Peterpools Posted June 4, 2022 Share Posted June 4, 2022 Getting ready to start my next aircraft build: the Tamiya 1/32 Spitfire Mk XVIe. I've ordered already quite a bit of AM detail sets from Barracuda and have the Quinta 3D Decals set as well. So far, I've built two Tamiya Spitfires so I'm not expecting any surprises 🤞. I wanted to try using the Montex mask set for this build (I never used masks before), but they specify it is for the Tamiya Mk XVI kit and Tamiya does not make that version, just the Mk XVIe. I know the differences between the two marks are exterior wise nominal, but the big difference is the Mk XVI has the RR Merlin 66 engine while the Mk XVIe has the US license built 266 version. From my research they aren't the same and are not interchangeable. There are also a few external differences on the cowling due to the different engines. Without being any more long winded, are the Montex markings marked incorrectly and are for the Packed Merlin version or are they in fact correct for the PP Merlin version? I'm guessing the RR version is also in the kit with so many parts not being used. I want to stick with the Packard 266 Merlin as the kit is intended to be. I found a set of Life LIke decals which seem to be direct replacement for the kit decals. I haven't bought either yet and hoping to be able to buy the Montex set. Much appreciate Keep 'em comin Peter 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bomber_County Posted June 5, 2022 Share Posted June 5, 2022 Peter, only ever built one Spit in my modelling career and that was badly. So going to watch with fervent interest. One Spit and no Hurricanes, how remiss am I………. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KevinM Posted June 5, 2022 Share Posted June 5, 2022 No help from me either Peter but I do like that PRU but I have an affliction for those in Mustangs. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peterpools Posted June 5, 2022 Author Share Posted June 5, 2022 Phil Now the Embraer is completed (GB) I need to finish the GT40 which should be sometime next week, I'll be diving into the Spit. Glad you'll be along for the ride. Keep 'em comin Peter 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peterpools Posted June 5, 2022 Author Share Posted June 5, 2022 Kev I've built more Tamiya Mustangs and Spits then any other type in my display case and this bad boy will bring the total to six. Biting the bit to start but need a few more modeling work sessions to finish up my GT40 and then the Spitfire is front and center. I'm still waiting for my good size Barracuda Resin order but when I ready to start and it's not here, I'll jump on the engine first. BTW, there are more Tamiya Mustangs and Spitfires in the stash - just can never have enough. Keep 'em comin Peter 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spitfire Posted June 5, 2022 Share Posted June 5, 2022 Hi Peter, from Spifire the History (Shacklady) the Spitfire XVI was the F IX powered by the Packard Merlin 266. The letter in the designation normally designates the wing armament. More information of the XVI can be found here; http://spitfiresite.com/2010/04/spitfire-mk-ix-xi-and-xvi-variants-much-varied.html Cheers Dennis 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KevinM Posted June 5, 2022 Share Posted June 5, 2022 Peter I just got three more Eduard 1/48 Mustangs and two will be PR crates the other an Aussie.To many kits not enough time. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlrwestSiR Posted June 5, 2022 Share Posted June 5, 2022 Peter, the Montex masks are fine for the Tamiya kit. As Dennis mentioned, the XVI denoted the Packard Merlin versus the RR one. So you could have both high- and low-back XVIs. One thing with the masks. Montex use a very thick and not very flexible material for the canopy masks. I've found on curved areas they tend to lift very easily. So use with caution. The Lifelike decals are very nice. They do several sheets but some may be sold out. Carl 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peterpools Posted June 5, 2022 Author Share Posted June 5, 2022 Thanks Carl I'm going to buy the Montex set and see how that goes. For the canopy, I'll use the kit masking. Keep 'em comin Peter 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KevinM Posted June 5, 2022 Share Posted June 5, 2022 3 hours ago, BlrwestSiR said: Montex use a very thick and not very flexible material for the canopy masks. I've found on curved areas they tend to lift very easily. So use with caution. I found that out on the He-111 nothing that a toothpick could not fix but still. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GusMac Posted June 5, 2022 Share Posted June 5, 2022 Hi Peter, Maketar also do masks for the XVIe which I used on mine and found them very easy to use 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peterpools Posted June 5, 2022 Author Share Posted June 5, 2022 Thanks Gus very much appreciate information - that just might save the day. Any chance you would have the link or product number. Keep 'em comin Peter 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlrwestSiR Posted June 6, 2022 Share Posted June 6, 2022 Peter, try the following. https://shop.maketar.com/ You have the choice of Kabuki or vinyl for the masking material. The vinyl is the grey one that most folks like. They often use the discount code Maketar so give that a try when you check out. Edit: if you do place an order with them, check out their Utility masks. I've found the sheet they do of circles to be very handy for masking small circles. https://shop.maketar.com/?product=yellow-kabuki-masking-circles Carl 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peterpools Posted June 6, 2022 Author Share Posted June 6, 2022 Carl Shall do and thank you for the information. Actually, looking forward to using masks for the first time. Keep 'em comin Peter 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DocRob Posted June 6, 2022 Share Posted June 6, 2022 If in doubt, I would always chose the Kabuki variant if available. I had very mixed results with different types of vinyl masks. They are not as flexible, do not adhere as well, tend to shrink more, than Kabuki. I used masks from Maketar on several builds and they were perfect. The circular masks, Carl recommended are really very helpful. Cheers Rob 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peterpools Posted June 6, 2022 Author Share Posted June 6, 2022 Rob I ordered the mask set from Maketar and when it arrives in 2-3 weeks, I'll post some pics in the upcoming build thread and do a test or two. Will be looking for all the advice I can get then as I never used a mask set for any of my builds. Keep 'em comin Peter 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BlrwestSiR Posted June 6, 2022 Share Posted June 6, 2022 Peter, I just added a thread to the Hints & Tips section on using masks. Hope it answers your questions. Carl 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peterpools Posted June 6, 2022 Author Share Posted June 6, 2022 Carl Dr appointment in a little bit and I'll surely be heading over and reading very carefully your hints and tips on using masks. Thanks for all the help Keep 'em comin Peter 2 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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