camo', much appreciated 👍 rgds John(shortCummins) 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alt-92 Posted August 3, 2020 Share Posted August 3, 2020 15 hours ago, shortCummins said: Eduard's version is around £50 which is a bit rich for me, I know you get 2 kits and lots of marking options but its more than I want to pay Then get the Overtrees Check the Eduard site. Pay attention, because there are two versions, early and late (with 'armoured' fuel tank cowling). 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortCummins Posted August 3, 2020 Author Share Posted August 3, 2020 1 hour ago, alt-92 said: Then get the Overtrees Check the Eduard site. Pay attention, because there are two versions, early and late (with 'armoured' fuel tank cowling). that's a good tip, I'll need to check for the decals but I'm sure that Montex will be doing some masks so that sounds like a "plan" 👍 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortCummins Posted August 4, 2020 Author Share Posted August 4, 2020 On 03/08/2020 at 11:33, alt-92 said: Then get the Overtrees Check the Eduard site. Pay attention, because there are two versions, early and late (with 'armoured' fuel tank cowling). I've just seen the Eduard downloadable magazine and the model built by Robert Szwarc has convinced to to get one, how long until payday? 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob85 Posted August 4, 2020 Share Posted August 4, 2020 Mr McNairs spitfire, just been reading about his exploits in a book about the siege of Malta, he’s having quite the time of it! always wanted to do this one (part of a long list of Malta spits to be honest) so looking forward to yours. I did build a 1/48 version of Squadron leader Johnny Lynch’s TNT for the kids bedroom, but that was the old airfix kit.... maybe I should build them another. Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortCummins Posted December 31, 2020 Author Share Posted December 31, 2020 (edited) Now where was I?… I can’t believe that my last post for this build was way back on August 4th, where did all that time go? This build was meant to be a ‘filler’ while I was waiting for some aftermarket for my Tamiya 1:32 Spitfire but now I’m going to use it to ease me back into the hobby and to get my fingers and brain into modelling mode, so I’m not expecting very much! My original plan was to give her the dark earth, sea grey scheme however in the meantime I’ve seen this scheme… T … that I also like, so now I’ve got a decision to make as I like the red spinner and azure undersides and the two greys look really good together. The Montex mask set has aircraft codes of WX, ZF or RF, D,H or T so whatever I choose the squadron/unit markings won’t match. I’ll have a rootal around in my spares box to see if I can find anything closer. I’m of a mind to make the scheme as a ‘what-if’ or ‘along the lines of…’ type of scheme, but that’s a way down the line I’ll make decisions later. Back to the build, I used my favourite UMP/Stynylrez black primer and then gave the cockpit a coat of vallejo 71.305 grey green.. The seat was given a coat of XF-64 red brown Next the I’ll be painting the pilot and other detail in the cockpit. until next time as always, any suggestions, criticisms or comments will be gratefully received. rgds John(shortCummins) Edited December 31, 2020 by shortCummins 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff G Posted December 31, 2020 Share Posted December 31, 2020 You can't go wrong with either scheme. Both are underrepresented so you'll have a gem either way! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortCummins Posted January 1, 2021 Author Share Posted January 1, 2021 18 hours ago, Jeff G said: You can't go wrong with either scheme. Both are underrepresented so you'll have a gem either way! thanks Jeff both are different aren't they I'll have to make my mind or sooner or later 👍 rgds John(shortCummins) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortCummins Posted January 1, 2021 Author Share Posted January 1, 2021 The Tamiya supplied pilot was given an initial coat of UMP/Stynylrez black primer. Blocks of colour were applied (hairy stick) to the figure. His skin was painted with XF-15 flesh His shirt and socks were coloured with XF-55 deck tan Shorts XF-52 flat earth The jerkin/life vest/parachute harness, whatever its meant to be? XF-49 khaki Flying helmet was painted XF-10 red brown Then various straps were picked out... ...and everything was given a wash of Tamiya dark brown panel liner to create some shadows. Highlights were added to the shirt Tamiya XF-2 white, as the rest of the figure won’t be visible once he’s sat in the cockpit? I left it at that. Next he’ll be flat coated and when the flat coat has dried his goggles will be picked out with aquagloss to simulate the shine of glass. Next painting the cockpit details. until next time as always, any suggestions, criticisms or comments will be gratefully received. rgds John(shortCummins) 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortCummins Posted January 1, 2021 Author Share Posted January 1, 2021 I’m not going to spend too much time on the cockpit as I think that the pilot figure will hide most of it however, I’ve picked out a few boxes/instruments attached to the fuselage walls. The head rest was painted black and the armour plate dry-brushed (silver) to give a worn/used appearance. Other controls were also dry-brushed. As was the instrument panel*. *just a note that Tamiya doesn't supply any decals for the IP The seat cushion was painted black. I then added the pilot, I’ve decided to name him Albert, to the seat assembly. Finally the instrument panel was attached. Then various controls and boxes were added. Tamiya would have you paint the oxygen tanks green, I decided to paint them black so that they show a wee bit more. Next the I’ll be joining the fuselage halves and most of this will never be seen again. until next time as always, any suggestions, criticisms or comments will be gratefully received. rgds John(shortCummins) 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matto21 Posted January 1, 2021 Share Posted January 1, 2021 I've got this kit in my stash, and I've also just recently finished the Airfix Vb. Despite its age, I think this is the easier kit to build. You can't go wrong with a trop filtered Spit anyway! Matt 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortCummins Posted January 2, 2021 Author Share Posted January 2, 2021 10 hours ago, matto21 said: I've got this kit in my stash, and I've also just recently finished the Airfix Vb. Despite its age, I think this is the easier kit to build. You can't go wrong with a trop filtered Spit anyway! Matt thanks Matt there's something about the Jimmy Hill 'chin' on a Volkes filter isn't there? I don't know how old this Tamiya kit is, but the way it goes together is wonderful, its not as detailed as an Eduard Spit' but nearly all of the cockpit detail(or lack of) has been hidden by the pilot so its turns out any extra detail would be wasted? I'm enjoying this build best rgds John(shortCummins) 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dunny Posted January 2, 2021 Share Posted January 2, 2021 Hi John, Good to see you back on the net - I wondered where your lovely 1:32 MkIX was up to. Will follow with interest, Cheers, Roger 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbadbadge Posted January 2, 2021 Share Posted January 2, 2021 He is back great start and pilot looks great and cockpit coming on well. Great work. Chris 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortCummins Posted January 2, 2021 Author Share Posted January 2, 2021 56 minutes ago, Dunny said: Hi John, Good to see you back on the net - I wondered where your lovely 1:32 MkIX was up to. Will follow with interest, Cheers, Roger 33 minutes ago, bigbadbadge said: He is back great start and pilot looks great and cockpit coming on well. Great work. Chris thanks chaps not sure where the time went, 'life' gets in the way sometimes doesn't it hopefully back on track now best rgds John(shortCummins) 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matto21 Posted January 2, 2021 Share Posted January 2, 2021 2 hours ago, shortCummins said: I don't know how old this Tamiya kit is, but the way it goes together is wonderful, its not as detailed as an Eduard Spit' but nearly all of the cockpit detail(or lack of) has been hidden by the pilot so its turns out any extra detail would be wasted? I think this kit was released in 1994. Thing with highly detailed cockpits in 1/48 scale is little can be seen anyway, especially in a Spitfire so I don't think the simpler cockpit is a big deal. And your right, the Trop filter is a bit special! Matt 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortCummins Posted January 2, 2021 Author Share Posted January 2, 2021 1 hour ago, matto21 said: I think this kit was released in 1994. Thing with highly detailed cockpits in 1/48 scale is little can be seen anyway, especially in a Spitfire so I don't think the simpler cockpit is a big deal. And your right, the Trop filter is a bit special! Matt that's very nice Matt, I think I'll add the slipper tank as well rgds John(shortCummins) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shortCummins Posted January 2, 2021 Author Share Posted January 2, 2021 When joining the fuselage halves together Tamiya would have you fix the rear bulkhead, then glue the two halves together and once you’ve done that, then slide the pilot/cockpit subassembly into the fuselage. Before attempting this I tried a dry-fit, I found that the subassembly wouldn’t go up far enough without separating the two halves. So this suggested (to me anyway) that it would be better to attach the rear bulkhead to one side and fit the pilot/cockpit assembly, then glue the ‘front’ of the fuselage together making sure that the subassembly was as high as it could go. Once secured in place I then glued the ‘back’ of the aircraft together. Tamiya also suggest fitting the rear wheel but I’ll leave that until much later in the build as I know I’ll break it off otherwise! The rear stabilisers fitting were a bit sloppy but nothing too much and holing each in place for a few seconds while the Tamiya Extra Thin dried was all that was needed. Next the gunsight*, windscreen and rear part of the canopy attached with a small dab of extra thin. *the bottom of the gunsight bumped into Albert’s hand so I shaved a wee bit off to allow it to seat easier. I’ve got to say that I’m very happy with how the pilot looks even if he totally obscures any of the cockpit detail. Next I’ll be fitting the wings. until next time as always, any suggestions, criticisms or comments will be gratefully received. rgds John(shortCummins) 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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