RELEASED - 1/72 Early Merlin Spitfire Family - IBG Guessing Game Round 2

[Dennis_C]

4 hours ago, Chuck1945 said:

I started a pair of the Eduard Spitfire VIII kits a couple of months ago and the step that gave me fits was attempting to join the two side panels to the seat back. I was rather dismayed to see the IBG Spitfires use the same approach.
 

I started the PRU version today and began with the seat since I anticipated issues. Looking at the assembled part it is rather obvious that the sides are not aligned properly with each other so I need to attempt to take one side off and see if I can do better, while trying not to break any of the pins that are to attach to the support frame, one of which was already bent out of position while still in the sealed bag.☹️

All that is called "overengineering". It is not a problem by itself, however it should make a modeller think twice what kit to build and a model kit manufacturer has to apply triple stringent control over production and packaging quality.

Edited September 21 by Dennis_C

[TheKinksFan]

3 hours ago, Dennis_C said:

All that is called "overengineering

It would be overengeering only if the manufacturer was able the make it in one piece but for some reason decided to tool many parts that you have to glue together. And if manufacturer x has tooled something in one piece or fewer pieces than manufacturer y, it doesn't mean that y kit is overengineered. Folks at Dora Wings or Armory, Ace etc are not stupid or incompetent, they just have to tool many parts in order to achieve that high level of detail, there are countless technological limitations that we know nothing of. 

[John]

My son has just acquired the PR version of the kit. His comment was "makes Eduard look minimalist." 

He reckons there are 14 canopy options... 

John 

[matford]

8 hours ago, John said:

My son has just acquired the PR version of the kit. His comment was "makes Eduard look minimalist." 

He reckons there are 14 canopy options... 

John 

 

I just counted 34 clear parts (remember when we became excited at having 4 )

and 241 grey plastic parts!

and then there is photo Photoetch and 3D printed wheels.

That should keep the carpet monsters fed.

 

When looking at that sprues did anyone else think of all the aftermarket parts they have?

 

Edited September 21 by matford

[Dennis_C]

8 hours ago, matford said:

When looking at that sprues did anyone else think of all the aftermarket parts they have?

Even Eduard mk.IX served me well as a source of aftermarket parts to improve Airfix mk.XIX. Three spoke wheels, gear legs and doors in particular. 

[Chuck1945]

Puzzled regarding the PR A marking choice. The photo reconnaissance version A in overall Camotint is currently the first of these IBG Spitfires I plane to build. The painting/marking sheet for this one shows the underwing roundels overlapping the camera opening with a corresponding clear spot in the roundel. The actual decals for this do not however have a spot for this and I am currently at a loss how to do the opening. I am concerned that cutting a clean circle once the roundel is applied may be beyond my abilities.

[Tbolt]

7 hours ago, Chuck1945 said:

Puzzled regarding the PR A marking choice. The photo reconnaissance version A in overall Camotint is currently the first of these IBG Spitfires I plane to build. The painting/marking sheet for this one shows the underwing roundels overlapping the camera opening with a corresponding clear spot in the roundel. The actual decals for this do not however have a spot for this and I am currently at a loss how to do the opening. I am concerned that cutting a clean circle once the roundel is applied may be beyond my abilities.

 

Yes it's a shame they didn't put the holes in the decals. I would use a punch and die set to punch them out, but if you don't have a punch and die set I would just hit the decals with plenty of softener and once they've dried and settled in the lens, use a sharp blade and just run it around the lens. Then just touch up with a little dark blue paint if needed.

[Dennis_C]

If the lens can be installed as the last step after decal application - that may simplify things. 

[Chuck1945]

A flash of inspiration hit me as I was reading these two replies. Directions show the clear part being inserted from inside the lower wing piece (after drilling an appropriate size hole), then it hit me, with care the wing under sides could be painted and the decals applied after the hole is drilled but before inserting the clear part and putting the wings together. The hole ought to make cutting away the decal easier. Of course much test fitting will be necessary and care taken not to mess up the paintwork during the rest of the assembly.

 

[Dennis_C]

One more idea - keep the lens masked after painting, apply decals, use enough decal setting liquid and some sharp needle or knife to cut decal film around the mask. Then remove mask from the lense with decals piece on it. 

[Tbolt]

15 hours ago, Chuck1945 said:

A flash of inspiration hit me as I was reading these two replies. Directions show the clear part being inserted from inside the lower wing piece (after drilling an appropriate size hole), then it hit me, with care the wing under sides could be painted and the decals applied after the hole is drilled but before inserting the clear part and putting the wings together. The hole ought to make cutting away the decal easier. Of course much test fitting will be necessary and care taken not to mess up the paintwork during the rest of the assembly.

 

 

Good point, I was thinking about the camera fairing,  but of course option 1 just has the flush lenses. I would think the edge of the lens would make it fairly easy to guide a sharp knife while cutting the decal, to me that would be less hassle than painting and decaling the lower wing early in assembly.

[Homebee]

Expected in October 2025 - ref 72580 - Supermarine Spitfire Mk.I - Early - The beginning of the Saga

Source: https://www.facebook.com/ibgmodels/posts/pfbid03dsrfuhuKGVGNgpEkgz3y53DZKPCfWcrCD1TRve8SXa26iaDq9iufFEJreHFdi3ml

 

 

And upgrade sets

- ref. 72U080 - Spitfire PR cockpit structure insert - up-armoured (post April 1940)

- ref. 72U083 - Spitfire Mk.I/II Exterior detail set

- ref. 72U087 - - Spitfire Mk.I Early cockpit structure insert

 

 

V.P.

Edited September 27 by Homebee

[Adam Poultney]

I think that might be the first of these that I get. The early Mk.1 is one of my favourite variants. I've got two of Airfix's version already. 

[TheKinksFan]

For those who don't like the multi part seat assembly, Eduard will release two 3D printed seat for November, "plastic" and metal ones, 672426 and 672427, the seat belts are partially resin, and partially PE, unlike the IBG cockpit set.

[Katurbo]

I have been shared a free stl models based on my own experience with PR/black box kits. Run your 3d printer and finish model faster 

 

https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/game/spitfire-ibg-1-72-12th-frame

https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/game/spitfire-pr-ibg-1-72-km-s-dummy-plugs

https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/game/rotol-s-spinner-for-ibg-s-spitfire-1-72

[HKR]

Next useful part for self-printing is here http://www.ibgmodels.com/resources-2/

[steh2o]

Guys you are amazing!😀

[ruudster]

I was looking forward to picking up the black box duo set at the Vancouver show.  But the postal strike happened...  So i went back across the border with two Arma kits, but no IBG Spitfires.

[Tbolt]

On sale next week! IBG Models 1/72 Supermarine Spitfire Mk.I Early - The beginning of the Saga - renderings of the 1938 and 1939 configarations of the aircraft! Preorder now on www.ibg.com.pl or in good model shops

 

https://www.facebook.com/share/1FqWPKQApg/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[steh2o]

Michal?

How about describing the color schemes?😁Tx!

[Skawinski]

2 hours ago, steh2o said:

Michal?

How about describing the color schemes?😁Tx!

 

I'd describe them as revelvant, interesting, surprising and even breathtaking  

And seriously - they will be published early next week. I will try to write in this thread an additional background information on them once they are revealed. Still need to cover some of the Black Box ones, but so little time recently... 

 

Michal

[Ngantek]

Anyone able to give a quick 'what magnitude of job' idea as to the conversion work needed from the early Mk.I to type 300? Exhausts, wheel covers, wing describing etc?

[HKR]

2 hours ago, Ngantek said:

Anyone able to give a quick 'what magnitude of job' idea as to the conversion work needed from the early Mk.I to type 300? Exhausts, wheel covers, wing describing etc?

 

And somewhere at the beginning of this thread, I wrote that I wouldn't be able to design everything at once
The IBG Spitfire model is not mine, but there will be a few prototypes, and due to low demand, they will be produced using 3D printing technology. It may have slipped, but IBG has already replied (somewhere on FB...) that type 300 is ready – the box covers are on the last page of the Beginning of Saga manual, so I think it's not too early to show them here as well.
As for the scope of the modifications, believe me, if you want to do it properly, you don't even want to start it as a rework. The MRM kit, in cooperation with IBG, was initially considered as a conversion to a plastic model, but after analysis of the whole thing, it turned out that practically nothing would remain of the plastic. The differences in the panel lines apply not only to the wings, but also to the tail and engine.
Let's start with the fact that this type evolved and changed its appearance more-or-less four times (and this is related to the paint scheme - Paul Lucas described it beautifully in his MAM article and I don't have much to add here). The printed model will be released in two different boxes - the engine cowlings evolved so much that it is impossible to do it with one part. The first box will be in the configuration from the first flight, the division of the cowling panels was completely different than in later flights, the propeller/spinner was different. 
The fuselage was fully riveted with flat rivets and partially filled with putty, as can be seen in the full-resolution photos.
 
Additionally, in the first configuration main differences are:
-rudder in initial form had a slanted edge, plank-type plating and left-sided access hatch (opposite to serial machines)
-elevators with trimmer actuating mechanism bottom side (moved to the top only on serial machines) 
-engine cooler had initial, longer form
-air intake to the carburetor in the initial form (again different from serial ones), with additional fairing and nose indentation
-wheels with convex rim covers
-tail skid
-a wing with plank-type plating and panels on the leading edge for planned condensers installation 
-a stabilizer with plank-type plating

 

in the next stages of test flights (and different paintings) you would need to take into account:

-engine covers made from pressed, complex sheets making unique shape and connected by fasteners 
-differently shaped two-bladed, wooden propeller with a fixed, high-pitch for high speed (its shape differs from propellers installed on production machines) and appropriate spinner
-rudder changed to well-known serial shape with new plating, but hatch retained on the left side - moved to the right only on serial machines
-two-piece landing gear compartment covers installed, fully covering the landing gear in flight 
-air intake to the carburetor in the later form (again different from serial ones), separated from the nose

and later:
-upper engine cover received reinforcements
-bullet-proof windshield introduced
-early version of the exhaust manifold installed for night trials
-tail wheel installed instead of skid
-air intake to the carburetor again changed shape
-parts closing the chassis recess removed, so the covers closed the recess only partially

and finally:
-upper engine cover reshaped to resemble serial form, with drop fairings but again differs from the serial machines
-later version of the exhaust manifold installed
-venturi pipe installed to drive new testing instruments
-a closed oil cooler with corresponding exhaust under wing installed for machine guns heating trials

 

So, the answer to your question is complex and depends on the period in which the prototype flew (and the paint scheme it had). I have listed these changes roughly, and the full list and description of the evolution of the appearance will be published in a free PDF (just like IBG does – I am the author of some of them).
All these differences will be included in the printed model. In addition, the interior of the cockpit differed from the production machines, e.g. the clock panel was completely different. The kit includes a module similar to those sold as additional sets for IBG (and added to the limited edition Black Box).
 
The glazing will be made using a new hybrid vacformed technology (the frames are printed and applied to the glass) - this will be the premiere of this technology and we will see if it is well received. There is nothing to prevent the use of spare plastic clear parts from the IBG model, as the printed models are dimensionally compatible with it.

Next stop: Speed Spitfire.

 

[Ngantek]

22 minutes ago, HKR said:

 

And somewhere at the beginning of this thread, I wrote that I wouldn't be able to design everything at once
The IBG Spitfire model is not mine, but there will be a few prototypes, and due to low demand, they will be produced using 3D printing technology. It may have slipped, but IBG has already replied (somewhere on FB...) that type 300 is ready – the box covers are on the last page of the Beginning of Saga manual, so I think it's not too early to show them here as well.
As for the scope of the modifications, believe me, if you want to do it properly, you don't even want to start it as a rework. The MRM kit, in cooperation with IBG, was initially considered as a conversion to a plastic model, but after analysis of the whole thing, it turned out that practically nothing would remain of the plastic. The differences in the panel lines apply not only to the wings, but also to the tail and engine.
Let's start with the fact that this type evolved and changed its appearance more-or-less four times (and this is related to the paint scheme - Paul Lucas described it beautifully in his MAM article and I don't have much to add here). The printed model will be released in two different boxes - the engine cowlings evolved so much that it is impossible to do it with one part. The first box will be in the configuration from the first flight, the division of the cowling panels was completely different than in later flights, the propeller/spinner was different. 
The fuselage was fully riveted with flat rivets and partially filled with putty, as can be seen in the full-resolution photos.
 
Additionally, in the first configuration main differences are:
-rudder in initial form had a slanted edge, plank-type plating and left-sided access hatch (opposite to serial machines)
-elevators with trimmer actuating mechanism bottom side (moved to the top only on serial machines) 
-engine cooler had initial, longer form
-air intake to the carburetor in the initial form (again different from serial ones), with additional fairing and nose indentation
-wheels with convex rim covers
-tail skid
-a wing with plank-type plating and panels on the leading edge for planned condensers installation 
-a stabilizer with plank-type plating

 

in the next stages of test flights (and different paintings) you would need to take into account:

-engine covers made from pressed, complex sheets making unique shape and connected by fasteners 
-differently shaped two-bladed, wooden propeller with a fixed, high-pitch for high speed (its shape differs from propellers installed on production machines) and appropriate spinner
-rudder changed to well-known serial shape with new plating, but hatch retained on the left side - moved to the right only on serial machines
-two-piece landing gear compartment covers installed, fully covering the landing gear in flight 
-air intake to the carburetor in the later form (again different from serial ones), separated from the nose

and later:
-upper engine cover received reinforcements
-bullet-proof windshield introduced
-early version of the exhaust manifold installed for night trials
-tail wheel installed instead of skid
-air intake to the carburetor again changed shape
-parts closing the chassis recess removed, so the covers closed the recess only partially

and finally:
-upper engine cover reshaped to resemble serial form, with drop fairings but again differs from the serial machines
-later version of the exhaust manifold installed
-venturi pipe installed to drive new testing instruments
-a closed oil cooler with corresponding exhaust under wing installed for machine guns heating trials

 

So, the answer to your question is complex and depends on the period in which the prototype flew (and the paint scheme it had). I have listed these changes roughly, and the full list and description of the evolution of the appearance will be published in a free PDF (just like IBG does – I am the author of some of them).
All these differences will be included in the printed model. In addition, the interior of the cockpit differed from the production machines, e.g. the clock panel was completely different. The kit includes a module similar to those sold as additional sets for IBG (and added to the limited edition Black Box).
 
The glazing will be made using a new hybrid vacformed technology (the frames are printed and applied to the glass) - this will be the premiere of this technology and we will see if it is well received. There is nothing to prevent the use of spare plastic clear parts from the IBG model, as the printed models are dimensionally compatible with it.

Next stop: Speed Spitfire.

 

Amazing news that I'd missed, thanks for such a thorough explanation

[Johnson]

12 hours ago, HKR said:

 

 

 

Might it be available by 5th March 2026?