Spitfire IXc (Tamiya 1:32)

[wimbledon99]

 

 

[Col.]

[wimbledon99]

Not that I was keen to get this done or anything

 

Wasn't without issue though. The shoulder harness came away in 3 pieces!! It's wasn't flat on the backing (manufacturing issue maybe) so it's taken quite a bit or extra time to install. No worries though, once it's all closed up, a lot of this will disappear

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The next update should be a whole airframe (less engine)! 🤞

[Franz75]

It looks sharp. Tamiya’s engineering is at its finest, where sharp detail meets flawless execution. 

[Keeff]

Wow!  The cockpit is a thing of beauty ...... superb work! 

 

Keith ☺️ 

[modelling minion]

Very nice work Nigel, the cockpit looks superb.

[Col.]

That harness looks grand Nigel. Good work and worth the wait

[wimbledon99]

4 hours ago, Franz75 said:

It looks sharp. Tamiya’s engineering is at its finest, where sharp detail meets flawless execution. 

 

4 hours ago, Keeff said:

Wow!  The cockpit is a thing of beauty ...... superb work! 

 

Keith ☺️ 

 

3 hours ago, modelling minion said:

Very nice work Nigel, the cockpit looks superb.

 

3 hours ago, Col. said:

That harness looks grand Nigel. Good work and worth the wait

Thanks everyone. The comments are really appreciated  I now understand the hype around these kits. They fall together quite beautifully! 

[HarryHobbyin]

Looks Amazing....one thing i would maybe do is brush a flat clear coat on the seatbelts....besides that its a 100% stunner.

[wimbledon99]

6 hours ago, HarryHobbyin said:

Looks Amazing....one thing i would maybe do is brush a flat clear coat on the seatbelts....besides that it’s a 100% stunner.

That’s very kind of you, thank you

 And that’s a good idea. I’ll get on the case later today  Cheers

[wimbledon99]

Managed to get the engine bay put together and have laid on the block colours. All parts now ready for brush paint, dry brush, wash, etc.

 

 

 

Oh, and the fuselage, wing, and tail feathers have been put together too

 

 

 

[Col.]

Taking on that iconic shape nicely

[modelling minion]

She's really starting to come together now Nigel.

[wimbledon99]

Thanks both. Yep, definitely starling to look like a Spitfire now!

 

I've still some work to do on the engine (outer frames and ports) but I've dry fitted this evening's work to get an idea of the fit; and being Tamiya, it just does

 

 

 

 

 

 

I now need to work out how these Quickboost ports are cut and fitted

[modelling minion]

The engine looks superb in it's proper place Nigel, very nice work.

[wimbledon99]

Thanks Craig

 

Slight hiccup to proceedings though. I've been looking at the Quickboost ports and they just didn't look right. Then the light went on; I ordered the Revell set, not the Tamiya         

 

I'm off to order the correct ones

[Col.]

8 hours ago, wimbledon99 said:

Slight hiccup to proceedings though. I've been looking at the Quickboost ports and they just didn't look right. Then the light went on; I ordered the Revell set, not the Tamiya         

 

I'm off to order the correct ones

Oh no! Now you'll have to get the Revell kit to avoid wasting that set of exhaust ports

[FG2Si]

Great looking cockpit and Merlin. The kit really is a fantastic one. One of the best. 

 

One thing to watch for, the outer framework parts (Q1 and Q2) are made from ABS plastic. So you may want to use a suitable cement or possibly CA. The instructions recommend Extra Thin Cement which works but it's not the strongest bond. 

 

Carl

Edited September 27 by FG2Si

[Wings unlevel]

Cockpit and engine look superb, Nigel.

[wimbledon99]

On 27/09/2025 at 01:40, FG2Si said:

Great looking cockpit and Merlin. The kit really is a fantastic one. One of the best. 

 

One thing to watch for, the outer framework parts (Q1 and Q2) are made from ABS plastic. So you may want to use a suitable cement or possibly CA. The instructions recommend Extra Thin Cement which works but it's not the strongest bond. 

 

Carl

 

Thanks Carl. The fit is so good on these parts that no cement was required! However, once fitted to the airframe, if it does move, I'll take your advice

 

On 27/09/2025 at 01:49, Wings unlevel said:

Cockpit and engine look superb, Nigel.

 

Thanks Gerard   Not sure where the last fortnight has gone but I thought I post a quick update.

 

The replacement ports arrived but had been crushed in the post (sent in a envelope, not a box). That was going to make painting a bit of a pain so the seller kindly send a second set. Once they are primed, painted, and fitted, the engine can be cemented to the fuselage (though I am tempted to leave the ports off until the end so I don't knock them off ). I had planned to paint the airframe with the engine out, but was concerned about lining the camo up on the cowling parts. However, following a dry fit, I've decided to fix the engine, fit the cowling panels (primer already on those), and go for the paint ( which is another reason to leave the ports off until the end; makes masking a lot easier).

 

I've built the wheels and prop, and next is the dreaded seam-line on the canopy. Once that's polished out, I'll place it with the rest of the glass, fit the kit 'closed' door to paint (will be replaced with resin 'open' door), mask the glass, and brave the primer!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Col.]

Coming together nicely Nigel.

[wimbledon99]

Thanks Col.

 

Yep, I seem to have hardly any parts left, but loads to do !!

[modelling minion]

Very nice work Nigel 👍. 

[wimbledon99]

Thanks Craig This kit has been a pleasure to build so far. Should be ready for paint shortly 🤞

[wimbledon99]

Well, I was hoping to post an update but Flickr is affected by the AWS outage