Spitfire MK VIII from Tamiya

I'll be getting this kit asap via my contact in Japan who late last year got me one of the first Spitfire Mk IX's. Unfortunately I'm restricted to only one kit from this source so I have also pre-ordered one from a Japan based model shop.

The kit includes a fully detailed Hispano cannon and wing machine guns, something that was originally intended for the Mk IX. When the Mk IX was released I was told that it missed out on these 'goodies' because they weren't ready in time. I've since learned that this is untrue! Tamiya could have included these armaments in the kit but didn't for marketing reasons. We all bought the Mk IX, now we are all going to buy the Mk VIII if for no other reason than to get those extra bits for use in the IX! Clever marketing it certainly is but its all wasted on me. I was always going to buy both kits!

Spitfire Mk VIII model in 1/32nd scale and the big Mossie

I have it on good authority that Tamiya will be releasing a 1/32nd scale Spitfire Mk VIII this year. Yes that's THIS year, 2010. If you already have the Mk IX version you would have noticed that Tamiya has made provision for further marks including the beautiful Mk VIII. This is good news for RAAF scale modellers who are looking to build an RAAF Spitfire Mk VIII. Expect to see it around xmas time.

I'm still working on Airfix's BIG Mossie in 1/24th scale. As I mentioned before, the kit is a bit of a disappointment and isn't in the same league in terms of quality as Tamiya's 1/32nd Spitfire IX. The large scale has in some ways worked against the kit making it look somewhat 'toy like'. In this scale any kit needs to be highly detailed or else it will simply look like a big toy. Unfortunately Airfix treated it in terms of detail as it would say a 1/48 kit but in 1/24 scale this just isn't sufficient. It may end up hanging in the apricot tree this summer to scare away the birds!

Get pernickety!

Tamiya's 1/32nd Spitfire is good but it's not perfect. Aero Imageworks 'Pernickety Spitfire Mk IX' brings the kit a few steps closer to perfection. It includes replacement cockpit instrument panel decals plus detail information. RRP $29.95. Past customers of AI pay only $24.95. To be released soon!

Mosquito Squadron

Here's some highlights from a classic war movie featuring the sleek de Havilland Mosquito. Great viewing while you build Airfix's huge de Havilland Mosquito kit. The kit is a bit of a disappointment with a 'toy-like' feel and quality to it in stark contrast to Tamiya's Spitfire Mk IX.

'We like it better that way' - Spitfire fighter sweep in 1942

Spitfires Mk VB's from No. 64 squadron armed with 20mm Hispano cannon and .303 browning machine guns feature in this wartime newsreel.

Ring Ring!

Had a phone call yesterday from an angry and belligerent David Harvey making threats. Simply appalling behaviour from someone who unfortunately seems to be incapable of showing due respect to his betters.

How to build a 1:32nd scale Tamiya Spitfire Mk IX

I'll start this week an illustrated article on the Aero Imageworks website describing how to build Tamiya's superb 1:32nd scale Spitfire Mk IX as JE-J EN398 flown by W/C JE Johnson. The kit will be for the most part built straight out of the box but with a few deviations and amendments. I'll be deviating from Tamiya's instructions when it comes to the camouflage and markings for JE-J as these aren't particularly accurate. Much of the information presented in the article isn't exclusive to JE-J and would be relevant to any 'early' MK IX. There's also some interesting details that have been uncovered that perhaps only those with a ground or aircrew background would have picked up.

How to build Tamiya's Spitfire Mk IX