Peterpools

Very much appreciated Scott. So glad you like the Spitfire build.

Thanks Paul, very much appreciated. A thoroughly fun and enjoyable build for a change and of course, there will be more Spitfires down the road. Looking forward to the Kotare Spit MK 5 due out this fall.

Hubert, Oh no, not the firing squad at dawn!

Thanks Hubert. Yup, flaps down for a change. This is my sixth 32nd scale Spitfire and all have the flaps up and I wanted to have a slightly different look on this build. Even have the small top wing surface indicator doors open (what a pain) of showing the pilot that the flaps are down - just looks kind of cool and different.

Thanks John, so much for the very kind words. Still for me, nothing as rewarding and satisfying as a Tamiya kit - awesome in every respect.

Tamiya's Spitfire kits certainly set the standard for large scale kits when they were first introduced. Having built four of Tamiya Spitfires so far, they still serve as one of the benchmarks for large scale aircraft kits. Built as always, nearly OOB with just some AM added: A Quinta Cockpit set and some Barracuda Resin: cockpit door and wheel set. After the Eaglecal Decals cracked and shattered, I reverted to using the kit decals which turned out to be a pleasure to use. .

DONE AND IN THE BOOKS Calling the Spitfire Done and in the Books. An enjoyable build with no bumps in the road –Tamiya quality and precision, with the only issues being the AM decals; the kit decals worked just fine and I should have just used them from the start. The only roadblock was losing two parts and thank goodness incredible Tamiya Customer Service – so very much appreciated. Yes, I know Spitfires had their flaps raised on the ground but with all of my Spitfire models displayed that way, I wanted this Spit to be a bit different, so the flaps are down and the aluminum inner surfaces were done in Tamiya LP-90 Gloss Aluminum and the upper wing indicator doors open. Tamiya X22 Clear Gloss seal cote went on next to blend and seal both the decals and the panel line washes. Lastly, I applied Alclad ALC 311 Klear Kote Light Sheen, which is my normal practice for a good few years now. Of course, I managed to lose another small part right at the finish, the front windscreen rear view mirror and I just can’t bring myself to ask Tamiya to replace it.

Thanks Martin, much appreciated. Of course, now I'll need to find a quick build so I'll be ready for the start of the Sandbox GB

Thanks Carl, very much appreciated. Been moving ahead with the last of the airbrush work and one or two days more and the Spitfire should be finished.

Thanks John much appreciated. Just finished air brushing on the clear gloss fill cote and will let it dry for a few days, then the Alclad Semi Gloss for the final clear. Thanks for pointing out that the post from the top of the rudder needed to be removed - done.

Thanks Chris, so very much appreciated. So far, the Tamiya Spitfire has been a pleasure to build and if I would have just gone with the kit decals from the start, there wouldn't have been any issues at all. When I started the Spitfire, I didn't even know we were going to have a second GB this year or what it would be. Since it looks as if the Sandbox theme is going to be the clear winner and choice, I'm all ready with the meng IAF AH-64D Saraf . I'm chopping on the bit to get going on it.

John Not too bad of a fit but that's a major league step for sure. Well worth the extra clean up work as the details look amazing.

THE HOME STRETCH Steady progress as I keep completing and adding the remaining parts and small assemblies. UMP Dark Dirt Panel Line Wash has been done and does a nice job of highlighting the surface details. All the tiny remain Tamiya decals have also been added. Not shown but done, the landing gear with Barracuda resin wheels and tires, Barracuda cockpit door with crowbar, antennas - all to be added at the end of the build. Next up is the Tamiya X-22 clear gloss blend and seal cote, followed by the last clear cote: Alclad Semi Gloss which has been my go-to top cote for a good few years now. Lots of detail/brush painting to be done plus adding the remaining clear lights. Sometime this coming week, the Spitfire should cross the finish line and roll out onto the flight line.

Kev Agreed, we all spend so much time on the interior and then as soon as the fuselage is closed up - nothing except a small portion of the front office and inside the turrets can be seen. We always justify it by saying: at least I know it's all in there, but in reality, right with you - a big waste of time. These past few years, I've stated to leave out all the hidden details which take so much time and tend to complicate the build as well. Manufactures should include the removable inspection/maintenance panels so the details can be seen.

Scott Looking mighty good - perfectly done.

WOW, incredible work.

Rob Some mighty incredible progress and looking so good. I had a feeling you were deep into the Cobra build and had devoted most of your time to it. Seems drilling holes for locating parts and for future assemblies is the backbone of the kit assembly process and easily occupies a great deal of the build time. I didn't realize there was a 'hole manual' and I'm very curious as to what it looks like and how it is used. Since you're working mostly in metals, are you using a different type of drill and drill bits as compared to the set up for drilling holes in plastic?

Martin Enjoy the build and I'll be following your progress. Amusing is a new company for me and so is the subject.

John Looking might good and right with you as the resin nose does look a lot more finely detailed.

Paul Nice addition to the collection. The 1/16th scale kits are gems for sure. Enjoy

Chris I just love everything about the B-58 and only wish an up to date kit would come our way in either 48th or 72 nd scale. I'm to much of a traditionalist and would opt for a gleaming and polished NMF Hustler. 👍

Kev Spectacular both the model and the display case base. A true craftsman.

Kev So very nicely done.

Carl Happy Birthday my friend and enjoy your special day with family, friends, a huge party and of course a birthday cake.

John Nice work on the office - looking mighty good.