Tamiya 1/48 Spitfire Mk.1 (61119) After-build review

My building experience of the 1/48 Spitfire Mk.1 ('The Phantom Flyer') may not be what we all expected...-as Luke Skywalker said in Star Wars: "This is not going to go the way you think!" Lol!
I forgot to add: When I said I overcame the Tamiya thick decals on the earlier 1/32 kit build, I remembered afterwards that I actually got so frustrated with trying to get them to conform that I switched to the 'Techmod' decals instead, which then worked fine. 😳
The required stencils ARE on the decal sheet, but many of them not mentioned on the instructions stencil page! 😖
Thanks for watching! For more similar content, see @Peter Oxley
Please like, share & subscribe!

[@halohead318]

Hey Peter, I am currently building this and stumbled across your video. Enjoyed it, but I think some of the "major" faults you credit this one with are really not faults at all. So in defense of Mr T: ;) -the canopies knockout panel clear masks are supposed to be bigger than the engraved outline to simulate the overlap where the panel is attached to the glass -The hole for the light behind the aerial is actually noted in step 1 -there is a little dent visible behind the prop on some old spitfire photos, that looks just like on your model, I think thats why the cutaway piece makes (some) sense there -stencil data are not even on all spitfires, some miss, some are overpainted by the roundels e.g. -there is a seperate color sheet in the box that shows the decals under the wing -I think their open canopy solution is pretty genius as it keps the scale look, the alternative would be a different wider canopy for slid back/half open which would show its not to scale thickness in open position, but yeah its a bit unusual I thinks so far it builds really flawless, sure, tamiya decals suck as always and there are tiny things but for me a solid 9/10 And great work on yours!

[@nooooru]

When I start this build I though this would be another 10/10 kit from Tamiya. Now I'm about to finish it and I found exact the same issues. Realy good review!

[@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab]

Thank you Drew! ☺️

[@johnrenton3463]

Your videos are invaluable Peter for old gits like myself contemplating a return to this hobby after several decades - keep up the good work!

[@Payne2view]

I was glad to see this honest review. I was gifted this kit and have now annotated the instrucitons with your findings.

[@davidwallace6811]

You have done a terrific job there Peter, thank you for the heads up on the errors. They've been noted for when i eventually start it.

[@kevinsands7639]

I made two of them and fitted a resin merlin exposed engine. The second one I put an electric motor in it.

[@freemanreed5228]

Thank you for your commentary!!!!! I have not bought Tamiya's 1/48 Spitfire, I have second thoughts. A good honest opinion, again, thanks!!!!

[@PiperStart]

Well done. I have made the Revell 1/32, the Airfix 1/24, the Tamiya, Academy, Airfix and Hasegawa 1/72 models of the Spitfire. I found the 1/24 Airfix the most satisfying.

[@nirvana30776]

Subscribed instantly,what an amazing channel and info/stories that go together with scale modeling and actual history.Great stuff Peter👏🏻So far my favourite channel,greetings from Russia.

[@jerrybird9365]

Despite all, you've done a great build, and the paintwork is superb!

[@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab]

Thanks Jerry! ☺️

[@ModelkitStuff]

Nice post build review 👍🏻

[@peregrintokes2919]

Ahhhh warlord ! One of my favourites, along with the obligatory commando , and also action , and battle , before they combined into battle action . Still got a few commando knocking about , wish I had them all still lol

[@darkknight1340]

I recall eagerly awaiting the battle and war summer bumper issues in the 70s!.

[@stevesmodelbuilds5473]

Hi Peter! I'm building this kit now. It cost me C$63.00 (about 38 pounds) with free delivery. I've always been a great fan of Tamiya, but with this kit, I agree there are some issues, and I'm glad it's not just me. I'm not the brightest bulb, but some of the instructions were baffling, and that open canopy set-up was problematic for me -- add, take away, put back? What, why? And I hunted around for the part they show that needs decaling on the side hatch, but they didn't tell me that's only for the closed canopy -- the open hatch came at the end... It was also difficult because it kept me jumping around from sprue-to-sprue. Anyway, as they say: An old friend is someone who knows everything about you, but they're still your friend anyway... 😏 Now you've made me go and look for the BF-109G-6... P.S. i thought you had crickets in your garage, but now I see it's your camera zooming...

[@bun6917]

Hey my dad really loves ur videos !! Thanks for making content that he enjoys !!

[@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab]

Thanks Lauren! I hope he comments on here too? ☺️

[@bun6917]

@@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab always !! Keep up the good work💕

[@ianthomson9363]

I recently finished my N3200 QV version of this and had no problems whatsoever with it. The front of the cowling fitted almost exactly with only a very light sanding, and the fit of the wings was so good that they would stay in place without cement. I thoroughly enjoyed the build- it's one of the most pleasurable kits I've ever made. I studied the instructions thoroughly before starting and noticed the issues with the holes in the top of the fuselage, so I dealt with them as they came up. I must admit I didn't notice the wrong-sized canopy hatch- as it's moulded into the canopy, I left the extra pieces off. The unused photo etch parts are awaiting future duty in my spares box- I'm grateful for them! It's rare for a Tamiya kit to have the slight faults you experienced, and if you want an example of poor instructions, you need look no further than the Revell 1/24 Land Rover- a most frustrating kit to build with mistakes in the instructions and parts scattered at random over more than a dozen sprues!

[@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab]

Hi Ian, Please do not get the idea I am a Tamiya critic, - far from it! If you see my other vids you will quickly know I am one of their greatest fans. But I maintain there was no need to add a join on the cowling the way they did and mine certainly wasn't a perfect fit, (seemed a fraction too narrow). The wing issue might perhaps have been my own error (maybe I didn't clean up the sprue gate attchment point enough) but Their Bf109G-6 went together like a dream, and was totally superior as did the older P-47 Razorback and were two of my most enjoyable builds ever, with none of these issues, -the 109 was a much better thought out concept than this was...many newcomers or returning older modellers will probably have problems with the issues I have raised, and I think Tamiya should have kept it simpler (and cheaper) or designed it with the same concept, as it felt like a backwards step after the 2018 Bf109G-6 and poorer value with no engine, removable cowl parts, etc. It isn't up to the standard of their other recent releases, but still a nice kit as I said.

[@ianthomson9363]

@@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab I agree with you on the extra part on the cowling! I haven't built the other kits you've mentioned but I'll take your word for it. You have a point about not having the engine etc and the price- I didn't mind the cost as I wanted to build N3200 specifically and had it not been an option I would have bought the necessary decal sheets in order to do this, and having everything in the box was a bonus. The reason for building this particular aircraft? A week before, I'd sat in the real thing at Duxford, which was fantastic!

[@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab]

@@ianthomson9363 Hi Ian You lucky devil! (Jealous). That is a lovely restored example. Did you see it on the Ch4 'Guy Martin's Spitfire' TV prog? It was fascinating to see the thing being so painstakingly built up. 👍🏻

[@ianthomson9363]

@@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab Yes, I saw Guy Martin's programme and bought the DVD! If you can get to Duxford without too much travelling, you too could sit in N3200- it cost me £45 for a 20 minute introduction and 10 minutes in the cockpit. Once we're allowed back in, anyway. I'm only an hour's drive away so I go (in normal circumstances!) three or four times a year. It's possible to buy a 'Sit in the Vulcan' and also a chance to get inside the Lancaster, though you don't go more than a few feet from the door.

[@cmarnold78]

I had a big coloured sheet with probably the stencils etc on. It was a scale/model sized graphic of the plane scheme.

[@jabonorte]

I had exactly the same thoughts. I thoroughly enjoyed the build but at the end saw a few foibles, like the sliding canopy design (much better closed), but those decals are way too thick. After about four coats of softener I got one of the top roundels to settle enough but accidentally ruined the other and had to replace it with an Airfix decal which went down in one go with no real work at all. Massive difference. Still very pleased with the final result, though!

[@stevesmodelbuilds5473]

If you put on an overall gloss coat, the decals settle in much better...

[@kfkf9999]

Tamiya extra part on the cowling: Eduard & Arifix Spitfire has a panel line at that area. I do not know if it is a early / late version issue?

[@pfsmodellingprojects]

Thank's for your honest review, shame about the discrepancies with the kit. Not interested in subscribing to channels with in box reviews, although I do make an exception for yours. Best Tamiya kit I was fortunate to build was the Navy version of the Douglas Skyraider, totally faultless..Stay safe Peter.

[@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab]

Thank you very much. 😃 I have heard good things about the Skyraider too. Good health to you, stay safe. 👍🏻 Edit: I HAVE NOW SUBSCRIBED TO YOUR CHANNEL. 👍🏻

[@TheDemon190]

The eduard kit is superb

[@Reactordrone]

There is a production joint at the front of the cowling on the real aircraft but it's hard to see most of the time. Given that it's not a big panel joint the clean up you did on it was just about spot on.

[@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab]

Thanks Darren. It was strange that Tamiya did this...it creates a lot of extra work for the builder for no gain and is completely out of step with the great fit of the rest of the parts.

[@robertstickler5232]

Great Story of this Nice Kit I have build only 3 Tamiya Kits The Me 109 E3 The Fw 190 A3 And the Fw 190 D9 in 1/48 Pretty good too bulding And the Me 262 In 1/48 waiting to build sometimes The a make really good Kits But a litte expenssif Good Job greetings

[@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab]

Thanks Robert. I have built that Me262 with the Kettenkrad, it's a great kit! I also have the Me109E and Fw190...all good. 👍🏻

[@robertstickler5232]

@@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab yes indeed I have allways a lot of Kits in Resereve to build A Mix from old Kits to new Kits I like to build not allways the same Style My oldest Kit i build now was the Fw 190 From Monogram from 1973 greetings

[@Tempest14774]

Nice finish Peter, I built this kit start of last year. I don't recall an issue with the wing join, in fact I had no fit issues at all. The kit is designed to release a Mk.V at a later date, hence the left over common parts. From memory I think the front of the cowling is slightly different on the Mk.V which explain the insert part. Tamiya decals are always a pain, I painted my marking on to do a specific aircraft. Ive now built the new Eduard kit, I found them very close couldnt really pick between them. Maybe try the Eduard kit and see if you get on any better.

[@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab]

Thanks for your comment. The join of wing top to bottom wasn't great with a noticeable seam, maybe I made a mistake, (other people talk about the audible 'click' fit of the wing to fus fit, but mine did not do this, though the actual fit there was excellent) dunno, but had zero problems like that with other Tamiya kits like the 1/48 Bf109-G6, which was a superior kit in every way, so I was rather disappointed with this kit by comparison. Your Mk.V suggestion would certainly explain the extra unneeded PE, but not sure the engine cowling is that different to justify the weird nose insert, which is a total pain. The design of the 1/32 Mk9 wasn't blighted by any such issues. The other discrepancies in the instructions, stencil details, and missing holes / holes that were not needed were just crazy. 😖

[@Tempest14774]

Yeah, it is sometimes the strange thing with this hobby that the same kit yields different results and experiences for different modellers, when it should all be the same. Be never built or actually seen the 109. I’m hoping to get hold of the new F-4B when that arrives and I have the P-38 in the stash. Just see it has a learning experience and take that onto your next build. I would recommend you give the Eduard kit ago, I’ve personally never had any issues with Eduard kits, although I know you have in the past.

[@owenlewis666]

It does tell you to cut a hole for the morse code light on STEP 1 to the left where it says and STEP 3 to the left where it says

[@stephaniecohu6594]

Sometimes they miss the mark. I had some problems with the Tamiya’s Corsair in the gull wing was hard it fix. Even though I had some problems, they are still a great company in making models.

[@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab]

Yes indeed, the Frs.1 Sea Harrier is also terrible (Avoid! It's their worst ever!) but most Tamiya are just fantastic.

[@danl.909]

If you had some problems with Tamiya’s Corsair in the gull wing it was you missed the mark. mate, not Tamiya.

[@DavidRamirez-ww5kv]

Peter, this sounds like a bit of a rant. LOL.

[@luciussander8217]

Good to see you call out the issues with this kit, although I found the wings and fuselage fit to be perfect - it all just clicked into place, incredibly good. The wee hole where the gun sight would be for variant B is very obvious and I filled that before priming the kit. The hole you need to open up behind the radio mast, well I missed that and annoying as it was, easy to fix. My two biggest gripes are the seamlines on the engine canopy and the part you insert where it should all be one panel. People must have test built this kit and quality checked it? How could it get to production like that? Amusing that on Tamiya's own website, the pictures of the built kit show that little hole unfilled! Overall, it's a nice kit, but not amazing. Oh, the photoetch? You have to paint it, which again, why Tamiya? The decals are awful though. I knew they would be, so used some aftermarket jobbies from Xtradecal - one coat of microsol and all sorted there. My final point would be the crap canopy masks that Tamiya throw in - I used an Eduard mask, way better and no faffing around. It is critical to get the canopy perfect on any project as it do it badly and the whole thing is ruined. So... no, I wouldn't recommend this kit. If you want a really great Spitfire kit in 1/48, get the Eduard Profipack - more detailed, decent mask included, photoetch is pre-painted, fit is excellent and the decals are exceptionally good.

[@gokhanersan8561]

Did Eduard improve the fits? Last time I started a “weekend edition” was in 2015. It’s been a looooong weekend of filling, sanding, refitting, breaking and repairing, etc. 7 years on the Eduard I-16 kit and still working on it.

[@Frserthegreenengine]

You wouldn't recommend this kit? Literally every single KZbinr and Modeller that I know that has built this kit have nothing but very positive reviews of this kit. I have built both this and the Eduard kit and I think, while Eduard has more surface detail, the Tamiya kit is superior as it is significantly easier to build and has had no fitting issues at all, same could not be said with the Eduard kit. Sure the masks aren't great and the decals are thick but these are acceptable compromises as the kit at least goes together very well. In addition, Eduard's new decals are absolutely atrocious, a massive downgrade from the Cartograf decals they previously used.

[@andy2991]

Hi I wanna get into modelling I have built a couple off models years ago when I was I kid but wanna get into it properly with proper equipment for detail I've never heard off the photo etched on these models does photo etched come with most models like revvell or aifix or is it something that comes with more expensive kits like tamiya

[@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab]

Hi a p, It tends to be the more expensive kits like Tamiya, Eduard, GWH, Ryefield, etc (especially kits made in the Far East). If you are returning to the hobby, I would suggest trying newer Airfix, then Tamiya.👍🏻

[@andy2991]

@@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab I wouldnt mind getting tamiya if I know they gonna be decent as I know there are more pricey than cheaper brands but I have alot to learn about modelling so I may hafto start cheap like u mentioned airfix as I wouldn't wanna mess one up I wanna be able to get my models top notch it's a shame theres mot many model shops about were u can go and chat with staff as theres seems alot to learn in this hobby I've heard alot of people mention about these tamiya decals being to thick I've still got a brand new model I haven't built I for it about a year ago need to get it built it's the revvell spitfire mk ixc 1/32

[@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab]

@@andy2991 I think you you maybe start with the Revell Spitfire you have, I don't know it well but think it is OK. Another kit to consider is the Tamiya 1/48 Thunderbolt (all versions) which goes together nicely and is quite cheap. All the Tamiya decals are thick, but wouldn't let it worry you too much at this stage. You can always but some aftermarket decals. In other respects nearly all Tamiya kits are fantastic. Also recommend the ME262 and FW190, plus the amazing Bf109G-6 (see my recent video) though that one is a bit more complicated so maybe try that later. Hope this helps.

[@andy2991]

@@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab might hafto check them ones out so mucth more to this hobbie than I actualy thort tbh didnt realize people spend so mucth time with all differant ways off making model look awsome but it actually makes so mucth difference to the models and more fun if u gonna buy aifix model kits I say u may aswell bring the best out off the kit depending on the model I remember when I was younger building a spitfire and Lancaster with no decal solution and the cheap paint u get with the kits I remember spitfire being an easy build tho

[@darkknight1340]

It is a nice kit,but the Airfix offering is just as good.

[@Flingwing24]

Thanks for this Peter. I am returning to modelling and really only intend building one Spitfire in this scale so this one was top of my list. I will give the Eduard offering a good looking at as well. By all accounts their markings are off colour🙄. Certainly a more useful review than what’s in the box which is fairly meaningless once you start building it. Not concerned with bits left over as many companies produce common sprues that speed between marques and if you had left peter the pilot out.... Pilots are a nuisance anyway, they break things🙄😆

[@stevesmodelbuilds5473]

If you get the Eduard, make sure it's an older one. The decals on the new ones are insane...

[@Flingwing24]

So I gather Peter. Another modeller recently got a new kit from a dealer because the decals...Well. shame Arma or IBG don't do a Mk1. I went for the Tamiya in the end.....I now have 2 waiting. So much for just one😂

[@nirvana30776]

Ps the best Spitfire so far in my opinion is made by Eduard mk iia in 1/48

[@gokhanersan8561]

My main problem : why not include a displayable engine (like the ones on the BF-109and Hien) and leave out invisible, thus redundant, interior detail? Couldn’t justify spending $40 for this kit, and went for Revell’s $20 Seafire from 2011.

[@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab]

Yes you are quite right. I cannot understand that either. 😕

[@sixandup939]

There is instruction to cut out the light hole at the start.

[@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab]

If you mean in section 1 it seems to be telling you to remove lugs. It certainly isn't clear and then shows no hole in the diagrams showing the Fuselage sides again until section 19, when it is too late. The instructions are poor in this regard. Tamiya could learn a lot from the recent Airfix releases instructions which are really excellent.

[@MrSzwarz]

I noticed some mistakes with Messerschmitt 1/48, latest tool (open engine bay) I could not follow instruction, even thou I am graphic designer by profession : )

[@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab]

Which part did you have trouble with???

[@MrSzwarz]

@@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab Tamiya model small parts around the engine, they did not fit at all, I had to bin it and simplify assembly. The instruction wasn't clear.

[@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab]

@@MrSzwarz I had no problems at all? Which parts?

[@yakidin63]

Why would you have the canopy half closed. I think you are nit picking there. Its either shut or open all the way. I've never seen anyone build a kit with a half shut canopy.

[@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab]

Not really, you can see even when the caonpy is open it just doesn't look right.

[@Flingwing24]

It wasn’t and still isn’t uncommon to taxi or fly with the canopy cracked partially or fully open depending on what you are flying, particularly if very hot, or in one hell of a hurry.

[@larrywisniewski282]

I didn't find much in this video that I would consider adequate grounds for extreme critical scrutiny. As I recall, the hype about this model was the creation of on line reviewers, not the company itself. It now seems that this reviewer wants to cover his own tracks by down grading it due to these rather trite and inadequately researched complaints. Issues with decals and masking stencils are long standing irritants with Tamiya, and the one area that just about everyone knows about. Why expect any difference with this kit? Why make a very big deal about the cowling piece when others have noted it on the real plane and in kits from other manufacturers? The small side hatch stands too proud? I don't see that on his model. I am not at all happy about the time I wasted viewing this "review" and the sour after taste it has left in it's wake. Please, no more of this unnecessary nonsense.

[@cyberleaderandy1]

Why watch then if you find his review so distasteful? I think you'll find he loves Tamiya ( hence the wall sticker). But he doesn't shill for them, unlike it seems, yourself.

[@Ian-lx1iz]

Hmm... overpriced rubbish is what I'm getting. Good to know, Peter!

[@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab]

That's a tad harsh, I wouldn't call it rubbish but £5 overpriced when there is no engine, compared to Bf-109 G6

[@vstar7196]

Your opinions mean nothing. How you build a model is completely different than how the next person works, so your so-called “after build” review is pointless and totally irrelevant.

[@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab]

So...Why are you watching the video then? 🤔 This review gives a guide as to how well the kit goes together, and as everybody needs to follow the instructions, it remains relevant despite the slightly different approaches people may take...Also, judging by everybody else's feedback, you are very much in a minority.