Build thread: Tamiya 1/32 Spitfire IX - complete

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DerekF
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Build thread: Tamiya 1/32 Spitfire IX - complete

Post by DerekF »

Just for a change, I thought I'd do a build thread for my next effort. I've had this for a few years now and it is now just begging to be built.

The box
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Rather than the kit decals, I'll finish it using one of the choices on this Xtradecal sheet.
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The fuselage halves
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The wings with multiple cut outs for the various hatches
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The very finely moulded control surfaces.
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Wheels and wing bits
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More engine bits
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The cockpit parts
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More engine and propeller parts
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The very thin engine cowls and metal etched parts
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More engine cowls
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A box of goodies. Rubber, metal, screws, hinges etc.
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There are some aftermarket bits, brass cannons, canopy masks etc. on their way as well.
Last edited by DerekF on Sat 27 Oct 2018, 6:24 pm, edited 6 times in total.

ArabJazzie
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Re: Build thread: Tamiya 1/32 Spitfire IX

Post by ArabJazzie »

As this one is on the radar for the future, i am guaranteed to be watching.
Arabest,
Geoff.
52 in a year! We must be certifiable!

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DerekF
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Re: Build thread: Tamiya 1/32 Spitfire IX

Post by DerekF »

Thanks Geoff.

An update.

All the componenst ready for cockpit assembly.
Image20181012_153447 by dereknferguson, on Flickr

Even the control column has 4 separate components. I used Eduard's Brassin instrument panel and seat belts.

The cockpit basic set-up
Image20181012_160109 by dereknferguson, on Flickr

The completed cockpit. Every part fits beautifully.

Image20181012_170355 by dereknferguson, on Flickr

Installed in the fuselage half.
Image20181012_201915 by dereknferguson, on Flickr

The nearly complete fuselage. The control surfaces have a metal hinge arrangement which is a little fiddly to fit but seems to work OK.
Image20181013_153750 by dereknferguson, on Flickr

The completed wings. Again, every part fits very well. I used the cannon blisters from a Pacific Coast Spitfire as they seem to be a better shape than the Tamiya ones.

Image20181013_153752 by dereknferguson, on Flickr

So far a pure joy to build.

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st24
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Re: Build thread: Tamiya 1/32 Spitfire IX - update 1

Post by st24 »

Very nice so far Derek. Fabulous kit, just falls together..
You caaan't trust the system... Maaan!

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DerekF
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Re: Build thread: Tamiya 1/32 Spitfire IX - update 1

Post by DerekF »

Ta for that. It is indeed a great kit. A quick update.

The assembled propeller.

Image20181014_145544 by dereknferguson, on Flickr

Some of the highly detailed engine components.

Image20181014_173018 by dereknferguson, on Flickr

The assembled and lightly weathered landing gear.

Image20181014_150006 by dereknferguson, on Flickr

The nearly finished engine.

Image20181016_204718 by dereknferguson, on Flickr

The main airframe ready for painting.

Image20181016_210244 by dereknferguson, on Flickr

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Wes_Howes
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Re: Build thread: Tamiya 1/32 Spitfire IX - update 2

Post by Wes_Howes »

Fantastic job Derek :clap: The detail in that kit would certainly put me off, with my fists of ham :hide:

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neilos
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Re: Build thread: Tamiya 1/32 Spitfire IX - update 2

Post by neilos »

Crikey, the engine is a work of art on its own! :clap:

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DerekF
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Re: Build thread: Tamiya 1/32 Spitfire IX - update 2

Post by DerekF »

A quick update.

In the spray booth, ready for some yellow and Sky.

Image20181018_191841 by dereknferguson, on Flickr

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DerekF
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Re: Build thread: Tamiya 1/32 Spitfire IX - update 3

Post by DerekF »

The Medium Sea Grey on the underside. Sprayed using the new Hataka paints.

Image20181019_151100 by dereknferguson, on Flickr

Once masked, I sprayed the Ocean grey topside. I'll it settle for a day before maskng the dark green.

Image20181019_170055 by dereknferguson, on Flickr

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DerekF
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Re: Build thread: Tamiya 1/32 Spitfire IX - update 4

Post by DerekF »

Another update.

The dark green now applied and the landing gear attached. The landing gear is actually screwed rather than glued in.

Image20181021_150904 by dereknferguson, on Flickr

Next up decals.

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DerekF
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Re: Build thread: Tamiya 1/32 Spitfire IX - update 5

Post by DerekF »

Now complete. It all fits beautifully and goes together surprisingly quickly. The only issue I had was getting the cowls to fit after assembly. I suspect it's my own fault. Everything fits so precisely that the slightest error is compounded by the time final assembly is reached. Finished in the markings of MH737 FF-Y of 132 Sqn at RAF Detling in 1943 from the Xtradecal sheet X32020.

I would happily build another one if it wasn't quite so expensive.

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Wes_Howes
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Re: Build thread: Tamiya 1/32 Spitfire IX - complete

Post by Wes_Howes »

Cor blimey Derek, you rattled that one off pretty quick! Superb job you've made of it too :clap:

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st24
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Re: Build thread: Tamiya 1/32 Spitfire IX - complete

Post by st24 »

Excellent Derek, some nice subtle weathering there.. :clap:
You caaan't trust the system... Maaan!

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Wrexham Mackem
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Re: Build thread: Tamiya 1/32 Spitfire IX - complete

Post by Wrexham Mackem »

Very nice indeed, and rather an inspiration to pick one of these kits up myself. I hope it turns out as well as this.

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