Kotare 1/32 Spitfire Mk. 1 (Mid)

The kit was purchased from Napier retailer 'Cool Toys', and was manufactured in China. The owner of the company called Kotare is a New Zealander, and the design and engineering of the kitset was carried out by members of the now defunct Wingnut Wings company. Kotare is the word from the Maori language for the native kingfisher of New Zealand.

[@philipgarmonsway7457]

Royal New Zealand Air Force was formed from the NZ Permanent Air force on 1 April 1937. Model looks very nice. I have one waiting for me back in NZ.

[@mailtompowell]

Lovely to see a bit of a walk-through. Waiting patiently for mine to arrive on the east coast of the USA.

[@PiperStart]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@garyneedham3934]

Many thanks for a great review on this much awaited subject. I have to say however, that no riveting details in large 1/32 (raised or recessed) which were such a prominent feature on the real airframe is most surprising to see. EDUARD do them wonderfully on their magnificent range of Spitfires even in smaller 1/48 scale. Given the provenance of the Kotare team, I am quite surprised by this omission of such a prominent feature of the actual Spitfire airframe. Thanks again for the early 'heads up' on this much anticipated kit.

[@BAGHEAD1995]

The rivets (Although represented nicely by Eduard) are way too big and prominent for a spitfire in 1.48. In reality the spitfire was flush riveted then puttied over, apart from the rear portion or fuselage where it has domed rivets. So technically, the Kotare kit is much more accurate.

[@garyneedham3934]

@@BAGHEAD1995 If you wanted to be completely accurate for "technically"scale as you suggest, then the kit (any) wouldn't even have panel lines and certainly not 'recessed' ones either. It is however a model kit and as such, needs such details to avoid looking like a toy. Tamiya's surface detail on their now 12+ years old 32 range of Spitfires looks much superior to this. If the Kotare kit was about £60.00 I could live with the omission of surface details but at close on £100 (UK retail), then not so much. When compared to Tamiya 32 single seater kits (Spit, F4-U, P-51 etc) and newer Zoukei-Mura stuff like their 109G-14 kit, then it isn't good value at all at this price. Ultimately, 'each to their own' and all that but it is a 'pass' from me.

[@FinsburyPhil]

Looks fantastic. Some people have been commenting over the past few months about the low parts count for the price, but there is so much fine detail included in things like the cockpit sidewall moulding that would be maybe 50 separate parts on some other kits. This will present a bit more of a challenge for painting though. I for one am glad that there isn't engine and gunbay detail - I rarely pose these things open so all that detail is a waste of money for me. Perhaps they can do 'exposed' versions later. I hear that there is a MkV coming; I'd really like to see a very early (two-blade prop) Mk.I or even the K5054 prototype.

[@PiperStart]

Thanks for your comments. You're quite right that many of us don't need the extra 50 parts precisely because they will be covered up and never be seen. As a result, I think this kit will be an enjoyable build and very easy on the eye.

[@pauka13]

I'm pretty sure that eduard will jump on this kit and release a lot of 3d printed and resin parts for those who want to build a superdetailed Spitfire.

[@neilharrison1420]

What a amazing review,thank you so much for sharing,can't wait till I get my own

[@PiperStart]

Thanks for watching!

[@warrenchambers4819]

Hmmm first I've heard of this company or the spitfire? Guess I've been outta touch more than I thought eh? Haha. Kit looks great as it would need to be in that range due to so much competition.

[@ZinzanModelling]

Dear Max, I am very pleased that you managed to put up what appears to be the first video of this much awaited kit. Mine is enroute from NZ and I am looking forward to seeing mine when it arrives! Good luck with the project! Regards, Z

[@PiperStart]

Many thanks!

[@herrlogan17]

For me personally, I would go with Eduard for 48 or Tamiya for 32 scale because of the surface detail. Tamya is so good in all that rivet detail.

[@MrJstone00]

mk.I spitfires had flush wing rivets that were puttied over similar to the Mustang wing, so the Kotare is accurate there

[@herrlogan17]

@@MrJstone00 Yes, I know, but there is still some detail even when flush rivets. But I am no expert, seems like a good kit, the manual is Wingnut quality 👍

[@davew3130]

Great review of what appears to be a beautiful kit. For me, I prefer a lower parts count with precise molded in detail, especially at this scale because it will end up on the display shelf much sooner. Anxiously awaiting my copy from New Zealand. I’m located in West Central Pennsylvania.

[@PiperStart]

Totally agree

[@Harikejn]

Very interesting review as well. Keep up the work.

[@paulkearns8838]

Very interesting! The spine of the fuselage is a separate piece.. for easier seam hiding, or providing for future marks? But then,the engine area forward of the firewall looks to be fairly well fixed for a Mk I or II.

[@petrkonvicka9951]

Thank you …. amazing Stuff Can’t wait to get mine 😊

[@PiperStart]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@ApriliaRSV4F]

I received mine last week.

[@jasonlee6744]

Got to agree, looks amazing but I too thought there would be rivets, very dispiriting. Thanks for a great review.

[@PiperStart]

Thanks for watching! I have looked up the Britmodeller forum re rivets on the Mark 1, and apparently, they were barely visible on the actual plane, so on a small model probably invisible:  Gold Member  11.3k Gender:Male Location:Lewes. Sussex Interests:Hurricane data collation Posted August 6, 2016 well, recessed rivets are trendy, the only place on a Spit I they are relevant are on the rear of the wings, the leading edges are very smooth, they are thicker metal, and the rivets are flush, filled and rubbed down,and are thus nearly invisible in 1:1 have a look here for some very detailed pic of a Mk I www.primeportal.net/hangar/mark_hayward/supermarine_spitfire_mk1a_p9444/

[@randallbriggs256]

The cover art is by Darryl Legg.

[@PiperStart]

Thanks for that. Ironically, it was easier to read off the video than off the box, which was affected at the time by light from the windows.

[@MontyGumby]

Never heard of this brand This is from nz ?

[@PiperStart]

Yes, just started after Wingnut Wings company closed down.

[@robertmunoz7543]

Sounds EYE TALIAN?😳 $64K dolla question,how much?🤔 Jman

[@PiperStart]

El modelo de plástico se fabrica en China. el precio es de 100 euros.

[@robertmunoz7543]

@@PiperStart 😳

[@lostsock9852]

ngl, I'm disappointed to see so much moulded-on detail (cockpit, air intakes etc.) I'll await other reviews, but I'm now in two minds over this kit (set)

[@PiperStart]

Understandable, but I do a lot of ship kits where there are plenty of tiny bits and pieces, so this is going to be a more relaxing build, and just the painting, weathering and decals to provide a challenge.

[@lostsock9852]

@@PiperStart I understand the value of moulded-on detail at 1:350, 1:700 etc. But at 1:32, this is Toytown stuff.

[@lostsock9852]

@@PiperStart Moulded-on details make sense at 1:350 or 1:700, where the parts are teeny-tiny, but at 1:32 and this price point It's really not encouraging. But all that really matters is you have fun!

[@b5442]

better get the rivet wheel out then.

[@geordie_mech]

Well, that's not what I was expecting. Looks to have a serious lack of detail given the price! No engine, split tyres with molded hubs, landing gear moulding looks soft and so does the cockpit. I'm pulling out of this one. Over hyped kit.