Tamiya 1/32 Spitfire Advice

[oldnovice]

Afternoon folks.

I need some advice, clarification, suggestions etc

I will be, (As soon as Paypal release my funds; a**eholes), be buying Tamiya's 1/32 Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXc 60319, and I was over on Eduard looking at the PE sets, and came across two which I think are compatible.

Late: https://www.eduard.com/store/eduard/spi ... m=spitfire

Early: https://www.eduard.com/store/eduard/spi ... m=spitfire

Have I got the right sets?

And, I won't pretend to know much about the Spitfire, I just think it's a gorgeous plane. What are the differences between early and late versions, and as I am building purely for enjoyment, does it even matter?

Also, I've seen Paul's review of this kit, are these sets even needed???


Also, I came across these for the Revell version at the same scale, would they be compatible with/better than the Tamiya kit?

Late: https://www.eduard.com/store/eduard/spi ... m=spitfire

Early: https://www.eduard.com/store/eduard/spi ... m=spitfire


Thanks in advance

[sheppsea]

I was reading up on this a few weeks ago and I *think* the fuselage was different in the early and late version and the way to tell the difference is that the early version had a light behind the antennae on top of the main fuselage, so it depends which version you're building (I think the Tamiya kit has one of each so it depends on which markings you plane of using). I would wait for confirmation from someone more knowledgable though

Whether an aftermarket set is needed is always personal opinion - personally I like using aftermarket and think it normally adds a lot to the build, especially in cockpits, although from what I have heard Tamiya 1/32 planes have outstanding detail without it

I think the 1/32 Revell planes are generally a cheaper version which are decent but not outstanding in the way a Tamiya kit is, but again I don't have experience of either as I prefer 1/48

[oldnovice]

Hiya, thanks for the info.

I'd already decided that I will be making the RAF version, Set A in the manual, and the little knowledge I have tells me the clipped wings (set C) is a late varient, so on that basis alone I would say Early...

I guess I could order the kit first and then the detail sets after once I've had a look, but I detest doing that, I prefer to order everything at once.


Thanks

[sheppsea]

I also think the A and B options are the early variants, and C is the late, but I don't think the clipped wings necessarily affect that - I think from a certain point onward all variants could have clipped, normal or extended wings

Again, I am no expert so take anything I say with a pinch of salt

[Stokesy44]

Don't buy the Eduard sets that are marked for the Revell kit.

The Tamiya Spitfire is an entirely different beast and an engineering marvel, they are chalk and cheese so the PE will almost certainly not match.

As for the kit itself, if you're planning to build J-EJ then you want the early set. Both it and the desert version are earlies, the French version is a late with the enlarged rudder and elevators along with the enlarged air scoop under the nose. The later version also has a gyroscopic gun sight as opposed to the older reflector sight, the PE sets may take that into account.

Are they worth it? Its a stunning kit on its own so pick your aftermarket carefully. There's more than just Eduard out there too. Barracuda do resin bits for the kit and also a set of tiny cockpit placard decals which are fiddly but stunning.

If it were me I would want 2 specific bits of aftermarket. Replacement rocker covers with the Rolls Royce logo for the engine and a coloured PE instrument panel as the kit one is not too flash.

[oldnovice]

Thanks. I've had a quick look at Barracuda's stuff, and the only thing I would possibly want from them are the rocker covers. I am tied between them with the log embossed, and Eduard's PE with the logo in relief...

[shortCummins]

if it were me I'd opt for a Yahu instrument panel as they are stunning!

https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/YMA3220

rgds
John(shortCummins)

[Stokesy44]

if it were me I'd opt for a Yahu instrument panel as they are stunning!

https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/YMA3220

rgds
John(shortCummins)

Absolutely. I have used one in a 1/48 Hurricane and it was beautiful. Great thing about them as well is they don't come with loads of other bits you don't need - but have to pay for.

I have a couple in 1/32 scale for the FLY Hurricane kits in my stash and they are amazing to look at. Well worth it.

[Paul]

The only thing I would add to the Tamiya spitfire is aftermarket decals and if you need it a canopy mask set. Its plenty detailed out the box imo.

[GMahaffey]

The difference between the early and late versions is the production runs of the aircraft, first several runs are early and then it turns to the late versions.

[das84]

I'm working on this kit at the moment and it would be a stunning build out of the box. I've thrown loads of aftermarket into mine but only because it came with the kit when I bought it.