Tamiya 1/32 Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXc

Started this on the 2nd January 2010 whilst watching Rob Roy on the telly with the kit on my lap as I dabbed away with the brush on the cockpit components. Such was my return to the hobby after several decades. I had little in the way of tools at the time and from my lap I progressed to a small dining table and from there to my present location in the bedroom closet! But if I had at my disposal that festive night what I have now, I know I could have made a better job of some of the aspects of this build. Sounds like a case of a bad workman blaming his tools, but you have to have tools in order to blame them in the first place!
This is MH552/R of No.73 Squadron, RAF Brindisi, Italy, 1945.
Built mostly OOB apart from the RB Productions Sutton QT Harness, the Master Hispano canon barrels and the decals by Extradecal.
The plaques are not fixed and I can use this base for that 1/32 109E-4 that's coming along nicely!

[@MrVirtube]

This takes me back about 30 years! I remember making many of these kits as a lad but nothing anywhere near the very high standard you've achieved. Fantastic model of a wonderful plane. Thanks for sharing it.

[@kiltedvampire]

I was given a gift of a 1/24 Me109 to build. I am reasonably in awe of your work! It has inspired me to take it on! Thank you!

[@sebdurbs99]

Seriously? This guy is incredible! He does not need any practice. This is a master piece and to me, does not look "toyish" at all!

[@tartin69]

What a talent and inspiration you are,your realism and attention to detail are second to none!!,showed the wife for a hint at my xmas present,even she was blown away :-),equally love the music,tried to "SHAZAM" it,but no luck,please post what it is,thank you,Martin

[@GRAHAMAUS]

Wonderful model, congratulations! I haven't built a model in well over thirty years but videos like this are seriously inspiring me to give it a fresh go. Not only have the tools and materials come a long way, but the internet allows so much more sharing of tips and techniques so we can all get better results. Thanks for sharing!

[@Yaris510]

Right, thank you. One can't help but be envious of your talent and attention to detail!

[@ArchangelActual]

O MY GOSH!! I don't even know how to DESCRIBE this! Those 17 months really paid off! Great Job!

[@opalprestonshirley1700]

Beautifully done. Loads of detail, great paint job and weathering. Thanks for sharing.

[@Artenreich]

Your models are the best i have ever seen! Enormeous details. Please give us some more insights. I would also love to see some detailed tipps on weathering and aging details. Thanks again for sharing your amazing skills.

[@chancerNW]

That is gorgeous work. I love the way the model is displayed. The weathering and washes worked brilliantley. Youve done a love job on the build vid. Nicely put together with excellent clear photos. All round a very well done. Looking forward to seeing the next build.

[@johnathan9291]

Really love the weathering. Excellent.

[@viperloo66]

i'm just bought a few air plane models learning how to build them, and this one is the best one i've seen so far. hope more tutorial video from you.

[@mexican416]

the amount of detail in this is unreal, i hope to be as good as this one day

[@MakingModelsAgain]

Firstly, thank you! MIGs pigments are a range of fine powders that you can use to add weathering rffrcts to models. You get them in a variety of shades and can be used dry or with care, wet. Takes a bit of getting used to, but I often prefer them to washes and in some cases pre-shading! Hope this helps! :)

[@yooperdewper]

this is amazing..ive built model cars for many years and have always been a little bewildered as to why the airplane kits have always been so greatly detailed..i mean sharp, crisp molds and they just seem to be better kits right out of the box.also ive always been overly impressed with people such as yourself who can turn plastic, no matter its box opening state, into such a piece of art.bravo man..great model

[@metalmorgan]

The depth of detail and clarity is amazing

[@MakingModelsAgain]

It's a fine powder that is available in a variety of different colours and is primarily used for weathering techniques and is made by a company called MIG. They do all sorts of cool stuff and you can get it online no bother! I use it all the time and highly recommend it. Happy modelling!

[@zephy1001]

that is absolutely beautiful i really have to get my hands on a tamiya spitfire kit i knew they were good but that is amazing and the weathering effect is awesome

[@MakingModelsAgain]

Thank you! :) I use a mix of Black Smoke and Dark Mud which gives a nice, grimey brown. I keep it in a little jar and occasionally add a little black to darken or Europe Dust to lighten and give an almost rusty colour.

[@Allurian]

Fantastic looking kit mate, all the weathering and paint scratching effects look mint. Thank you for sharing an inspiring build like this with us. I have an F-14 tomcat and a Supermarine Spitfire brand new kit I think i need to crack open in the garage.

[@treywall3683]

Wow, i have been handed a Revell Spitfire Mkv, 1;72 by a friend of mine and have been looking online for hints and tips,had no idea it was so in depth,really interesting and has got my attention,but i have to say yours is fantastic,the detail is amazing,well done,i think i will just hang my glue pot up and walk away.

[@MakingModelsAgain]

Not at all, my friend! :) I was flabbergasted when I returned to the hobby (with this kit as well) and there is no end you can take detailing to. That being said, after several heavily detailed builds, I'm currently enjoying an Out-of-the-Box renaissance (ie just building what's in the box with no additional detailing) and it's great fun. So get stuck in about your 1/72 kit and forget about what everyone else is doing and just have a blast with it! Good luck and happy modelling! :)

[@MakingModelsAgain]

I saw a build in a magazine recently, where the modeller did the exact opposite and lightened the panel lines and adjacent panel edges as, in reality, the panels would be faded there. I'm considering trying this on the Hellcat I'm working on. Fingers crossed!

[@awesomenoob6281]

im seriously not gonna lie, im being honest, out of the thousands of the videos of models ive seen THIS one IS THEE best. you should be proud, this is amazing :)

[@TheFaeruthir]

Absolutely phenomenal build mate! The after shading using pigments is a great idea! I'll be putting that to use on the trumpeter 1/48 p-40 I'm building at the mo. guys like you are an inspiration! Keep it up :)

[@MakingModelsAgain]

@Johnjljc Thanks John. I was amazed by how much the hobby had changed: resin, photoetch, vacform....etc. This model was very much a learning experience. Heck, the one I'm working on now is as much an education as anything - I'm making my own vacformed canopies to replace the kit's chunky original - and in 1/144 no less!!! Hope you're going to post your build videos on YT!?!?

[@MakingModelsAgain]

Thank you and welcome back! 'Fraid the scenery has changed a bit since you were last building, but it's changed totally for the better. There is nothing you can't do now!

[@TheGilounet]

Thanks for sharing your great works with nice videos! Music is cool too. Greeting from Paris.

[@ianewers9841]

A joy to watch. The beauty is in the detail. Long may these skills live!!!

[@sonofdog1]

Really nice work. I borrow some of the techniques you physical modelers use for my 3D work, so I always appreciate the attention to detail here.

[@InternationalBritishModeler]

Awesome looking Spit! Great job all round! :)

[@taft788]

She is a beauty - well worth all the effort you put in, and as for time - who was clock watching.... you got her there in the end. Splendid :-)

[@TheFilthyMcNasty]

Wow, beautiful weathering and attention to detail. Big thumbs up.

[@GOTHICAMESSAIH]

Serious Detail! you must have 1 steady hand.. and that is amazing painting. Can see your a Pro at this. Beautiful Models. 10/10

[@thegreatandpowerfulfloops4404]

This is the most stunning model I have ever seen well done

[@MakingModelsAgain]

+Mikey Taylor Well, thank you very much for those kind words! :)

[@mikeday62]

I subscribed as I was blown away by your amazing engine and cockpit detail and panel lines. All the good bits must be scratch built I would guess. Also the video production and music is fabulous!

[@Mannock]

This is so beautiful that I could cry. Marvellous job!

[@MakingModelsAgain]

You are more than welcome, Martin! I'd quite like to have a go at a detailed Typhoon myself - their engines are odd-looking beasts, but they themselves look very powerful animals!

[@highflying82]

WoW a masterpeice beautiful...notice the hand steadying glass of red in the early snaps...my hat comes off to u thumbs up and thanx for sharing.

[@MakingModelsAgain]

jeff nicholls Thanks Jeff. The wine/beer/whiskey is a key ingredient to getting through most builds! :)

[@Querencias7]

Fantastic build! A true work of art MMA. Taking time off worked wonders. Congrats.

[@jmcgerigle]

If you count scratches and grime as attractive, that engine is gorgeous. well worth the time taken for the re-boot.

[@MakingModelsAgain]

+Séamus MacGinnus Thanks, Séamus.

[@kimbritton6766]

superb model air craft,superb paint job and dio too,i hope we will see more of your work,i will look for words to your next upload thx for sharing with us;-)

[@MakingModelsAgain]

Cheers for that! :) Wow THREE Superfortresses - now that is dedication - especially at 1/48!!! They must be huge - no wonder it's taking you so long. I can't even begin to imagine how long that would take me! I do have a Fujimi 1/144 B-29 that I'm looking forward to getting started though! :)

[@elimarpiratelo1617]

Nice glass of red wine.... Very good spit. My favorite WW2 aircraft.

[@MakingModelsAgain]

Well, Matthew, I used Blu-Tak (or in this case White-Tak) rolled out into as even a 'sausage' as possible and used this the mask off the areas. Using this method, you get a sifter line between the camo shades. Works a treat, but best on larger scales. :)

[@waylowsworkshop]

Why do I watch your work and want to build all of these models?

[@PhilipHawthorne]

It was worth waiting for in the end! Lovely job.

[@MakingModelsAgain]

You're welcome! I've yet to build a 1/24 scale this time round. In fact, I think it's the only scale I haven't built! Quite fancy the Stuka again!

[@MakingModelsAgain]

@chancerNW Thank you so much for your kind words - makes all the effort worthwhile when others truly appreciate it! In contrast, I'm currently working on a couple of little 1/144s at the moment - a P-51D Mustang and the Aichi B7A2 with about 20 parts in total - i.e. both planes!

[@MakingModelsAgain]

Thanks! I didn't use the hairspary technique on this (or any model yet) chosing to use dry-brushing on the engine with some judiciously placed scratches on the crank case covers, using silver paint on a cocktail stick. However, it took several goes to get the engine looking like this, so don't get too despondant if yours isn't going as planned. In fact, none of my kits go 'as planned', the results being acceptable by some happy accident along the way, mainly! :)

[@MakingModelsAgain]

It's the 'white' version of Blu-Tak. Gives a nice soft edge to the camo pattern as opposed to the crisp edge you'd get with masking tape.

[@MakingModelsAgain]

Thank you! I used Tamiya acrylics and Johnson's Klear for the gloss coat, although from now on I think I'll be usin Alclad's Aqua Gloss instead. For the sating finish I used Vazllejo Satin varnish. It's a water-based varnish and sprays really well! :)

[@samzerafa3185]

Superb model with a professional finish !

[@guillermohoffmann8417]

well you have returned to the hobby and took it by storm for god sake!! . Well done mate!

[@MakingModelsAgain]

Yeah, they are are very rich powder that comes in a wide variety of colours. I use a mix of Smoke Black and Dark Mud which looks suitably grimy. Very easy to overdo it though and it's not quite so easy to remove once it's on, so slow, cautious application is the name of the game most times!

[@Tonyblack261]

Looks really great! I know what you mean about how much the hobby has changed over the years. I'm just getting back to it myself. One of the best things for the hobby seems to be the Internet and watching KZbin builds. I have learned so many techniques that I didn't previously know.

[@MakingModelsAgain]

Tony Blackwell The great thing about watching the many different ways people use to achieve the same effect is that it often sends you down path you didn't expect to find yourself taking and as a result, you create your own unique way of getting those results.

[@Manaritzis88]

+MakingModelsAgain nice wheatering but try to spray free hands with out masks for camo,it will be much more realistic

[@bobthejo1]

Jus finished making one of these and yours looks brilliant

[@georgebrown6540]

Far to much slacking I'm afraid, more dedication needed. Just kidding, yet another quality build and video Gary, thanks for sharing.

[@MakingModelsAgain]

I highly recommend getting any of the new 1/32 Tamiya kits - they are so well engineered that you could through a tube of glue in the box, give it a shake and it would probably come out looking great! Although, I wouldn't recommend that as a course of action.. hehee.. ;)

[@Nemesisrooster]

Absolutely brilliant! The use of pigments on the panel lines looks A1. The engine looks real enough to actually work. Instant sub from me.

[@MakingModelsAgain]

Thanks, Steve. I was fair chuffed with this one myself. It was the kit I started back into the hobby with and to say it was a learning curve was to say the least!

[@ManCupboardModels]

Amazing. Quality work!! Just returning to the hobby after 20 years. :)

[@OLDSCHOOL6239]

Great stuff I've been checking it out on e-bay there's all kinds to choose from thanks for informing me. I kept thinking it was something else made from scratch.

[@MakingModelsAgain]

@dondeyout1 Your humble servant, sir! Kind words indeed! The thing with weathering is that it can make or break a project and in fact, it was my first attempt at weathering, rather than my airbrushing that really caused the loss of heart. But time heals all wounds and here I am, looking at the stash for another build to compliment the one's on the bench. Probably going for the Academy 1/48 La-7 Lavochkin with a CMK resin cockpit. Maybe..... Anyway, looking forward to your next build, too!

[@MakingModelsAgain]

Well, thank you very much for your priase! The kit I'm working on at the moment won't have as much weathering as my usual builds and it'll be a little while before I get round to finishing it as I've been concentrating getting our garden shed fully converted to a model making den! Trust me, after spending so long sticking wood together, I'm ready to get back to plastic!!! :)

[@MakingModelsAgain]

Thank you very much! I suppose it comes down to the whole supply and demand thing. Manufacturers know their aircraft kits sell in big numbers and therefore they probably put a bit more effort into getting things right. In addition, there are all those aftermarket manufacturers who only make aircraft parts, so I suppose in some ways, it's a lot easier to detail a plane kit. That being said, I'm finding a lot of pleasure in scratch built detailing now, so that could be applied to anything! :)

[@MakingModelsAgain]

I did - many times during its construction, but for very different reasons! ;) However, thank you for the kind words. :)

[@MakingModelsAgain]

Good for you! I have a 1/48 Yak-9 in my stash too and it looks like a great kit, so good luck with yours!

[@JustinSkrakowski]

Man, I don't think you needed ANY practice! All your kits look AMAZING!!!

[@truckduck13]

Great work. Love the hobby myself and can appreciate your efforts.

[@MakingModelsAgain]

@slowstrummer Thank you! :) I have to say, Tamiya could release that engine as a stand alone kit and you'd think it a great kit! I enjoyed 'plumbing' it immensity. Not sure if it's 100% accurate in places, but I was happy with the overall effect! Again, thanks for your kind words! :)

[@MakingModelsAgain]

@thehjupo Thanks! Actually, although there may be over 350 parts in this kit, the fit of those parts is exemplary and therefore make the kit a lot easier than you might expect. It's the easiest thing to use the pigments that way - just brush on, brush off! Huh, sounding like Mr Myagi!!

[@MakingModelsAgain]

@SimpleModels Thanks! I think every modeller should make this kit at least once!

[@MakingModelsAgain]

@ialarmu Tamiya could sell the engine as a stand alone kit me thinks - it's so well detailed! The weathering is good if you make a mess first time as the satin varnish will allow you to simply wash off the pigment and start again!

[@MakingModelsAgain]

Fact of the matter is - I get by on a fairly hefty dose of luck and a 'wing and a prayer' basis! Someday I might have a clear idea what the hell I'm either doing right, or, more importantly, what I'm doing wrong. That being said, thank you for your kind words - it's those that inspire me! :)

[@MakingModelsAgain]

I now use Iwata, but at that time, I was using an ebay cheapie - £85 for compressor and TWO airbrushes. Granted, the compressor used to spit the paint at the model - quite literally at times. Long live Iwata!

[@Thunderhead7SMKR]

Wow, museum quality here, great work!! Cheers

[@dustprogamernew2048]

well done sir especially the engine it looks 100% realistic

[@MakingModelsAgain]

I watched you X-Wing series with interest! :) I'm halfway through the 1/72 FineMolds X-Wing, which I'm building as Wedge's bird. And by halfway, I mean fully built, but the fun of any Star Wars models is the weathering, so I still have lots of little bits to dirty up!

[@vincenzomor1964]

Bellissimo modello!!La base aerea di Brindisi è a pochi chilometri da casa mia!! Grazie!! Vincenzo dall'Italia.

[@MakingModelsAgain]

@P47ThunderboltJug Well, if you do, I can assure you, you will not be disappointed with this kit. It is superb in every respect. The engine alone is a kit in itself - there's so many parts to it! Good luck and maybe we'll see a video of your Spitfire some day!

[@Yaris510]

Wow, what a superb reconstruction of this beautiful 'plane, the definitive Mark of the Spitfire. I also really like the techno music. However, I have just one quibble: he mentions effecting some 'minor surgery' in order to accommodate the cannon blisters; pity he couldn't have shown what he actually did

[@vitalyromanov8777]

1:18 A little wine on the job never hurt anything ;)

[@ceconk123]

You just have to make tutorials!Because from any videos i have seen your work is unmatched!

[@MakingModelsAgain]

@bobthejo1 It's a great kit, isn't it? Had so much fun putting it together due to the fact it was so well engineered. You should make a video and put yours on here too!

[@shuichihayashi1606]

Nice finish,good work!!!

[@03vivel]

Good job! Amazing details and incredible paint job!

[@MakingModelsAgain]

@GekkoKamen Well, the method I used was to first spray the plane with, in this case, the dark sea grey colour. The, I rolled out a length of Blu-Tak and shaped it to the camo pattern, being careful to make a smooth contact line with the surface. Depending on the spray pattern of your airbrush, you may choose to fully mask out the grey areas with tape, masking solution etc. Then just spray the 2nd colour within the lines. This method gives a softer line between the colours. Good luck!

[@MakingModelsAgain]

@888HamilkarBarkas888 Coming from your good self, sir, those are indeed, words of high praise, given that your last tank actually looked more like tank than the tank probably did! Again, thanks for the kind words! :) I mix MIG's Dark Mud and Black Smoke together. I like the satin finish. Matt is too rough and holds too much pigment and of course, gloss doesn't hold any! The big, soft brush also distributes the pigment over the rest of the airframe, weathering that too. Then more satin to fix it!

[@MakingModelsAgain]

@awesomenoob6281 Well, what can I say to a comment like that but thank you very much! I think the little break away from the kit did me (and the final result) the world of good as I learned so much in between, a bit like Luke going off to Dagobah to learn the ways of the Force, so was it with me and my modelling skills. Although I didn't have to do it in a swamp! Once again, thank you for your most gracious comment! :)

[@2002And]

Another awesome build.. :) As I said in another earlier video of yours, the editing of your videos is very good. I have to try that Satin panel line weathering technique sometime soon, maybe in my Lancaster Bomber. but, I have to say, the end result of this model is very, very good.. :) I like the engine and cockpit detail.

[@MakingModelsAgain]

Basically, I had to pry the wider blisters out. Because they hadn't been glued for that long, they came away surprisingly easy, not damaging the surrounding plastic at all and only needing a little tidying up. I actually thought I was going to have to carry out some major repairs, but got lucky!

[@P47ThunderboltJug]

This is amazing! I love this hobby but want to work on it a lot more. I'll save up some money to progress and hopefully make it to this model some day D:

[@Nektar.]

I wish I was this good at models if I was I would do them all the time!

[@MakingModelsAgain]

In the case of this kit, Tamiya supply their own set of masking tape masks which, although you have to cut them out yourself, work very effectively. :)

[@olivergoodridgeify]

This is incredible im speechless

[@JackFlemingFan1]

Excellent job and excellent video!!

[@MrKrc2002]

very nice job on the spit, kelly

[@billy9115]

Hi I came across your Chanel and used to make model airfix my self when I was younger, I was wondering if you could do a step by step video of how you did the plaine above as I would love to get back into again. Brilliant model by the way

[@MakingModelsAgain]

I use a mix of Black Smoke and Dark Mud. This gives a yucky dark brown which I think is perfect for weathering.

[@BruceForrest]

I said it on britmodeller, and I'll say it again here - wow! she's a beauty :)

[@fredjackamikoons]

I have to admit pre-shading looks fantastic, only I have never seen it on actual aircraft. Yes, engine panels, gun access panels get dirty from mechanic's hands, but ribs do not become darker. But hey, if it looks good to you, go for it.