Toaz - Info How To Build Tamiyax27s 1 32 Spitfiremkixpdf PR

HOW TO
BUILD... TAMIYA’S 1:32
SPITFIRE Mk.IXc
Brett Green
INCLUDING
THREE COMPLETE BUILDS PLUS:
■ Late Merlin Spitfires Close-Up
■ Profiles
■ Step by Step - Building the Perfect Beast
MODELS BY
From the publishers of Tamiya Model Magazine International, Brett Green, Marcus Nicholls
Model Military International, Model Airplane International
and Military Illustrated and Roy Sutherland
FOREWORD
How to build...
I Tamiya’s 1:32 Spitfire Mk.IXc

n today’s hyped-up world it is
common to see adjectives such as
“superb”, “excellent” and “superior”
when describing a new product.
The hobby of scale modelling is no
exception. We are fortunate to live in
an era that is seeing an unprecedented
number of brand new kits released across
a wide range of scales. Many of these
releases are very good indeed.
Late in 2009, however, Tamiya lifted the bar.
Tamiya’s 1:32 scale Supermarine Spitfire
is truly a superb kit in terms of level of
detail, engineering innovation, fit and ■ Brett Green
presentation. In the warm afterglow of its
release, many modellers have declared Brett Green was born in Sydney, Australia in 1960. Brett displayed
Tamiya’s Spitfire Mk.IXc to be the best a passion for aviation and aircraft modelling from an early age.
scale model kit released to date. This developed into a particular interest in camouflage and
Naturally, such a subjective assertion markings. Brett established the popular scale modelling website
is very much a matter of opinion, but the HyperScale (www.hyperscale.com) in 1998. He is also Editor of
three modellers in this book would not the ADH Publishing magazine Model Military International, the
argue with this view! armour modelling website Missing-Lynx (www.missing-lnx.com),
Even so, there are some areas of the and author of more than 15 books. Brett concluded his 25-year
kit that might be improved, and there is
career in the Australian telecommunications industry in 2003,
when he decided to pursue his interests in online publishing and
massive potential for conversions and
writing as a full-time occupation. He still lives in Sydney today with
alternative colours and markings.
his wife and two children, Charlotte and Sebastian.
The purpose of this book is to suggest
how Tamiya’s kit may be improved, deliver
a step-by-step illustrated guide to building
the model, and finally to offer some ■ Roy Sutherland
inspiration with three complete builds,
including one conversion. Roy been a modeller since the age of 6, and a professional model
Any modelling book is an ensemble maker for the last 21 years. He has worked in a number of model
effort and this title is no exception. I would shops in the SF bay area, including Industrial Light and Magic
like to extend my sincere appreciation to (credits include Star Wars Episode II), and M5 Studios (where
both Marcus Nicholls and Roy Sutherland, they film Mythbusters). Roy has worked for Toy Companies such
whose wonderful Spitfires appear in these as Worlds of Wonder, Galoob, and 21st Century Toys, where
pages. All of the models were built in he was in charge of the development of the entire product line.
record time to permit early publication. These days he runs Barracuda Studios, which produces the
Roy went especially far out on a limb
BarracudaCals, BarracudaCast and BarracudaGraphs product
with his extraordinary super detailing and
lines. For more info go to www.barracudacals.com. He lives in
Fremont, CA and has a son, Cooper, age 16.
conversion. Thanks to both of you for your
efforts and your sense of urgency.
We are very grateful to Tamiya Japan for
providing the kits built in this book. ■ Marcus Nicholls
I would also like to thank Spitfire expert
Bob Swaddling for providing a helpful list Marcus was born in Hertfordshire, England in 1966 and still lives
of improvements. in this area with his wife Emma and two sons, Joseph and William.
The photos of the Spitfire Mk.XVI Merlin Marcus has been making models since about the age of eight, and
engine in the Close-Up section were kindly has worked on Tamiya Model Magazine since 1991. He has been
provided by James Levingston. its Editor for about the last fourteen years and is Group Editor of
Finally, thanks to Dr Charles Metz for the ADH Publishing’s scale modelling magazines which include Model
list of Spitfire Mk.IX reference publications Airplane International and Model Military International.
that appear at the end of this book. He is a qualified photographer and places special emphasis on
photographic quality in Tamiya Model Magazine. Marcus is an
Brett Green, January 2010 enthusiastic modeller of all subjects and feels equally at home
building armour, science-fiction, cars and bikes as well as aircraft.
2 How to Build... Tamiya’s 1:32 Spitfire Mk.IXc

CONTENTS
Page 2 Foreword
Page 4 Introduction
Page 6 Chapter 1
Late Merlin Spitfire Close-Up
Page 12 Chapter 2
Spitfire Mk.IXc in Profile
Page 15 Chapter 3
Tamiya’s 1:32 scale Spitfire
Mk.IXc in the box
Page 18 Chapter 4
Building Tamiya’s 1:32 scale
Spitfire Mk.IXc Step by Step
Page 34 Chapter 5
RAAF Spitfire Over the
Copyright © 2010 ADH Publishing Ltd. Continent – Brett Green
All rights reserved. Reproduction in part or
42
whole of any text or photographs without
written permission from the publisher is strictly Page Chapter 6
prohibited. While due care has been taken to
ensure the contents of this book are accurate, Tropic Spitfire –
the publisher cannot accept liability for errors. Marcus Nicholls
First Published in the United Kingdom by:

ADH Publishing Ltd., Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane,
Page 52 Chapter 7
Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX High Atitude Fighter –
Telephone: 44 (0) 1525 222573 Roy Sutherland
Fax: 44 (0) 1525 222574
Email: enquiries@adhpublishing.com
Website: www.adhpublishing.com Page 66 Appendix
References &
Designed by Alex Hall After-Market Decals
How to Build... Tamiya’s 1:32 Spitfire Mk.IXc 3

INTRODUCTION
BACKGROUND YOU TAKE THE HIGH ROAD

AND I’LL TAKE THE LOW ROAD...
T M
he Focke-Wulf Fw 190 asserted its odellers have been waiting
authority as soon as it appeared a very long time for a 1:32
over the Channel Front in September scale Spitfire Mk.IX. Until now,
1941. It was so clearly superior to our only options have been
the Spitfire Mk.V that RAF Fighter Command expensive resin or vacform conversions
curtailed operations twice - from November requiring considerable skill and effort, or
1941 to March 1942, and again from 13 the limited-run Pacific Coast Models kit
June 1942 - due to unacceptably high losses released in 2008.
against the Luftwaffe’s “Butcher Bird”. Now Tamiya has released the first
The Rolls-Royce Merlin 60 series engines long-run injection moulded kit of a late
would offer the Spitfire the essential edge it Merlin Spitfire in 1:32 scale. This is a
needed to balance the scales against this new remarkable kit in terms of detail, accuracy,
foe, but the high altitude Spitfire Mk.VII and the engineering and presentation. It has been
unpressurised Mk.VIII were still many months well worth the wait.
away from production. Before we examine the Tamiya kit in
An interim proposal was therefore made to detail though, let’s take a look at some of
provide a suitable solution in a more timely the options open to us until now.
fashion. The Merlin 61 engine would be fitted
to the existing Spitfire Mk.V airframe, matching SPITFIRE MK.IX CONVERSIONS
the Fw 190’s performance at medium and IN 1:32 SCALE
high altitudes. This aircraft was known as the A number of vac form or resin 1:32 scale
Spitfire F.Mk.IX, Type No.361. Spitfire Mk.IX conversions have been
The resulting Spitfire retained the clean released over the last few decades. These
lines of the earlier Mks. I, II and V, but have all been designed for the venerable
featured a longer and modified fuselage to Hasegawa Spitfire Mk.Vb. The base kit is
accommodate the bigger engine, revised reasonably accurate in outline but suffers
intakes, radiators and oil coolers, and a four- from a very poor cockpit and non-existent
bladed propeller to handle the greater power. wheel well detail. The raised panel lines
Although initially conceived as a stop-gap of this 1970s vintage kit won’t be to many
measure, the Spitfire Mk.IX and the essentially modellers tastes either.
similar Mk.XVI (powered by a Packard The best of these conversions were
Merlin engine) eventually became the most offered by Paragon Designs and Warbird
numerous of all Spitfire variants with more Productions of the UK.
than 7,000 delivered to the RAF, the VVS and Paragon produced a number of
other Allied air forces. conversions designed for Hasegawa’s
The Spitfire Mk.IX continued in front line 1:32 scale Spitfire Mk.Vb, including one for
service until the end of the Second World War. a Spitfire Mk.IX.
4 Introduction
Paragon’s Spitfire Mk.IX conversion
comprises 33 parts in cream coloured
Pacific Coast Models’ 1:32 scale
resin. The parts will need to be removed Spitfire Mk.IXc was released in 2008.
from casting blocks, but this should not be
difficult. Even so, this is a comprehensive
conversion requiring significant surgery
to the base kit, so significant modelling
experience will be helpful.
Paragon supplies all the parts necessary
for a Spitfire IXc including an entirely new
three-piece engine cowling, supercharger
intake, exhausts, spinner and propeller
blades, pointed rudder, double-kinked
elevators (you’ll need to modify the kit
tail planes to fit these), second under
wing radiator and housing, five-spoke
weighted main wheels, upper and under
wing bulges for cannon and undercarriage
(broad and narrow cannon bulges are PACIFIC COAST MODELS’ 1:32 SCALE
included), plus new cannon barrels and SPITFIRE MK.IXC, MK.IXE AND MK.XVIE
stubs. The high altitude extended wing Pacific Coast Models released their 1:32
tips are supplied too, making it possible to scale limited-run Supermarine Spitfire
build a Spitfire HF Mk.IXc. Mk.IXc in 2008. This was the first complete
The most difficult aspect of this injection moulded kit of a Spitfire Mk.IX in The cockpit is well detailed with resin and colour photo-
etched parts.
conversion will be transforming this scale.
Hasegawa’s “B” wing to a “C” wing. Pacific Coast Models’ Spitfire Mk.IXc
Although Paragon provides all of the comprises 70 parts in grey plastic, 9 parts
fittings, the real hurdle will be cutting, in clear, 21 resin parts, a colour photo-
filling, fitting the new radiator and scribing etched fret and markings for six aircraft.
the many new panel lines. The plastic parts are moulded by Sword
For those who do not feel up to the of the Czech Republic. The plastic is
task, Warbird Productions released a shiny, and surface detail is well done with
full resin “C” wing. This presented its recessed panel lines.
own challenges though, as the wing was The 21 grey resin parts are mainly used
supplied in left and right halves. Joining in the cockpit, but also include wheels,
A good result can be obtained if care is taken with parts
these heavy one-piece resin wings to the undercarriage bays and two different preparation and alignment.
fuselage would require reinforcement and styles of exhaust - flared and tubular. The
careful alignment. two styles of wheels included are five a 1:32 scale Spitfire Mk.IXe and a resin
In addition to the C wing, Warbird spoke and covered hub. low-back XVIe conversion.
Productions also offered a wide range of The resin parts are excellent.
late Merlin and Griffin Spitfires. The colour photo-etch fret offers USEFUL ACCESSORIES NOW AVAILABLE
attractive eye-candy for the front office Grey Matter Figures from the UK has
including a detailed instrument panel and recently released a 1:32 scale Spitfire seat
a Q harness with printed stitching. with moulded backrest, and a retractable
The clear parts are very nice - thinly tail wheel conversion. Although these were
moulded and good looking in shape. designed to use with other kits, they will
The overall outline looks good but there be perfectly suitable for Tamiya’s Spitfire
are some shape issues with the propeller IXc too. The tail wheel will be especially
blades. The undercarriage doors also lack handy for anyone converting the kit to a
the characteristic bulge of the Mk.IX. Mk.VII or a Mk.VIII.
Due to its limited-run nature, you should
Paragon’s resin conversion was the best way to build a ideally have had some experience with
Spitfire Mk.IXc in 1:32 scale before 2008. short run kits or resin accessories before
tackling PCM’s Spitfire Mk.IXc. However,
If you spend sufficient time preparing
the parts and test-fitting (in other words,
showing this kit the respect that any limited
run offering demands), then you will be
rewarded with a nicely detailed model of Grey Matter Figures have Grey Matter also offers
this most numerous Spitfire variant. a resin Spitfire seat with a retractable tail wheel
backrest cast in place. conversion. This will represent
I built this kit shortly after its release in a good start for a Mk.VII
2008 and was pleased with the result. or Mk.VIII conversion from
Warbird Productions offered a full Spitfire C wing in 1:32 scale. Tamiya’s kit.
Pacific Coast Models followed up with

CHAPTER 1 LATE MERLIN SPITFIRES CLOSE-UP
A nice overhead view of Temora’s
Spitfire Mk.VIII in flight. Note the
narrow C wing cannon bulges, and the
absence of inboard wheel well bulges.
LATE MERLIN SPITFIRES

CLOSE-UP
We take a close-up look at two late-Merlin Spitfires
at Temora Aviation Museum
T
he Spitfire Mk.XVI and Mk.VIII by Sydney Technical College as an took its first mission with 453 Sqn. RAAF on
were both very similar to the instructional airframe. Mr. Sid Marshall 24 March, 1945 wearing the codes FU-P.
late Spitfire Mk.IX. Many of the purchased the aircraft in 1982 and stored After being written off by the Royal Air
engine, cockpit and airframe it in components, Mr. Colin Pay of Scone Force in 1951, this aircraft started a film
details will be helpful to modellers building then acquired and restored the Spitfire. career, first as a prop in MGM’s 1955
Tamiya’s new 1:32 scale Spitfire Mk.IXc. After four decades of storage and disas- adaptation of the Douglas Bader story,
The Temora Aviation Museum has not sembly, this marvellous aircraft took to the “Reach for the Sky”, and again twelve
one, but two late-Merlin Spitfires, the only skies again in 1985. It has been part of years later as a non-flying extra in “The
two Spitfires in flying condition in Australia. the Temora Aviation Museum’s collection Battle of Britain”.
The Museum’s Mk.VIII was the last since 2002, and regularly takes part in Sir Tim Wallis purchased the partially
Spitfire taken on charge by the Royal flying displays. restored airframe in 1987, completing the
Australian Air Force. It was manufactured The aircraft is painted in the Ocean project and shipping the Spitfire to New
in England during 1944, and shipped Grey and Dark Green camouflage worn by Zealand as the centrepiece of the Alpine
to Australia where it was delivered to RAAF Spitfires in the South West Pacific. Fighter Collection.
the RAAF in April 1945. Its RAAF serial These markings represent the personal Temora Aviation Museum acquired the
number was A58-758. The aircraft was aircraft of Wing Commander R.H. (Bobby) aircraft in April 2006. It is currently finished
immediately placed in storage and never Gibbes AM WG CMR DSO DFC. in the colours and markings of its first sor-
saw active service. The Spitfire Mk.XVI was manufactured at ties over the skies of northern Europe with
Post-war, this Spitfire was employed Castle Bromwich in late 1944, and under- 453 Sqn. RAAF.
6 Chapter 1 - Late Merlin Spitfires Close-up

The Spitfire Mk.VIII was a later development, but shared many of the characteristics of the The most obvious external difference between the Mk.IXc and the Mk.VIII is the retractable
Spitfire Mk. IXc. This beautifully restored example is displayed at the Temora Aviation Museum. tail wheel. Note that the Mk.VIII is always fitted with the late-style pointed rudder.
A closer view of the instrument panel.
Temora’s Spitfire Mk.VIII cockpit is mostly original. The configuration wil be almost
identical to a Spitfire Mk.IXc. Here we can see the instrument panel, slightly overshadowed
by a large cover over the modern avionics mounted on the instrument coaming. The starboard cockpit sidewall is quite bare, as it was on the wartime aircraft.
Black leather cushions are fitted to the Spitfire’s composite seat. We can see the The rear cockpit frames feature lightening holes. These are not drilled out in the Tamiya kit
characteristic brown colour of the composite material. Some modern avionics are also – a simple improvement if you wish to spend a few minutes with a pin vice.
visible behind the seat on the starboard sidewall.
The well of the Spitfire’s floorless cockpit is a jumble of wires, actuators and structural details. The large quadrant and trim wheels may be seen on the port sidewall here too.
Glimpses of the air bottles for the pneumatic systems may be seen behind the seat. These The pinch bar clipped to this open hatch was intended to break the Perspex canopy in case
are painted in a slightly pale version of British Interior Grey Green, but some were seen in of emergency. In common with most restored Spitfires, this one is painted red, although
silver, grey or other colours. wartime pinch bars were more commonly seen in bare metal or Interior Grey Green.
A round mirror with a streamlined fairing was fitted to the top of the windscreen. This Spitfire Mk.VIII is equipped with flattened and flared ejector exhaust stubs.

Note the slight bulge at the rear of the tail wheel doors to accommodate the tail wheel All Spitfire Mk.VIIIs were configured with the universal C wing. Most, if not all, Mk.VIII
when retracted. This retractable tail wheel was not fitted to the Spitfire Mk.IX. Spitfires featured the narrow inboard bulge for the 20mm cannon, plus two .303 machine
guns outboard on each wing.
The bulge on the upper engine cowl just aft of the middle is for the compressor intake. The Spitfire Mk.VIII was fitted with the later style “double kinked” elevators.
A small clear navigation light is present just under the rudder trim tab. Note how the wheel tilts out at the top. This permits the wheels to be accommodated inside
the wheel well without any additional bulges or fairings.

The large supercharger intake was common to the Mk.VIII

and late Mk.IXs. A cover is in place here.
A front view of the Temora Spitfire Mk.VIII showing the wing armament and the narrow undercarriage track.
Temora is also home to a Spitfire Mk.XVIe. In contrast to the Mk.VIII, this Mk.XVI is fitted with tubular exhaust stubs.
Main wheels are the later style with four lightening holes. The geometry of post-war Spitfires was often modified to A closer view of the main landing gear. The oleo scissors
improve performance on sealed runways. Note how the are a feature of later Mk.IXs and Mk.XVIs. Early Mk.IXs were
angle of the wheels is more vertical compared to those on not fitted with oleo scissors.
the Spitfire Mk.VIII.
Radiator face detail. This Mk.XVI has the same style of large supercharger intake as the Mk.VIII, but the cover
is not in place here.
Note the different size and location of the E Wing

cannon bulge. We can also see the additional wide
teardrop-shaped fairing needed to accommodate This Mk.XVIe is also fitted with the late-style double-kinked elevators. Spitfire wing tips were separate panels that could quickly
the reconfigured angle of the main wheels. be replaced.
A side view of the Rolls-Royce Merlin 70 engine in Temora’s Spitfire Mk.VIII. Note the bare The curved oil tank under the engine and the long supercharger intake are obvious from
copper coolant pipes. this angle.
The small bare metal reservoir behind the propeller is the Glycol tank. Ethylene Glycol was The rear of the engine bay is crowded with the carburettor, supercharger and various gear
used as the coolant in the Spitfire. Note the circular black filler cap near the top of the tank. housings, plus plenty of plumbing. Although the engine is largely authentic, the bright
Tamiya missed this feature. Also missing from the Tamiya kit is the filler neck for the oil orange tubes and coloured wiring are very much a modern feature.
tank. This may be seen in the photo a little more than halfway back on the oil tank, curving
upwards.

CHAPTER 2 SPITFIRE Mk.IXc IN PROFILE
SPITFIRE Mk.IXc
IN PROFILE
Richard J. Caruana explores the colours
of the Spitfire Mk.IXc in worldwide service.
EN479
Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXc, EN479/N, No. 126 Squadron, Safi. Dark Earth/Mid-Stone
upper surfaces with Azure Blue undersides; white codes, Night serial. Spinner is believed
to be dark blue with a white backplate. Note short carburettor intake; blue/red roundels
above wings.
MJ840
Supermarine Spitfire LF Mk.IXc, MJ840/DU•L, No. 312 (Czech) Squadron, 11 June 1944. Ocean Grey/Dark
Green/Medium Sea Grey scheme with Sky spinner and codes; Yellow leading edge to wings. Black/white bands
around wings and fuselage; Czech roundel under both sides of windscreen while unit badge is carried only on
port side. Note fuselage bands roughly painted leading an irregular boarder around codes and roundel; blue/
red roundels above wings.
MK392
Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXc, MK392/JE•J, flown by Wing Commander ‘Johnnie’ Johnon,
OC No. 144 Wing, summer 1944. Ocean Grey/Dark Green upper surfaces with Medium Sea
Grey undersides; Sky rear fuselage band and codes. Night serial; Night/white bands around
wings and fuselage. Red Maple Leaf within a white disc below windscreen; white spinner.
EN315
Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXc, EN315/ZX•6, No. 145 Squadron, flown by fighter ace
Squadron Leader S. Skalski (five kills). Dark Earth /Mid-Stone upper surfaces with Azure
Blue undersides. Red spinner, blue codes outlined white; note Polish flag (reversed) and
five white swastikas ahead of windscreen. Blue/red roundels above wings.
12 Chapter 2 - Spitfire Mk.IXc in Profile

EN199
Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXc, EN199/D•V, No. 1435 Squadron, Brindisi (Italy), 1944. Dark
Green/Ocean Grey upper surfaces with Medium Sea Grey undersides. Medium Sea Grey codes;
red spinner with a thin white backing. No underwing roundels; blue/red roundels above wings.
This aircraft is now preserved at the Malta Aviation Museum.
Italy 5-20
Spitfire Mk.IXc, 5•20, believed to be MM.4112 (ex-RR235, serial
partially overpainted by code), of the 92a Squadriglia, 8o Gruppo, 5o
Stormo Aeronautica Military Italiana, Orio al Serio (Bergamo), 1949.
Aluminium (silver) overall with black anti-dazzle panel and white spinner
front. Roundels in normal six positions.
Dutch H-60
Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXc, NH238/H•60 (ex-MK606), No. 322 Squadron, Netherlands
Air Force. Experimental scheme of Light Grey and Jungle Green upper surfaces with
Light Blue undersides; orange spinner, white codes. National markings in six positions;
Olive Drab anti-dazzle panel. ‘Three mice’ marking on nose.
MJ642 3W-11
Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXc (clipped wing), MJ642/3W-11, No. 322 Squadron, Royal
Netherlands East Indies Air Force. Aluminium overall with black spinner and anti-dazzle panel.
Red rudder tip with white ‘11’. National markings in standard six positions.
PT529
Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXc, PT529/AH•G, No. 332 Squadron, Norwegian Air Force, Vaernes,
1946. Ocean Grey/Dark Green upper surfaces with Medium Sea Grey undersides; Sky rear
fuselage band and spinner, the latter having red/white/blue bands around it. White codes,
black serials; national markings in six positions.

CHAPTER 2 SPITFIRE Mk.IXc IN PROFILE
Left: Full black and white D-Day invasion stripes
were only worn for a relatively short period
before partial removal from the upper surfaces
and eventually from the lower surfaces too.
Below: Desert colours were Middle Stone and

Dark Earth on the upper surfaces.
Above: Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXc, PT529/AH•G was finished

in Ocean Grey/Dark Green upper surfaces with Medium Sea
Grey undersides. National markings in six positions.
Right: On the lower surfaces, invasion stripes extended across

landing gear covers.
14 Chapter 2 - Spitfire Mk.IXc in Profile

CHAPTER 3 IN THE BOX
TAMIYA’S 1:32 SCALE

SPITFIRE Mk.IXc IN THE BOX
We take a close look at the contents of Tamiya’s
1:32 scale Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXc
T
amiya’s 1:32 scale Spitfire Mk.IXc packed in separate plastic bags, while The fuselage is broken down into main
comprises more than 360 parts metal parts and the delicate plastic cowls halves, but the lower empennage (the
in grey plastic, 17 parts in clear, are contained in boxes. area of the fuselage under the horizontal
two nickel-plated photo-etched The quality of the plastic parts is all that tailplanes) is supplied as a separate insert.
frets, six parts in flexible black vinyl, eight we have come to expect from Tamiya. This breakdown suggests that we will
steel pins, seven miniature magnets, The surface of the plastic is smooth, while probably see future releases such as the
various small screws and metal parts, the parts are thoughtfully placed on the Spitfire Mk.VIII and VII with the retractable
a self-adhesive masking sheet for the sprues to make removal and cleanup as tail wheel.
canopy parts, two metallic self-adhesive fast and as easy as possible. Indeed, Many optional parts are included in the
name plates and two decal sheets with most of the cockpit and wheel well parts kit. Most are mentioned in the instructions
markings for three aircraft. can be pre-painted while still on the but some are not. These include alternate
The top of the box forecasts the sprues, as the attachment points will not style exhaust stacks (flared or tubular);
contents even before the lid is lifted. leave scars on the visible surfaces. two styles of lower cowl supercharger
Luxurious gold lettering is printed below Surface detail is exquisite, featuring intakes (long Aero-Vee and short); two
attractive artwork. The impression of very fine crisp panel lines and some of the styles of upper cowl (early “flat” style and
quality is unmistakable. subtlest renditions of recessed rivets that I the later bulged version, usually seen
Inside the box, sprues are carefully have ever seen. covering Packard Merlins on the Mk.XVI,

CHAPTER 3 IN THE BOX
Decals are well printed. The kit includes self-adhesive

canopy masks and metallic name plates for the stand.
Marking options are supplied for three aircraft, including one French Spitfire in Indochina and a Polish machine in North Africa.
plus various blisters and intakes for sub- The undercarriage legs
types), two varieties of separate wing tips are held in place not
(standard and clipped LF); two versions by glue, but screws.
of wing gun covers (standard two-gun C Configuration of the
and four gun C); early and late gunsights; landing gear may be
slipper style drop tanks; wing-mounted changed even after the
bombs; and three wheel patterns – five model has been built
spoke and four spoke, both with smooth thanks to removable fairings
treaded tyres, and covered hub via photo- on the lower wings. A display
etched parts. Both styles of elevators are stand is supplied for in-flight
also supplied – the early style with the display. This attaches to the
angled mass balance and the late “double centreline slipper tank. Tamiya also
kinked” version. Early (rounded) and late includes two metallic nameplates for
(pointy) rudders are also included. the base of the stand. instrument panel are offered – early and
All of these options mean that the A beautifully detailed Rolls-Royce late. The master compass is beautifully
modeller can build virtually any production Merlin engine is also included. One of represented in plastic and photo-etch with
variant of the high back Spitfire Mk.IXc the problems with previous models with a decal to top it off. The control column is
or Mk.XVIc except for the high altitude detailed engines was that the thickness of even fitted with a separate photo-etched
versions with the pointed wing tips. the engine cowing plastic meant that the brake handle. Pilot’s armour is supplied
The list of kit features is equally powerplant was undersized. In this case, scale-thickness in photo-etch. The
impressive. All control surfaces are Tamiya’s cowl panels are a fraction of a cockpit door is poseable, and two are
separate. The ailerons, elevators and millimetre in thickness. Another innovation is supplied – one for the open option and
rudder are fitted with metal hinges, while the use of tiny magnets to permit the cowl one for closed. It is a little surprising that
the flaps may be posed open or closed. panels to be fitted and removed with ease. the crowbar on the inside of the door is
The little flap indicator hatches on the top The cockpit is fully equipped with a moulded in place. The inside of the door
of the wings are supplied as separate multi-media sandwich for the instrument also has some of the only ejector pin
parts that may be posed open or closed. panel, photo-etched harness and an circles in a visible location, although they
Alternate parts are given to display the optional seated pilot. A standing RAF are very feint.
undercarriage retracted or extended. figure is also included. Two styles of Clear parts are very thin and free from
Surface detail is beautifully crisp and restrained. The lower empennage is a separate insert, pointing to later The pilot’s entry door is a separate part.
The instrument panel may be seen here too. releases with the retractable tailwheel such as the Mk.VII
and Mk.VIII.
The wings feature separate panels for the gun covers and There are even more panel inserts on the bottom of the wing. The early rounded and late-style pointed rudders are
leading edge ports. These are for the cannon and machine gun ejector ports. offered...Engine cowl covers are ultra-thin and held in
place with tiny magnets, permitting the engine to be
displayed.
16 Chapter 3 - In the Box

Clear parts are thin and free of distortion. The clipped wing
tips are supplied as clear parts too, making it easy to mask
the navigation lights before painting.
A standing RAF figure

is included.
The seated pilot

figure is nicely
detailed.
distortion. The sliding section of the B. ZX-6, Polish Fighting Team, 145 Sqn., at how it actually goes together.
canopy is appropriately bulged. The two Tunisia 1943. This aircraft is finished
gunsights are amongst the best I have in tropical colours – Middle Stone and
seen in any scale. Dark Earth over Azure Blue. Multimedia parts include two busy photo-etched frets.
Two sets of black vinyl tyres are C. “P” of GC 1 / 4, “Dauphine”, French
supplied for the main wheels. One is half- Air Force, Nha-Trang, Indochina, 1948.
thickness for the retracted gear. Although This is finished in Ocean Grey and Dark
I am not generally a big fan of vinyl tyres, Green over Medium Sea Grey.
these ones do look quite convincing. The
seemingly inevitable raised centreline Decals are provided on two sheets. The
seam is very slight too. red and blue of the RAF insignia look a
Self-adhesive canopy masks are little too bright to my eye, but register is
included, but you will need to cut the good and the printing is very crisp.
shapes out from the printed on, small Construction is called out over 71 steps Nuts and bolts.
yellow kabuki masking sheet. in a 36 page stapled instruction guide. A
In addition to the two busy photo-etched 16 page reference booklet rounds out the
frets, multimedia parts include metal package. This contains historical notes,
hinges, screws, nuts and magnets. A small a pictorial explanation of wing tips and
Phillips Head screwdriver is also supplied. armament, variants and 41 small detail
Three nicely varied marking options are photos.
provided: Tamiya’s 1:32 scale Spitfire Mk.IXc is
A. Je-J of Wing Commander J.E. “Johnnie” an extraordinary kit. The level of detail is
Johnson, Kenley Wing, July 1943, second to none, and the sheer number
finished in standard mid-war colours of optional parts should please even the
of Ocean Grey and Dark Green over fussiest Spitfire-o-phile. As good as it
Vinyl parts include two sets of main tyres (different sets for
Medium Sea Grey. looks in the box though, let’s take a look retracted and extended) plus hydraulic lines for the gear legs.
...as are early (single kinked) and late (double kinked) style Single and two-cannon blisters are supplied. The wide The small centreline slipper tank and five-hole wheel hubs
elevators. two-cannon blister is a slightly unusual pattern with a may be seen here. Four hole and covered hubs are also
squared-off front. provided.
Cockpit detail is superlative, but you might like to drill out Engine detail is equally good. The engine bay is built up in layers, just like the real thing.
the lightening holes in the cockpit frames. Much of this Here is the outer frame for mounting the starboard engine
detail may be painted while still on the sprue. cowling.

CHAPTER 4 STEP BY STEP
BUILDING TAMIYA’S 1:32 SCALE

SPITFIRE Mk.IXc STEP BY STEP
We take a detailed look at how to build and improve
Tamiya’s superb new Spitfire Mk.IXc
T
amiya’s 1:32 scale Supermarine This is correct for aircraft manufactured the vertical pleats fashioned from very thin
Spitfire Mk.IXc is a magnificent after September 1943. For aircraft built strips of the tape. This backrest should be
kit with extraordinary detail. In before this date, the entire interior would painted semi-gloss black.
fact, the contents can look a bit have been painted RAF Interior Grey 5. In Steps 8 and 9, you might consider
imposing upon first inspection. Green. drilling out the lightening holes in the rear
The good news is that the kit fits together 2. In Step 6, the artificial horizon cockpit frames, parts F11 and F19.
precisely and presents few serious decal for the blind flying instrument 6. In Step 13, the instructions call for the
challenges. However, you do need to follow panel is blue. This should actually be compressed air bottles to be painted Sky
the instructions carefully and keep focused. black. Replacements may be found on Grey. Wartime compressed air bottles
aftermarket decal sheets from Mike Grant were unpainted steel colour. Some
CORRECTIONS AND DEVIATIONS Decals or MDC. restored Spitfires today have these bottles
The kit is generally very accurate, but there 3. The flare cartridge rack (part F48) painted various colours such as Sky Grey
are a number of areas where you might in Step 7 was not usually fitted to the or Interior Green.
consider deviating from the instructions. Spitfire Mk.IX. Do not glue this to the front 7. The oxygen bottle (part F5) should
Let’s discuss these before we begin: of the seat. be painted gloss black. The kit supplies
1. The instructions suggest that the 4. Spitfire seats were often fitted with a the oxygen hose for the seated pilot that
fuselage interior (except for the cockpit leather backrest. A simple backrest could is connected to his mask, but there is no
area) should be painted Bare Metal Silver. be made from Tamiya masking tape with hose attached to the oxygen bottle. The
18 Chapter 4 - Step by Step

The very first step was
preparing the photo-etched
metal parts with Tamiya’s
Metal Primer. This is a
clear finish.
The photo-etched frets

were also treated to a coat
of Tamiya Grey Surface
Primer. This helps improve
the “tooth” of the shiny
metal for subsequent coats
of acrylic paint.
The interior of the fuselage

halves were sprayed with
absence of the oxygen hose is obvious, Tamiya’s AS-12 Bare Metal
so the missing length may be fashioned Silver straight from the can.
from a guitar string bent to shape. This
should be glued to the starboard cockpit
wall disappearing behind the seat toward
the oxygen bottle (it really should go
to the oxygen regulator as should the
fitting from the oxygen bottle but it would
be impossible to see and this gives the
impression that we are after).
8. Tamiya suggests that you fit the tail
wheel in Step 20, but I left mine until the
final stages of construction.
The areas surrounding the
9. Tamiya would have you install the cockpit were masked off
main landing gear in Step 42, but I in preparation for Tamiya
XF-71 Cockpit Green. The
strongly suggest that this is delayed until base colour was streaked
the very end of the build. and mottled with a paler
10. At the front of the engine bay, the filler shade for variety.

for the glycol tank is missing. Check the
“Close Up” chapter for a view of this filler
high on the port side of the glycol tank.
11. Below the engine, Tamiya has also
missed the curved filler neck for the oil
tank. Once again, this feature may clearly
be seen in the “Close Up” chapter.
12. In Steps 49 and 50, the instructions
call for the coolant and oil pipes (parts
X1, X2, X3, X7 and X8) to be painted
Interior Grey Green. These were more
All the interior surfaces
likely a dirty bare copper finish. Check the
received a selective wash “Close-Up” chapter for detail photos.
in a heavily thinned mixture 13. The 20mm cannon barrels (parts CC3
of Lamp Black and Raw
Umber oil paint. in Step 64) are really only appropriate for
the early Spitfire Mk.IXc.
14. Early Spitfire Mk.IXs were fitted a
mechanical undercarriage down-lock
indicator on the upper surface of each
wing. These were small red blade-shaped
indicators that popped up when the
undercarriage was down and locked.
Although these parts are not supplied,
their locations are marked if you look
Cockpit parts were painted carefully. The indicators themselves may
on the sprue. Here we can be easily made out of thin plastic.
see the cockpit sidewalls 15. If you are installing the centreline
and forward bulkhead in
the base Cockpit Green slipper tank (part J4 in Step 65), you will
colour with irregular also need to fit the small hooks, parts
streaking and subtle
shading, all applied with J1 and J2. These hooks are included
the airbrush. on the sprues but not mentioned in the
instructions. The holes for the hooks are
located inside the wing just forward of
the innermost flap need to be drilled out.
There are three holes. For the smaller
hooks only the forward holes need to be
opened. Remember that these hooks
don’t support the slipper tank so don’t
try to make them meet the tank. These
hooks were there for when the slipper
tank was jettisoned, so that it would slide
back into these hooks. Otherwise, being
an airfoil shape, the tank would slide back
The cockpit components along the fuselage underside and cause
have received a gloss coat damage.
using Tamiya’s acrylic X-22
Clear before application of 16. Tamiya’s decal placement guide
an oil wash. would have the modeller apply the wing
walk lines over the upper wing roundels.
This is not correct. They also have you
extend the starboard wing walk line all
the way to the fuselage. Although this
was seen on early Marks II Spitfires and
II Spitfires, it does not apply to the Mk.IX.
The starboard side wing walk lines should
appear exactly as the port side.
I am grateful to Bob Swaddling for many

of these handy tips.
Of course, Murphy’s Law dictated that
I was not aware of many of these issues
The gloss coat on the
cockpit sidewalls will until I had already finished building my kit,
improve the adhesion of so the list is offered in the spirit of “do as I
placard decals.
say and not as I do”!

Even the metal parts may be painted before removal from Harness straps were sprayed Tamiya XF-55 Deck Tan. The flying instrument panel and the base for the gun sight
their frets. were painted XF-1 Flat Black.
BUILDING TAMIYA’S 1:32 removing the parts from the sprues. both applied straight from the spray can.
SCALE SPITFIRE MK.IXC However, it also means that there will be I painted most of the cockpit parts and
Work on Tamiya’s Spitfire starts in some raised “pips” on the mating surfaces the fuselage interior before I had cut a
the cockpit, but there are a couple of of each fuselage half once they have been single piece of plastic from the sprue.
important tasks to perform before heading cut free. These must be totally eliminated A Tamiya spray can was used for the
to the front office. or they will interfere with the fit of the next job too, this time AS-12 Bare Metal
Tamiya has cleverly attached the fuselage halves. Silver to coat the entire fuselage interior.
fuselage halves to the sprues at the mating The photo-etched frets were prepared This paint delivers a lovely smooth
surfaces. This reduces the chances of for paint, first with a coat of Tamiya’s clear grainless finish ideal for bare aluminium.
scarring the exterior of the fuselage when Metal Primer, followed by Grey Primer,
The instrument panel, forward bulkhead, control column and Tamiya’s depiction of the Spitfire’s The seat and rear cockpit frames may be seen here. The perforated rack
rudder with actuator rods have been brought together as sub- “bottomless” floor is very convincing. in front of the seat is for flare cartridges. Research suggests that this
assemblies. rack was not fitted to the Spitfire Mk.IX, but I found out too late!
The photo-etched
armour plate at
the rear of the seat
delivers a scale
appearance.
The photo-etched harness straps

were bent into shape before
gluing them to the plastic seat. The central cockpit sub-assemblies.

The instrument panel is a sandwich of plastic, photo- The dials are printed on the back of the decals, so don’t panic when you The blue artificial horizon is undoubtedly striking,
etched and clear parts, with decals bringing up the rear. see plain black disks on the front of the decal sheet! but the wartime instrument was invariably black.
THE FRONT OFFICE

Tamiya suggests that the cockpit parts
should be painted XF-71 Cockpit Green.
Being a Japanese WWII cockpit colour,
I was originally a bit dubious about this
shade representing RAF Interior Grey
Green, but in the end I think it looks quite
good. The cockpit area was masked off and
XF-71 was sprayed on the fuselage and
relevant cockpit parts on the sprues. The
base colour was then mixed with light grey
to create a lighter shade, applied in thin
streaks and mottles over Tamiya’s XF-71.
Details were then picked out with Tamiya
and Vallejo paints with a fine brush before
further weathering with a thin wash of The two main instrument panel sub-assemblies ready to be installed. This is the early style panel.
Lamp Black and Raw Umber oil paints.
Assembling the cockpit is a real suggest a glass lens. XF-64 Red Brown and XF-3 Flat Yellow to
education. The little spheres at the top The bottomless cockpit floor and the represent the unpainted brownish Paxolin
of part F30, which attached to the upper control column need extra attention during composite material. The photo-etched
starboard sidewall, are spare light globes assembly. The fit is very precise and, harness straps look good. Unfortunately,
for the early-style GM2 gunsight. The if correctly assembled, they will fit very I did not pay close enough attention and
master compass, often an afterthought perfectly behind the forward firewall. draped the starboard strap over the side
on other models, is just gorgeous with a The seat fits together well too, but don’t of the seat instead of threading it through
folded metal mount and a decal compass forget that you will not need to attach the the hole.
face. I applied a few coats of Future floor flare rack (part F48) to the front of the If you are planning to use the seated
polish over the decal with a clean brush to seat. I painted my seat in a mix of Tamiya pilot, you will not install the lap harness,
The core of the cockpit has now been assembled. The photo-etched harness straps look good in place.

Details are picked out on lower sidewalls with a fine paint brush, and small parts are glued The lower starboard sidewall is less of a jumble.
in place. The placard decals on the air bottles are sourced from Reheat.
The instrument panel has now been added to the cockpit core, but the gun sight will not be The cockpit is really taking shape now.
installed until much later.
Test fitting is crucial. The cockpit core sits snugly against the inside
of the port fuselage. Note that the lower sidewall parts have finally
been freed from their sprue and glued to the cockpit core.

Small grey polythene caps are fitted near the base of the forward bulkhead. A placard has been added and final weathering applied.
These will permit the press-fit of the supercharger intake assembly.
and you will use a different shoulder

The cockpit core was now glued to the
harness (photo-etched part a-20). inside of the starboard fuselage.
The regular harness for the empty seat
requires a little photo-etched origami.
There are two layers of shoulder straps.
The rearmost layer needs to be folded
to slip through a hole in the back of the
seat and drape behind the main shoulder
straps. With the benefit of hindsight, this
would have been easier if I had annealed
the photo-etched parts before folding
them. Annealing involves waving the
photo-etched part over the top of a flame
until the metal becomes discoloured
(usually blue), before dunking it in cool
water. This process significantly softens
the metal, resulting in a more natural fold
and drape. Fortunately, the straps looked
pretty good even without annealing.
The only non-Tamiya additions to the
cockpit were a few placard decals from
Reheat. These were applied over a gloss
coat, followed by Polly Scale Flat to Temora’s Spitfire Mk.VIII. Reheat Placard risk of knocking off the protruding reflector
restore the dull finish. decals were applied to the front of the during subsequent handling.
The compressed air bottles, Part F14, bottles too. In Step 15, don’t forget to install the
were painted with Tamiya XF-71 Cockpit The instructions would have you install small grey polythene caps in the back of
Green, not Sky Grey as called out by the gunsight at Step 14, but I would the forward firewall. These are the only
the instructions. This was in line with the suggest you leave this until just before the things that hold the supercharger intake
colour of the bottles I photographed in windscreen is installed to minimise the in place.
The tail wheel insert is reinforced with a wide locating strip on the fuselage side. Fit is extraordinary. It’s hard to tell that this is a separate part once the insert is glued into place.

The cockpit and engine firewall are trapped
between the fuselage halves, which are
temporarily secured with clamps and Tamiya
tape while the glue sets.
The control surfaces are secured with

photo-etched steel hinges and metal rods.
Here are the components for the rudder. The photo-etched hinges are slid onto the rod. The wings, fin and horizontal tailplanes are moulded with slots to
accommodate the ends of the hinges.
Here, one of the metal rods has been glued onto the When the control surfaces are glued together, the metal hinges This is simply pressed into the corresponding part, in this
channel in an aileron half. extend from the mating surface. case the horizontal tailplanes. Glue is not required. The control
surfaces may now be posed according to your preferences.

Wheel wells are fully boxed in and well detailed. A clamp was used to ensure a gap-free fit.
I test fitted the cockpit and forward single outboard angled kink. The
firewall a half dozen times before later style had a double kink – one
committing to glue. The fit was perfect. I angled and then another at 90 degrees to hinges for control surfaces, but Tamiya’s
suspected that the cockpit would stay in the elevator hinge line. Installation of the work very well. Just be careful to use the
place without glue, but I decided not to early version requires no modification to correct hinges with their related rod. For
take the chance! the kit parts, but if you are using the later the elevators, photo-etched hinges B-8
“double kinked” style, you will need to and B-9 are associated with steel rod ST1.
AROUND THE AIRFRAME cut a small section from the outer edges Once the elevators are assembled with
The Spitfire Mk.IX could be fitted with of the upper horizontal stabiliser halves the steel rods and hinges sandwiched
either of two styles of elevators. The early (parts B19 and B20). between, the control surfaces may simply
style was the same as the Mk.V, with a I have never been a big fan of metal be pushed into place.
The inside surface of the bottom wings were sprayed with Tamiya AS-12 Bare Metal Silver straight from the can.

The bottom of the cockpit area was masked and sprayed XF-71 Cockpit Green. This was The wheel well and wing spar have been installed.
weathered in a similar fashion to the rest of the cockpit. We can see the wheel well
components plus the wing spar here.
Separate panels are supplied for the C Wing cannon and machine gun fairings. The back of the lower cannon covers needed a little persuasion to keep them aligned with
These are the lower covers. the wing.
Here is the inside of the lower wing with all the parts in place. Take a good look now, because you won’t see this again!

Clamps and tape keep the upper wing in place as the glue dries.
Tamiya suggests that you fit the tail although these are not mentioned in the the structural detail moulded to the wheel
wheel in Step 20, but I left mine until the instructions. well ceiling.
final stages of construction. If you are building a late Mk.IX, don’t Take care aligning the two wheel well
In Step 21, take careful note of the forget to cut off the small wedges at sub-assemblies and the wing spar (part
holes that need to be drilled out in the the middle front of the wheel wells as A10) when securing them to the bottom
bottom of the wing to accommodate indicated in Step 21. wing. Don’t forget to install parts B1 and
various stores. If you are fitting bombs, In Step 22, before assembling the B2 near the front of the bottom wing either
drill the holes now. Also, as mentioned in wheel wells, make sure that you cut away (I did!).
the “Corrections and Deviations” section the small flashed-over rectangles at the From this point onward, construction of
earlier in this Chapter, if you are fitting the bottom of parts G11, G12, G21 and G22 the basic airframe is straightforward and
slipper tank you will need to drill holes and as indicated in the diagrams. In fact, you fast. Just follow the instructions and you
to fit the small hooks, parts J1 and J2, may have to cut away a little more to clear should have no trouble.
The wing tips are supplied as separate parts. A clipped wing tip option is also offered. Ailerons are also hinged.
These parts are moulded in clear plastic.

Here are the engine block and cylinder head sub-assemblies. The crankcase and oil filter have been added.
The supercharger ducting is fitted with a threaded bolt. This will eventually The supercharger ducting, blower and other details await assembly.
secure the engine to the firewall.
The engine block, initially painted in basic black,

test fitted inside the main engine mounts.

So far, so good, but the paint job is very bland at this stage. The engine is treated to a more varied finish, starting with two shades of grey.
In Steps 33 through 35, we have the Tamiya would have you install the shaft back to the firewall. Don’t worry
option of building the flaps up or down. landing gear in Step 42, but I strongly though, there are few challenges during
For the deployed option, Tamiya supplies suggest that this is delayed until the very construction.
some nice photo-etched structural detail. end of the build. The method of securing The engine bay is built up in layers,
Bear in mind, though, that Spitfire flaps the main landing gear legs with part AA5 starting with the core of the engine block,
only had two positions (fully extended or and a screw works perfectly. The fit of the the sump and cylinder heads; then the
up), and that it was very, very rare to see legs may seem very tight at first, but the crankcase, the supercharger, carburettor,
Spitfire flaps down at any time other than screw will force part AA5 down, resulting intercooler and firewall details. We next
when the aircraft was coming in to land. in perfectly aligned landing gear. The move on to the engine bearer, oil pump
However, if you do decide to defy RAF screw covers, parts A3 and A4, fit perfectly and lines, coolant pipes and tank, plus
regulations, don’t forget to attach the flap with the magnets alone. Do not use glue smaller details.
indicators (parts B13, B14, B23 and B24) on any of these parts. Some of the sequences are tricky,
“up” to indicate “flaps down” in Step 36. but everything goes together exactly as
In Steps 38 and 39, you will need to MERLIN MAGIC advertised. I would only recommend
cut off the top mounting lug for the oleo Perhaps the most daunting element of that the engine bearer parts be allowed
scissors if you are building an early Tamiya’s 1:32 scale Spitfire Mk.IXc is the to dry thoroughly overnight following
Mk.IX. The later Mk.IX was fitted with oleo engine bay. It is beautifully detailed and attachment to the firewall in Step 49
scissors (parts CC12). quite complete from its splined propeller before proceeding. Test fit the oil pump
The firewall and engine mount were

washed with a thin mix of Lamp
Black and Raw Umber oil paints.
The engine, glycol tank and

supercharger intake received the
same treatment. This is the long
intake for the later Spitfire IXc.

The engine is fixed in place with a single screw behind the firewall... ...then the firewall is attached to the front of the fuselage. The fit is so good that I did not use
glue to fit the firewall. This means that the engine can be easily removed if required. The dark
engine was buffed and shined to a semi-gloss finish – more realistic for this type of equipment.
But we are not quite finished yet!
The individual exhaust stubs were tacked to a box, labeled to keep track of them, The outer engine frame has been fitted. Note the splined propeller shaft at the front of the engine.
and sprayed a rusty shade.
Tamiya has beautifully captured the crammed

appearance of the Merlin engine bay.

With the detail parts complete, assembly of

the main airframe is incredibly fast.
and radiator pipes a few times before

committing to glue. You need to feed
these pipes between various bearer
frames. This assembly looks like plastic
origami at first, but the pipes really do fit
perfectly if you take your time.
You might like to add the missing cap
for the glycol tank and filler neck for the oil
cooler at this stage.
The one area where there is some
margin for error is the attachment of the
cowling frames (parts Q1 and Q2) in Step
54. These do not snap into place – some
work is required. If you don’t get this step
100% correct, the magnetic cowls will not
fit perfectly.
I also found that the locating stubs on
the individual exhaust stacks were quite
shallow, resulting in a vague fit compared
to the precision of the rest of the kit. I
used super glue to set these quickly.
Unsurprisingly, fit is superb. Just a smear of Tamiya With the engine bay complete, the entire
Surfacer was added to the area where the trailing edge sub-assembly may be fitted to the front of
of the wing meets the bottom of the fuselage.
the fuselage without glue.
Hairline gaps were dealt with around the machine gun ejector chute panels. The profile of the front of the cannon fairings is questionable, but some photos suggest
that this style did exist.

The undercarriage legs are reinforced with steel rods. Early Mk.IXs were not fitted with The landing gear is precisely secured with a single screw, seen here being fixed in place
oleo scissors, but the kit supplies these as an option for later versions. with the kit-supplied screwdriver. A small plastic panel covers the screw. This clicks in
place with a magnet, so that the undercarriage legs may be removed and replaced with the
retracted version if desired.
FINISHING TOUCHES cover up the front of the engine and that want to display the model with retracted
I skipped Steps 61 and 62 at this stage, splined shaft, but the propeller assembly is undercarriage. Because the gear and
which dealt with the canopy, and moved secured with a polythene cap and so may covers are held in place with screws and
straight to assembling the propeller in be removed at will. magnets, you will be able to swap the
stage 63. This is a particularly clever design If you are planning to mount the model raised and lowered gear whenever you
that I have not seen before, but I will bet on its stand, just follow Steps 65 and 66. like. Nice!
that we see it again in the future. Two pairs You can dismount your Spitfire at any After the main airframe was complete
of two blades each are mated diagonally to time and replace the slipper tank with the and painted, I installed the delayed sub-
deliver the four-bladed propeller assembly non-stand version. This is also the time to assembles – the gunsight, canopy, main
with perfect pitch. It is almost a shame to assemble the alternate landing gear if you undercarriage legs and tail wheel.
Building Tamiya’s 1:32 scale Spitfire Mk.IXc is more than

mere pleasure. It is a true odyssey and an education.
CHAPTER 5 SPITFIRE Mk
Mk.IXc
Mk.IX
.IXcc (EARLY), 453 SQN RAAF
RAAF SPITFIRE
OVER THE CONTINENT
Brett Green finishes his 1:32 scale Tamiya Spitfire Mk.IXc
as an RAAF machine in the UK with the aid of
home-made markings and masks.
T
amiya’s 1:32 scale Spitfire Mk.IXc PAINTING Some colours are only available in
was built straight from the box. The lower surfaces of my model were aerosol cans. For example, automotive
Construction of the model has painted with Tamiya’s AS-11 Medium Sea touch-up paints are matched to specific
been comprehensively covered in Grey straight from the rattle can. The finish colours from car manufacturers, so these
the previous chapter, so we will focus here was smooth and satin - just what I was will be very helpful to car modellers.
on the painting and customised markings. hoping for. Other aerosol paints may have technical
Tamiya AS-11 Medium Sea Grey was used for the lower surface colour. Tamiya Sprays were also used for the upper surface colours, but these were decanted into
glass jars and applied with the Testor Aztek airbrush.
34 Chapter 5 - Spitfire Mk.IXc (Early), 453 Sqn RAAF

It is important to thoroughly seal off the cockpit. Here, the Tamiya masking tape was applied to the painted lower surfaces and the bottom of the horizontal tailplanes. The extra time
cockpit door has been used to aid this important task. spent masking is more than compensated by the speed and precision of subsequent painting.
The upper surfaces are coated in

Ocean Grey. A slightly gritty finish at
the wing roots has been polished out
with Micro Mesh abrasive cloths.
The base colour was broken up with

streaks and patches of a paler shade.
paint is Tamiya’s AS-12 Airframe Silver, Alclad or other metallic lacquers.

which is only available in an aerosol can. The problem with aerosol cans is that
This covers thoroughly, dries quickly, that the air pressure and width of the
advantages resists fingerprints and other damage, and spray are not adjustable, making fine line
over tinned or features a very fine metallic grain. It is ideal and mottling work virtually impossible.
bottled products. For either as an overall Aluminium paint colour, Also, aerosol cans often leave an orange
example, my favourite silver or as a dull metallic shade combined with peel effect on the surface of the paint.
Tamiya’s camouflage instructions were enlarged to 1:32 scale and printed out. The printed camouflage pattern was cut out and applied to the model using a combination
of Blu-Tack and Tamiya tape.

Mk.IXc
Mk.IX
Tamiya AS-9 RAF Dark Green

and AS-10 Ocean Grey were
used for the upper surfaces.
The camouflage pattern is previewed

with all the masks in place.
Tamiya AS-9 Dark Green was sprayed

between the masks in several thin coats.
to let too much vapour escape from the You might notice that the longer you
container. hold down the button on the spray can,
We Next, find a common household bendy the colder the can will get. Spraying
can over- plastic drinking straw and attach it to the pressure will also decrease. If you
come these nozzle of the paint can. The diameter want to decant the entire contents, you
limitations yet should be close to the diameter of the will probably need to do so in several
still take advantage of nozzle, but the nozzle may need to be sessions to allow the can to warm and for
the aerosol paints by decanting trimmed with a sharp hobby knife if it is normal spraying pressure to return.
them from the spray can into a bottle for too large. Immediately after decanting, the paint will
later use in our airbrush. After thoroughly shaking the aerosol can, be cold and may be effervescent. The pro-
The first step is to find a disposable a quantity of paint may be sprayed through pellant gases from the spray can will need
glass or plastic container. I usually cover the hole in the cling wrap into the con- some time to bleed out of the paint, so
the top of the container with cling wrap, tainer. Tip the container so that the paint leave the jar open until the liquid stabilises.
and punch a small hole in one corner. starts to pool in a bottom corner (if the Once the liquid has stabilised, the paint
The hole should be large enough to spray paint is spread too thinly along the bottom may be used normally in your airbrush.
paint from the can, but small enough not of the container, it will quickly congeal). After decanting Tamiya spray paints, I find
The areas surrounding the rear fuselage band were masked off with various widths of ...and sprayed with Tamiya XF-XX Sky.
Tamiya tape...

Similar to the Ocean Grey, the Dark Green
camouflage was treated to irregular mottling.
scanned, scaled up to 1:32 in Photoshop, paint. While the airbrush was still loaded
increased in contrast and converted to with Sky paint, I sprayed the spinner and
monochrome before being printed and backplate at the same time.
cut into masks. These were attached to When all the masking tape was
the model using small blobs of Blu-Tack removed, the overall picture was revealed.
that they do not usually need to be thinned. underneath, and Tamiya tape at the The paint job looked very stark, but this
If they do, however, I use lacquer thinners. edges, in preparation for the disruptive was toned down once weathering and
The lower surfaces were masked with camouflage colour of Dark Green. I did decals were in place.
Tamiya tape, and the fuselage, wings not worry about camouflage masks for I was not really satisfied with some
and tailplanes received a base coat of the mid-rear fuselage, as this would be of the camouflage demarcations on the
Tamiya AS-10 Ocean Grey decanted from completely covered by invasion stripes. fuselage, so these were revised and
the spray can into a jar. The paint sprays Tamiya’s AS-9 RAF Dark Green was improved until I was eventually satisfied
beautifully straight from the jar after it has used for this colour, also decanted from with the result. I think that there are
settled, but it may be thinned with up to the spray can into a jar before being particular elements of RAF camouflage
70% Tamiya Lacquer Thinners if it thickens applied with the airbrush. that really define the scheme.
over time. The Sky fuselage band was the Two coats of Future were now sprayed,
The upper surface camouflage plans last masking and painting task for the providing a nice glossy coat for the decals.
from Tamiya’s kit instructions were moment. I used Tamiya XF-21 Sky acrylic
The artwork was scanned, scaled down to 1:32 and

printed onto clear decal film. The outline was
then filled in with a fine paintbrush.
The artwork under the cockpit was drawn The question mark code was created by cutting up and rearranging the parts of a
freehand onto a large piece of paper. number 2 on a Carpena decal sheet.

Mk.IXc
Mk.IX
Here is the model still wearing its

glossy coat of Future floor polish
following application of the decals.
The propeller tips receive a base coat of Tamiya White Primer to ensure opacity of the I used Tamiya TS-34 Camel Yellow for the propeller tips. The tips were masked prior to
yellow to come. painting the rest of the propeller assembly.
The propeller hub was painted using Tamiya AS-12 Bare Metal Silver, followed by a wash of It is a shame to hide all that lovely detail. Fortunately, the fit of the spinner cap is so good
thinned Raw Umber and Lamp Black oil paint. without glue that I can remove it to admire the hub detail whenever I like!

Decal setting solution stained the gloss coat. Sometimes this stain will disappear over time. This one persisted, however.
A further thin coat of Future eliminated the pale discolouration.
MARKINGS as a reference, I first drew the artwork onto appropriate shape.

I wanted to finish my Spitfire as an early a half a sheet of A4 paper using a pencil. The roundels and fin flash were robbed
Mk.IXc attached to 453 Sqn. RAAF. When I was satisfied with the design, the from Barracudacals’ 1:32 scale BC32004
Several of these aircraft featured interest- pencil outline was then traced over with a Spitfire Mk. IX Series - Part 1. I think
ing artwork on the nose or under the black Sharpie. these offer the best representation of Dull
cockpit. I have built a few of these 453 I scanned and reduced the line drawing Red and Dull Dark Blue of any decals
Sqn. Spitfires in the past, so I was looking to 1:32 scale, then printed the artwork available today.
for something a little bit different. onto clear decal film. The outline was A selection of stencil markings from
One of these early Spitfire Mk.IXs from sealed with a coat of Flat Clear, then the Tamiya’s decal sheet completed the job.
1943 featured an interesting “Question coloured details were picked out in Tamiya
Mark” code and a boy painted under the and Vallejo paints with a fine brush. The FINISHING TOUCHES
windscreen holding a sign bearing the outline was tidied up with a 0.03 Copic The model was given a topcoat of Polly
words, “You Have Been Warned!”. As there Multiliner before another coat of clear. The Scale Flat. Two thin applications over the
was no commercial decal release for these decal was then cut out and applied under glossy surface resulted in a nice flat finish.
markings, I set about making them myself. the windscreen. The airframe was shaded with a thin
Decals were scrounged from a number The Sky codes came from a Carpena
of sources. decal sheet. The question mark was a
The under-windscreen artwork was a bit of a challenge. In the end, I sliced up
homemade decal. Using a wartime photo a number “2” and rearranged it into the
Additional weathering was applied by

airbrush over a topcoat of Polly Scale Flat.
Key panel lines and structural details were
highlighted with a thin mix of Tamiya XF-1
Flat Black and XF-64 Red Brown.

CHAPTER 5 SPITFIRE Mk.IXc (EARLY), 453 SQN RAAF
Tamiya supplies self-adhesive painting masks for the canopy, but you’ll have to cut them The masks were applied according to the instructions.
out yourself.
A base coat of XF-71 Cockpit Green was sprayed first. This will remain visible on the The painted canopy fits perfectly on the completed model.
canopy framing when viewed from the inside.
Many scale model gunsights seem

to be oversimplified afterthoughts, but
this is probably the best WWII example
that I have seen in any scale...

Smaller detail parts were painted and weathered in preparation for final assembly. The bottoms of wartime Spitfires were usually filthy with oil and exhaust stains.
These were replicated mainly with the airbrush.
The engine is simply plugged into the front

of the fuselage for an impressive result.
Tamiya’s 1:32 scale Supermarine

Spitfire Mk.IXc is a magnificent model.
mix of Flat beautifully detailed assembly. Many

Black and scale model gunsights seem to be
Red Brown. This oversimplified afterthoughts, but this
was sprayed along is probably the best WWII example
control surface hinge lines, that I have seen in any scale. Careful
selected panels, in a few random painting is well worthwhile.
spots and streaks and along the demarca- The kit-supplied masks were cut out
tion line between the Ocean Grey and Dark and applied to the thin and crystal clear
Green. This slightly reduces the harshness canopy parts. I would normally dip clear
of the sharply masked demarcation. parts in Future floor polish for additional
This same mix was used to apply clarity but these parts simply did not need
generous staining on the lower surfaces, it. A base coat of XF-71 Cockpit Green
as was frequently seen. was sprayed first. This will remain visible
A silver pencil was used to apply some on the canopy framing when viewed from
“chipping” to the wing walks. the inside. Once the RAF Dark Green had
The early version GM2 reflector been sprayed, the masks were removed
gunsight was glued into the slot at the and the canopy parts glued in place. The
top of the instrument panel. This is a fit was perfect.

Mk.IXc
Mk.IX
.IXcc (EARLY)
(EARLY).. POLISH FIGHTING TEAM, 14
TROPIC SPITFIRE
Marcus Nicholls finishes Tamiya’s new
1:32 Spitfire Mk.IXc in desert colours
I
t is hard to know where to begin when really very special indeed. In fact, I will be of the three markings options you are
describing this model. Tamiya’s large so bold as to say it sets a new standard going to depict from the outset, because
scale Spitfire must be one of the most for model kit design. Tamiya’s new Spitfire there are subtle differences in equipment
hotly anticipated model releases in Mk.IXc kit perfects the art – because it has options between the wartime variants ‘A’
recent years, so it has a lot to live up to. It become an art – of model kit production and ‘B’ and the post-war option ‘C’ and
is also one of the most studied, discussed to the point where it is hard to see how it holes occasionally need to be drilled to
and scrutinised subjects imaginable, so it could be taken further, although I’m sure accommodate various parts etc.
really had to deliver in terms of accuracy. it will be. Assembly follows the conventional pat-
Plus, it just had to have that extra some- tern whereby the fuselage sandwiches the
thing that will elevate it over other similar FITTING OUT THE COCKPIT cockpit unit when the halves are brought
models, giving it ‘star quality’. The odyssey begins with the cockpit. together, but one usually reaches this
Having just completed this model, I can Before I go any further, it is worth pointing point early on. In this case it is all the way
put my hand on my heart and say that it is out that you need to decide on which down at stage fifteen! The reason for such
42 Chapter 6 - Spitfire Mk.IXc (Early). Polish Fighting Team, 145 Sqn., Tunisia 1943.
M, 145 SQN. TUNISIA 1943.
Here we can see the

assembled cockpit side
walls, pneumatic system
bottles, pilot’s oxygen
bottle and other small
items fixed to a piece
of card in readiness for
painting. Double sided
tape and Blu-Tack are
invaluable for this.
The side wall frames

have been painted here,
as well as drybrushed
with a pale green shade.
A wash of brownish oil-
paint has been applied,
deepening the surface
detail. The detail painting
of the controls will follow;
Vallejo paints are very
useful for this.
a late ‘mating of the halves’ is thanks to

the truly awesome cockpit, which takes a
full twelve assembly stages to complete.
The floorless design of the real thing has
been faithfully reproduced. In fact, it is
open all the way to the navigation light in
the aircraft’s belly, the upper side of which
is represented inside. Very nice.
The cockpit module is held together by
two perfectly-fitting side frames that lock
into the central ‘backbone’ portion and in
turn, fit into moulded grooves within the
Although the side walls are designed to be mated with the floor panel to form a cockpit module, it’s well worth ‘dry-
cockpit walls. The two structural frames fitting’ them in their places within the fuselage halves first to check their weathering matches that of the painted
cockpit walls within the fuselage itself.

CHAPTER 6 SPITFIRE Mk.IXc (EARLY). POLISH FIGHTING TEAM, 14
Above, we see the major cockpit

components in their base colour
of XF-71 Cockpit Green.
The finished cockpit with seat fitted,

The instrument panel is formed from injection parts, minus side frames. Seen here is an
photo-etched metal and decals – the latter are best almost completely box-stock build up
applied once all the components have been brought – the only modification was the drilling
together to avoid damaging them. out of the lightening holes in the frames.
that sit behind the pilot’s seat feature be found on one of the two included PE rying the dial detail. The effect is flawless,
moulded circular depressions to depict sheets. I decided to anneal these parts to but a word of advice; fit the clear parts
the lightening holes; I chose to drill them ease their handling and the formation of before your apply the decals to avoid
out, but in reality you can only see a hand- the webbing into natural positions. Aside them being damaged during handling.
ful of them once the model is complete. from drilling out the lightening holes, the I followed the instructions and painted
The kit comes with the two armour plates cockpit was built entirely ‘box-stock’, as the cockpit structures with XF-71 Cockpit
that are positioned behind the seat and was the rest of the kit. Green (IJN). This is a good match for the
for scale appearance. They are formed The instrument panel is moulded in interior colour of Spitfires, if a little on the
from photo-etched metal. These parts are opaque kit plastic and apertures where the dark side. To counter that, I over-sprayed
very visible on the model, even with the dial faces should be. These are provided lightened layers followed by a light dry-
access door shut, and their effect is most by two clear inserts that fit from behind, brushing and some colour washes to
impressive. The Sutton harness is also to backed up by reverse-printed decals car- bring out the detail.
Looking down onto the cockpit with side frames in place – the unit
is ready to be fitted into the fuselage halves. The Sutton harness is
formed from rather stiff PE nickel-steel and required annealing in
order to form into a natural shape.
The Merlin engine in this kit is quite simply a

work of art – the detail is phenomenal, even
though there is no wiring supplied.
The engine bearer is equally well appointed

and hugs the powerplant very efficiently.
The design allows the engine to be fitted
easily after all parts are painted without
causing damage to the finished surfaces.
The bearer/firewall assembly was base

coated in XF-71 Cockpit Green as per the
cockpit, but the brown oil paint washes
were more heavily applied.
This view clearly shows the fantastic detail on the firewall - all
completely standard, nothing added.
The exhaust stubs are actually

fitted over the cowling frames and
The engine of this Spitfire received a heavy are individual parts, so accurate
layer of grime as it depicts a Tunisian desert alignment is crucial.
based machine.
The entire engine, its bearers and firewall build up into

a neat module that fits to the fuselage in an unbelievably
neat and easy manner.

Mk.IXc
Mk.IX
.IXcc (EARLY)
(EARLY).. POLISH FIGHTING TEAM, 14
In this shot, we can see the insert (fitted) below the horizontal
stabilisers that will allow the Mk.IX to become a Mk.VIII with a
retractable tail wheel in future releases.
Halfway through the application of an initial

layer of Middle-Stone, we can see how the
pre-shading layer shows through. Hannants
Xtracrylix paint has an attractive semi-
translucent quality that can be built up in subtle
layers, and is therefore ideal for this procedure.
FUSELAGE WING deciding whether to depict the landing-

The completed cockpit module can then In many ways, the semi-elliptical wing flaps in a deployed state, I posted a
be sandwiched between the fuselage defines the Spitfire. It is a very distinctive message on hyperscale.com to gather
halves, secured with small drops of Revell and complex set of curves; a challenge opinion on whether they might be seen
Contacta cement, a most useful glue for to get right, for sure. Without consulting in this position when the aircraft was
assembly procedures. The halves fit beau- scale plans (I don’t have any) I would at rest. The conclusion was that while
tifully. The sub-assembly was left overnight say that Tamiya have nailed it. To me they were opened for landing, they were
to allow the cement to set fully. The control this looks like a perfect rendition of that rapidly closed again once the aircraft
surfaces and wings come next. As with unique, beautiful wing shape that is had slowed in order to prevent damage
the Zero kits, Tamiya has employed an so easy to identify when a Spitfire flies during taxiing, however they could have
elegant system of photo-etched and metal overhead. Some extremely thoughtful been seen open during maintenance, so
rod parts to form slim hinges that allow the planning has gone into the wing design open it was to be! Thanks to all those
ailerons, rudder and elevators to move. and the main undercarriage bays in who offered feedback on this matter.
While this may not appeal to all modellers, particular, making this sometimes tricky Unlike the Zero kits, Tamiya has chosen
it really is very effective – not gimmicky. sub-assembly an absolute joy. When to offer the undercarriage as fixed up-
The Middle-Stone is on and we can still see the pre-shading showing through. This effect is Over the Middle-Stone, the Dark-Earth has started to be applied. It was applied freehand
not to everyone’s taste of course and is not an essential step in the model’s paint process, with ‘soft’ edges as was the original scheme. Note that the engine cowling panels have
but it does lend an appealingly faded look. been tacked in place with Blu-Tack so the camouflage patterns align.
or-down options rather than a movable
system, an eminently sensible idea to
me, as even the highest grade of kit
plastic can fatigue quickly leading to
potential collapse. The reason for the ‘up’
position is to allow the included display
stand to be used, depicting the model
in-flight, although you could of course
have the undercarriage down and on
Unlike the border between
the stand as if coming into land - then the Middle-Stone and Dark-
the flaps could be down for a genuine Earth, the demarcation
between the upper and
reason! I went for the ‘parked’ option as lower colours has a ‘hard’
my test shot of the kit arrived without the edge, so a line of masking
stand, so the decision was made for me. tape was applied here.
The undercarriage includes flexible vinyl

brake lines - but don’t worry, these are
not the over-scale kind with impossible-
to-remove mould part-lines, they are
extremely refined, in-scale and fit like a
dream. The tyres are also supplied in soft
vinyl and are excellent, although I did
skim them on the mini-drill to remove a
slight seam around their periphery. There
is a choice of wheel hubs according to
the version you have chosen, plus photo-
etched cover plates that I can safely say
are the most perfect-fitting (see, there
To suggest the presence of
I go again) model kit parts I have ever dust from its last landing,
experienced. They drop into the hubs well thinned Tamiya XF-
leaving an ultra-fine rim of aluminium 57 Buff was airbrushed
in selected areas on the
colour that looks just magnificent. It’s undersurfaces.
a small thing, but it made me happy.
The legs are a glueless fit into their
bays, secured by sturdy blocks that are
retained with self-tapping screws, hidden
behind more magnetised panels.
In this view, all the
ENGINE camouflage colours
The engine is a masterpiece of complexity are on and a protective
layer of Johnsons’ Klear
and detail; without doubt the most (Future) has been applied.
comprehensive example I have seen in To accentuate the subtle
a kit. It is made up from over forty-five panel lines of Tamiya’s kit,
localised ‘washes’ of dilute,
parts, not including those on the firewall, dark coloured oil paints
and apart from wiring, it needs nothing were run into them using a
medium-sized paint brush.
adding at all. It is also a very easy paint- Excess wash can be wiped
job; semi gloss black for almost every off with a soft cloth.
component! This is where we begin to
see the introduction of Tamiya’s secret
weapon in this model; micro-magnets.
These powerful little devils are secreted
within key sub-assemblies of the engine
and are there to hold on the cowlings,
which themselves have both magnets and
metal plates fitted. Ingenious; but does it
work? More on that later...
The engine bearers are worth a
mention here. These crucial structures
are sometimes an afterthought in a kit
Tamiya provide hinged
that includes engine detail, but here they control surfaces in this kit
are given the royal treatment and, like the - not as a gimmick, but to
allow the ailerons, rudder
firewall to which they fix, are really quite and elevators to be subtly
magnificent. The way the whole engine positioned off-centre by
the modeller.
module fixes to the airframe is extremely

CHAPTER 6 SPITFIRE Mk.IXc (EARLY). POLISH FIGHTING TEAM, 14
The engine ‘pod’ has been mounted to the airframe. Tamiya provide such an elegant and The panel carrying the air intake is a push-fit using a pair of pins/polycaps. It acts as the
easy system to do this, one wonders why it has never been done before! ‘lock’ that secures the engine module.
The port aileron is put through its paces! Tiny photo-etched nickel-steel hinges and metal The radiators feature individually moulded facias and it’s a simple job to fit them after the
rods facilitate this movement – remember, one up, one down! model has been painted, by just tacking on their covers with double-sided tape.
If there was a weak spot in the kit, it has to be the cockpit door. It’s a one-piece moulding and that famous red crowbar is formed integrally with the part, which is not as realistic as it
could be. Hopefully, the aftermarket manufacturers will come up with a photo-etched replacement (with resin crowbar?), although it wouldn’t be too hard to fabricate a new door one’s self,
using styrene sheet and a little modelling ingenuity.
The undercarriage is well designed in this kit, featuring flexible tyres and brake lines on the The model includes a stand so it can be displayed ‘in flight’ and an option to fit the
main legs. The photo-etched protective panels are yet to be fitted in this view. undercarriage in a retraced position is provided. Wheel wells are nicely appointed.
well thought-out too. When the fuselage PAINTING AND MARKINGS action airbrush from the ‘Renegade’ series
halves were brought together, a bulkhead I chose the Polish Fighting Team option for and it performed brilliantly. I was most
carrying a pair of trapped polythene caps a desert camouflaged Spitfire. Hannants’ impressed.
was installed just forward of the cockpit. Xtracrylix paints were used and they You can see from the photos the range
This is the key to the engine’s mounting; performed flawlessly. They are not as of tasks demanded of it. I ended up using
the firewall’s rear face sports a pair of heavily pigmented as Tamiya acrylics, but decals from Pacific Coast Models’ kit of
corresponding pegs that slide effortlessly this did allow me to make extensive use of ‘EN315’ because in a moment of stupefy-
into the polycaps, holding the whole pre-shading. ing sausage-finger clumsiness, I damaged
assembly in place. Quite simply brilliant. The Hannants paints are also slightly the kit’s markings and had no option than
This allows the engine to be left off until satin in finish, meaning less gloss coating to pilfer this sheet, so whilst it’s still the
final assembly, massively easing the was needed in preparation for the decals. same aircraft, the kit markings will look
airframe’s painting and decalling stages. All airbrushing of the model’s exterior was slightly different to what you see here.
carried out with Badger’s ‘Rage’ double
The landing flaps of Spitfires were pneumatically actuated and were either firmly ‘up’ or ‘down’. They were fitted in the ‘down’ position on this model to show off their interior detail.
A few extra strips of styrene were added here to supplement the photo-etched edging strips.

CHAPTER 6 SPITFIRE Mk.IXc (EARLY).. POLISH FIGHTING TEAM, 14
CONCLUSION
MODELSPEC This is the best model kit I have ever built, my fault. I had never intended to fit them
bar none – not a declaration I make lightly. anyway – why cover that beautiful Merlin?
Materials; Tamiya has reached a whole new level with Even so, on my next build of this kit, I will
Injection moulded grey and this Spitfire and there is not one part of it probably glue them on for a perfect fit. If
clear polystyrene, ABS, I could aim any serious criticism at, apart you had any doubts about this model and
photo-etched nickel steel, from perhaps the engine cowling panels, it’s not inconsiderable price tag, have no
synthetic rubber, polycaps, which are tricky to align, but I think that was fear, it is worth every single penny.
waterslide decals, micro-
magnets, screws, metal rod.
Paints used;
Tamiya acrylics
XF-71 Cockpit Green (IJN),
X-18 Semi-Gloss Black. Tamiya’s new Spitfire Mk.IXc kit
Hannants Xtracrylix
XA1002 RAF Dark Earth, perfects the art of model kit production
XA1009 RAF Middle Stone, to the point where it is hard to see how
XA1026 RAF Azure Blue it could be taken further...
Decals;
‘Borrowed’ from Pacific
Coast Models Spitfire Mk.IXc
PCM32005
It just looks right! Tamiya have captured the

elusive ‘sit’ of Mitchell’s design perfectly.
That elliptical wing is simply beautiful

- form follows function? Well, nature
is stunning...

CHAPTER 7 SPITFIRE HF Mk.VII, 131 SQN RAF
HIGH ALTITUDE
FIGHTER
Roy Sutherland converts his 1:32 scale Tamiya Spitfire Mk.IXc
to the refined high altitude fighter variant, the HF Mk.VII.
T
he Mk. VII was the first two-stage predecessor, the HF VI, and a pressurised had their high altitude wingtips replaced
Merlin powered Spitfire to be cockpit with the new Lobelle sliding hood, with standard tips, and were repainted by
designed and built. Unlike the which was a big improvement over the old late August of 1944 in the standard day
Mk. IX, which was rushed into non-sliding hood as fitted to the Mk VI. fighter camouflage.
production to counter the new threat This hood, which needed to be removed
posed by the Fw 190, the VII incorporated and replaced by ground crew to allow MODELLING THE HF VII
all the refinements to the airframe, the pilot access, was unpopular with the When Brett sent me the new Tamiya
including a fully retractable tailwheel, pilots, who felt trapped inside. Spitfire Mk. IX and asked me to write a
short span ailerons as well as leading The HF VII was designed to counter chapter for this book, I decided to do
edge wing tanks that added 25 gallons the high altitude bombing threat from the something a little different. As far back
of onboard fuel. It was also designed Luftwaffe that was never to materialise. as I can remember as a modeller, there
with the high altitude wingtips fitted to its Just after D-Day, most HF VII airframes is one two stage Merlin Spitfire that has
52 Chapter 7 - Spitfire HF Mk.VII. 131 Sqn RAF

The first step in the
conversion was to cut back
the fuselage for the deeper
rear fixed canopy fitted to the
Mark VII Spitfire. A new rear
canopy section will have to
be created.
I have built a lot of models in my life,

but I think it is safe to say that this is
the best aircraft model I’ve ever had the
pleasure to build. It is labour intensive
and a little fiddly here and there, but in
the end, it is a stunning piece of work.
The resin plug that replaces the cockpit door is shown installed. The door was deleted on the HF VI and VII due to the
pressurisation of the cockpit. Note the repositioned crowbar.
always held a special place in my heart;

MD111, an HF VII of 131 Squadron, in the
high altitude scheme of Medium Sea Grey
over PRU Blue. I am not sure where I first
saw the photo, possibly in the old Arco-
Aircam on the Merlin engined Spitfires. I
have always wanted to build this particular
aircraft, so when the opportunity came up
to build this model, it seemed like the time
had come to scratch that itch.
In hindsight, it might have not been the The lower cockpit sidewalls were attached to the fuselage halves to allow adding the wiring and plumbing that was
prevalent on every Spitfire from the prototype to the last Seafire 47. The square tank at the bottom of the sidewall is
best decision. The scope of the conversion for windscreen deicing fluid.

CHAPTER 7 SPITFIRE HF M
Mk.VII, 131 SQN RAF
The seat mounting bracket is a complex affair, and Tamiya have

done a nice job representing it. I added detail by drilling out the
lightening holes, but it’s not really necessary as it is very hard
to see once the seat is installed.
I drilled out the lightening holes in the cockpit bulkhead to add
depth. Again it is not really necessary, but it’s an easy upgrade and
looks good to my eye. I brushed the drilled out holes with liquid
cement to clean up the fuzzy edges.
I scratchbuilt the rear pressure bulkhead

for the Spitfire HF VII. It required a lot of
clever engineering to create seals for the
flying controls that would keep pressure
from escaping, while allowing unrestricted
movement of the control cables.
The scratchbuilt patterns for the upper sidewall for the MK VII,
as well as the oxygen hose, made from a carefully bent wound
guitar string with mounting bracket made from styrene. The seat mounting bulkhead with seat mounting bracket
installed. I also opted to drill out the holes on the bulkhead.
The moulded in detail on the bulkhead is very impressive.
Controlled chaos! I am deep into work on the interior,

and the inevitable encroachment of the workspace with
tools and paints should look familiar to most modellers.
Evident in this image is the exhaustive nature of the kit
cockpit.

The starboard cockpit sidewall with basic painting completed. A wash will soon be The port sidewall painted Interior Grey Green. Tamiya have you paint the ribbed chain
applied to help pop out the detail. It is a good idea to not be too subtle with washes and guards black, but they are painted green in the sole surviving Spitfire HF VII, on display at
drybrushing in cockpits. They are small and dark, and detail easily gets lost under these the Smithsonian. The cockpit on this aircraft is completely original.
conditions.
in this scale turned out to be more work The conversion work comprised the following: MD111 is an odd mix of features. While
than I bargained for, especially given that • Fabricate retractable tailwheel and doors it has the late style gun bay blisters,
this chapter had to be done to a deadline. • Shorten ailerons by 8 scale inches four-slot main wheels and double cutaway
The work necessary to make a Spitfire IX • Seal up cockpit door and move crowbar elevators of a later production aircraft,
into a VII is, in itself, not that complex, and • Fabricate rear pressure bulkhead it has the early style carburetor intake.
could be done quickly on a simpler kit in a • Fabricate other variant specific cockpit At the time the only known photo was
smaller scale. Doing the conversion in 1:32 details taken, sometime shortly after D-Day, the
required more detail, and parts that could • Fabricate pressurisation intake high altitude wingtips had already been
have been robbed from other kits in a 1:48 • Scribe wing tanks and filler caps replaced with standard elliptical tips,
or 1:72 build, needed to be scratch built. • Create external canopy rails which was fine with me as they look better
This is only a problem when you have to • Vacform deeper rear fixed canopy on the Spit.
make a deadline! section
The reworked and cast copies of the throttle and gear quadrants are The Compass mount was moved to the starboard wall, so a new
shown painted in this view. Careful painting really adds to the look. mount had to be scratchbuilt. Thankfully, I made resin copies of
A Winsor-Newton Series Seven 000 brush was used to paint the this part, as this one flew off into the ether, never to be seen again.
white stenciling in the cockpit.
The kit instrument

panel built mostly out
of the box. The engine
priming pump was The retract quadrant with its hydraulic hoses attached.
moved to the lower
right hand side of the
instrument panel on
the HF VII, next to
the red ringed gauge.
Careful painting brings
this part to life.
My reworked control column casting with pneumatic hoses added from fine wire.

GETTING STARTED
Deviating from the instructions, I started
by building the engine, which is superb.
With over 50 parts going into the engine
alone, it takes some time to clean up
all those parts, and to figure out how all
those parts go together. I left the engine
in four subassemblies as shown in the
accompanying image to allow painting of
all the various nooks and crannies. Fully
assembled, it would not be possible to
do this.
Next is the firewall and all of the
accessories, to which are added some
very detailed bearer arms. Take your time
here. Removing the mould parting lines
from those bearer arms and the various
hoses and braces requires patience. This
is certainly not a quick weekend build.
Be prepared to spend some time on this
kit. Everything fits well and looks great.
The floorboards and rudder pedal One note of caution; take your time and
mechanism almost stock from the
kit. I did cut little wedges out of the read and follow the instructions carefully. I
raised rings to create star wheel assembled the oil tank and forgot to install
adjusters for the rudder pedals.
A little fussy, but it looks cool! the little magnets that help hold the lower
cowling on. By the time I had discovered
my mistake, the glue had fully cured. I
had to grind large holes in the top of the
tank with a motor tool in order to glue the
magnets in. These holes were then filled
and sanded out.
With this stage behind me, it was time
to get down to the business of converting
the cockpit to a pressurised Mk VII office.
A new rear pressure bulkhead, port
upper sidewall and crowbar, silica gel
canister and revised compass mount were
scratchbuilt using cockpit photos of the
Smithsonian’s sole surviving Spitfire Mk.
VII, EN474.
I again deviated from the instructions
and attached the lower cockpit sidewalls
to the fuselage halves, as I would be
adding a lot of the wiring and plumbing
to the sidewalls. Careful study of photos
and especially pilot’s notes helped to
sort out what lines went where. Be
careful using modern Warbirds
for reference. Some of the
equipment may be modern,
and other non-essential
systems may be left out.
Overall, the Tamiya cockpit
is very accurate. I am glad
they chose to ignore the wiring, as
moulded in wiring looks cheesy and
is very difficult to paint cleanly. The wiring
was added from wire of different gauges
The Sutton harness, painted and tacked in place. as well as fine solder for the bigger hoses.
I created a backpad from scribed thick lead foil The belts were made from heavy canvas and More detail was added from styrene rod
from a wine bottle. The beading was created with each had a series of large grommets on it. The
very fine solder bent and glued into position. The harness was secured by feeding the belts over the and strip, as well as discs punched out
kit seatbelts are OK, but I would have preferred center pin, then locked with a large clip that was using Waldron punches. The stick, throttle
separate buckles in this scale. attached to one of the belts by a cord.
quadrant and gear quadrant were detailed

The starboard sidewall with all painting completed. You can see how much visual interest The port sidewall fully painted. The compressed air bottles are called out as steel color, but
the wash adds by comparing this photo to the earlier one. The large diameter tube that they could also be painted cockpit green or black as well. The crowbar has yet to be installed.
snakes up the sidewall is part of the cockpit pressurization system.
One little odd point on this beautiful model. You will note the bottom left instrument seems The cockpit is now coming together. with the lower sidewalls glued to the fuselage halves,
to be glowing. With the fuselage halves together, this effect was even more pronounced. you need to take care lining everything up when you put the fuselage halves together, but it
I resolved this by running some thinned black paint around the edge of this instrument’s does work. Note compass position and installed gear quadrant hoses.
clear glass.
This view shows the installation of the rear bulkhead to good effect. Note the correct Normally, I like to install seats and belts after the model is assembled and painted, but
oxygen hose installation and the rudder and elevator cable runs added from wire. it would be very difficult to install this seat with the fuselage halves together. Tamiya’s
excellent cockpit is starting to look finished.

The tailwheel doors are cut away using a fine razor saw with a photoetched blade. The tailwheel well blocked out with sheet styrene drilled for later installation of the
The blades are extremely thin and sharp, so use with care. They also tend to break scratchbuilt retractable tailwheel strut. This bay would be painted Interior Grey Green
if you use too much pressure, but they are a very useful tool. in wartime service to prevent corrosion.
The tailwheel doors with small cutout backed with Tamiya tape and the cutout filled with CA glue. Once set, the CA glue can be sanded to shape. The cured CA glue allows you to build up
missing areas, and can be sanded to a thin, sharp edge, unlike solvent based putties.
and reworked, and resin castings were scribed to simulate the ribbed look of a while bending and posing each belt to
made. These will be available soon, along the pad. I simulated the beading using give it a natural sit when installed. When I
with other resin upgrade parts for this kit, fine solder. Painted very dark brown, it was satisfied, the belts were primed with
from BarracudaCast.com. Plug inserted? looks the part. The etched belts are a little Tamiya grey primer, then painted a canvas
Check! two-dimensional for my tastes, but I used colour.
The seat on the Spitfire has a ribbed them anyway. I added character to them All cockpit parts were then painted
leather backpad. Tamiya chose not to by bending them up and flattening them Interior Grey Green. Detail painting was
replicate this feature, probably due to again to make them look more like cloth. done using Polly Scale acrylic and Testor’s
moulding limitations. I made mine from I rolled a fine rat-tail file over the belts to enamel paints using various paintbrushes.
thick wine bottle foil cut to shape and give them a fabric pattern. I spent quite After this was complete, a wash of heavily
The kit engine is a wonderful little model on its own. I recommend painting it in The 60 series Merlin was fitted with a two stage supercharger, and Tamiya have gone to
subassemblies as shown. Otherwise there will be many inaccessible areas that will extremes to reproduce every aspect of this engine in amazing detail. All you need to add
be almost impossible to reach with paint. are ignition harnesses, some wiring and plumbing to make this engine really stand out.

thinned scale black was applied to all the
parts to pop out all the detail. Stenciling
was simulated with fine dots of Testor’s
white paint applied with a Winsor &
Newton Series Seven 000 paintbrush. Not
a cheap brush, but worth every penny.
When painting was completed, the cockpit
was carefully assembled.
The Mk. VII had a retractable tailwheel, The Mk VII’s pressurised
so the doors were marked out using cockpit had a unique sliding
scale drawings of the Mark VIII. The hood that was locked
down with external locking
doors were cut out, and the roof and canopy rails that allowed
forward bulkhead of the tailwheel bay the hood to be slid back,
instead of being clamped
was fabricated from styrene sheet. down like on the Mk VI.
The tailwheel strut was also scratch
built and cast in resin with a steel pin
inserted for strength. It will be available,
along with the doors and rear fuselage
inserts, shortly from BarracudaCast.
With this done, it was time to close up
the fuselage. I took my time fitting the
fuselage halves together, making sure the MD111 was fitted with the
lower cockpit sidewalls cleared the floor early carburetor intake.
It’s a nice moulding, but
as they should. When I was confident I chose to grind off the
that everything fit, I assembled the halves internal bump for the
using Tamiya liquid cement. locator pin and socket,
which is visible when you
look up inside the intake.
WINGING IT Careful sanding with small
scraps of sandpaper glued
The wings went together with no to the end of toothpicks
surprises, although the parts count is finished the job.
higher than any single-engined fighter I’ve
ever built! I cut the outer 8 scale inches
off the ailerons and attached them to the
wings as shown. The gaps were filled and
sanded out. I also scribed the access
panels and filler caps for the 12.5 gallon
leading edge fuel tanks specific to the
Mk. VII and the Mk. VIII. Tamiya is just
about the first manufacturer to correctly
portray the wingtips as flat bottomed, with
the top surface curving down to meet Don’t forget to paint the
at the tip. Note that the leading edge inside of the upper wing
black so that you don’t
inserts with the machine gun openings see bare plastic when
and the cannon barrel mounts should be you look up inside the
filled and sanded to remove any trace of shell ejector slots on the
underside of the wing.
seams. There are no panel lines around
these parts on the real wing. Flaps were
attached in the up position, as they
were rarely ever deployed on the ground
unless the aircraft had just landed and
not yet shut down the engine. I painted
the inside of the radiator fairings, the
entrance and exit ramps, and the radiator
faces before attaching these parts to the
lower wing. It greatly simplifies painting
this area later on.
Attention then turned to assembling the The HF VII had short span
horizontal stabilisers, as well as all the ailerons like the Mk VIII.
I cut off a scale 8 inches
flying surfaces. The hinge mechanisms from the outer end of
consist of sturdy photo-etched tabs and the aileron and glued it
steel pins. They are a bit floppy for my to the wing. Filling was
accomplished with CA
tastes, but they work prototypically and glue and sanded out.
allow you to pose them if that kind of thing

There are some prominent ejector pin marks on the inside of the radiator exit doors. If they are going to be closed, they will not be easily seen. Mine are displayed open, so I filled the
depressions and sanded them flush.
The beast takes shape. With so many parts in the cockpit,

wings and engine, it takes surprisingly long to get to this
stage. The wait is worth it, as the resulting model looks
every bit the two stage Merlin powered Spitfire.
The intake for the cockpit

pressurization pump is
fabricated from strip styrene
sanded to shape and cemented
in place on the starboard
engine cowling panel.

After masking off the cockpit and canopies (the supplied masks are excellent) the With the undersides masked off, the upper surfaces were sprayed in Medium Sea Grey.
undersides were sprayed with PRU Blue. I mixed mine from Tamiya paint, but this Don’t forget to paint all the other uppersurface parts at the same time, such as the spinner,
color is available in a number of aircraft model paint lines. engine cowlings, antenna mast, mirror, and the like. Ask me how many times I’ve forgotten
to paint some small parts and had to go back and load the airbrush up again!
turns you on. The wings and tailplanes

were attached using liquid cement and
the fit was excellent. The fuselage is very
tail heavy, and I noticed that the glue joint
was beginning to pull open after a few
minutes. I recommend leaning a small
book on top of the forward fuselage while
the wing to fuselage joint sets, preferably
overnight. Some filling and sanding is
necessary on the rear underside fuselage
to wing joint, but this was minimal and to
be expected.
The airframe was now mostly together
and painting could start soon. The
design of the engine assembly is such
that it can be attached after painting and
decaling, if you prefer. The canopies were
masked using the preprinted tape masks.
I cut carefully along the lines and was
rewarded with great fitting masks. This is
a great masking medium. I wish they sold
The undersides are masked off in preparation for painting the narrow invasion stripes. Don’t skimp on the masking.
this stuff in sheets! The windscreen and Overspray can travel quite a way and mess up your other color applications.
rear canopy section were attached and
any gaps filled with thinned white glue.
PAINTING AND DECALING

The cockpit and tailwheel bay were
masked off with tape and facial tissue in
preparation for painting. I wiped the model
down with 70% alcohol to remove finger
oils. The undersurfaces were painted PRU
Blue using custom mixed Tamiya paints.
A number of commercially available
model paint ranges feature this colour,
but I like working with Tamiya paints. I
added a few drops of white to the base
colour and went back and painted small
random areas to break up the monotone.
I repeated the process with the blue
darkened a bit with black paint.
The undersurfaces were masked off and
the Medium Sea Grey was applied using
my trusty Paasche H airbrush. Again, I always mask and spray the upperwing walkway lines on my Spitfire models. It takes a bit longer, but it looks great, and its
a number of shades of the grey were easier than fighting with very long and very thin decal strips.

Small parts painted and ready for weathering. I always paint the prop tips white first, With the panel line wash finished, and the final satin coat applied, it’s time for final
then yellow. Note that RAF Identity Yellow has a orange cast to it. Once cured, the tips are assembly. Due to a tight deadline, the engine on my model was painted but not detailed.
masked off and the blades are sprayed scale black. I may come back to this later.
sprayed at random to give the paint a Wax (Johnson’s Clear in some parts of measurements, I discovered that both the
subtle blotchy look. A look at real vehicles the world) thinned with a few drops of fuselage and wing roundels were actually
and surfaces will show that few colours are water. Left to dry overnight, the model 32” in diameter. Decidedly non-standard.
even and unaffected by the environment. is now ready to be decalled. One of As time was short, I started searching
The more they are exposed to the the reasons I decided to model MD111 desperately for replacements. As luck
elements, the more organic and visually was that I had included this scheme on would have it, the upper wing roundels for
textured they become. Even one night the BarracudaCals Spitfire Part 1 sheet a 1:48 scale Typhoon are exactly the right
of dew and dust kicked up by passing (BC32004 for 1:32 scale), and was looking size. I used 4 of these roundels from an
vehicles or even the wind will dull down an forward to using them to build one of my Aeromaster roundel sheet and they worked
aircraft, and impart a subtle visual texture. all-time favorite Spitfires. perfectly. The only trouble was that the
The invasion stripes and wing walks were Now, I have an embarrassing admission roundel red that Aeromaster used was too
next masked off, and sprayed with Tamiya to make. When I started to apply these red. The real colour is very close to Model
Flat White. The white areas were masked decals to the model using photographic Master Rust. The centers were masked
off, and scale black was applied to the references of NX-Q and other aircraft off and later repainted, after the decals
invasion stripes and the wing walks. With from 131 Squadron, I discovered that had dried. The balance of the decals was
all painting completed, all masking was these reference photos showed that now applied and everything looked great.
pulled off, revealing the finished basic this Squadron did not use the standard The next day, the model was washed to
scheme. roundel sizes called out for high altitude remove excess decal adhesive and the
At this point, there is usually RAF fighters at this point in the war. decals were sealed with a coat of Future.
some touchup work to do to They should be 30” diameter for the The panel lines were highlighted with
make the scheme as clean fuselage and 40” for the wings. Neither a thin dark grey enamel wash. A few
and complete as possible. looked right when applied, so I removed minutes later, I wiped off the excess with a
The entire model is then them before they started to stick. Some cotton rag lightly moistened with mineral
sprayed with Future Floor deeper research and taking careful spirits. Done properly, this leaves the wash
My Spitfire HF VII completed. I am pretty fussy about Spitfires. Tamiya have

done a terrific job of capturing the subtle shapes of the Spitfire. The shape of
the prop and spinner has eluded many manufacturers, but they have nailed it.

The undersides, showing the non-standard narrow
invasion stripes and the lack of underwing roundels
typical of the high altitude scheme. Note that both
ailerons are up in this photo; A function of the
somewhat loose hinges on the posable flying surfaces.
This image shows well the subtle variations of paint colours as discussed in the text,
the medium grey wash applied to the panel lines, and the fuel stains and dirt I applied
to make the airframe looked “lived in”. Subtlety is the key for weathering most aircraft.

This shot of the tail shows the finished effect of the work done to recreate the retractable This view of the upperwing shows the leading edge fuel tank access panel and filler cap
tailwheel. Note also the rudder with its nice depiction of fabric covering. Tamiya thankfully just inboard of the cannon barrels that I scribed into both the port and starboard wing.
avoided the heavy scalloping that other manufactures apply to fabric flying surfaces. Note also the fabric patches doped over the machine gun ports to keep out dirt and debris.
in the panel lines but cleans the excess contributed to getting this job done with CONCLUSION
off the surface. Once this process was minimum fuss. I unmasked the canopies That pretty much brings this build to a
finished, the model was oversprayed with and cockpit. A careful study of the model close. I have been building models for
a satin coat. I do not like dead flat finishes at this point will help you find any areas some 34 years now, and I have to say that
on aircraft. It makes them look lifeless. I that need touchup. I was sure that the this kit represents the pinnacle of plastic
use Testors Dullcoat mixed with Glosscoat removable cowling panels would not aircraft models. It is a truly awe-inspiring
to make a light satin sheen. fit, but they do surprisingly well. Getting kit that is as close to flawless as it gets. If I
Two tips for applying clear coats: First, the cowlings on and positioned properly have one concern regarding the accuracy,
thin them enough so they will go on wet takes some care, but the final effect looks it would be that the model seems to sit a
and not orange peel on you. I tend to thin almost like they are not removable. Earlier, little low on the main gear. It’s subtle, but
with as much as 40% Testors Thinner and I had ground out an ice cream scoop when viewed from some angles, it strikes
Brush Cleaner. The second tip is to apply shaped area from each wingtip nav light me. That said, this is far and away the
the clear coats liberally. Some modellers and cut off the blister for the nav light most accurate and detailed Spitfire kit ever
tend to jut mist them on, but this leads to on the trailing edge of the rudder. These produced. I thoroughly enjoyed building
uneven coverage and a spotty finish. I lay depressions were painted silver. I then it, and once the memory of the late
it on almost wet. mixed some 5 minute epoxy and filled the night marathons I put in getting this
All that remained now was some further scooped out areas until they were nice model, photo and article finished
weathering and final assembly. All small and round. I also built up a new in time to make the publishing
parts had been previously painted and lens for the tail light. When set, I deadline fades, I will look forward
finished and only needed to be attached. painted the port tip light clear red to building another one.
The excellent engineering of this kit and the starboard one clear green.
Tamiya really paid attention to the details. The subtly raised cover over
the fuel tank in front of the cockpit, the amazingly clear and distortion
free blown sliding hood, and the lack of upperwing wheel bulges show the
research and clever engineering that went into the design of this kit.

The removable cowling panels are impressively thin, and fit pretty well with a little The individual exhaust stubs are labour intensive to clean up, but look very good with some
tweaking and prodding. Still, I’d love it if Tamiya would release a version with no engine careful painting. The camera port in the wingroot should have a glass lens, the one part
and a simple 4 part nose. Note the incorrect rear fixed canopy section. Later on, I will that seems to be missing from this otherwise very complete kit.
replace it with a vac formed clear part.
This is far and away the most accurate

and detailed Spitfire kit ever produced...
The sideview shot recreates the wartime photo of

MD111 that originally inspired me to want to build
this model. I really like the high altitude scheme,
and it makes a nice change from the disruptive
camouflage scheme worn by most Spitfires.

APPENDIX
REFERENCES
The Spitfire Mk.IX in Print
■ ‘Spitfire: The Canadians’ ■ ‘Czechoslovak Spitfires in Detail’
Bracken Rajlich:
(Stoddart / Boston Mills Press [Canada], 1995; 160 pages) (History Profile series, No. 2; Wings & Wheels Publications [Czech
Republic], 2002; in Czech and English; 48 pages)
■ ‘The Supermarine Spitfire — Part 1: Merlin-Powered’
Humphreys ■ ‘Spitfire in Action’
(Modellers Datafile series, No. 3; SAM Publications [UK], 2000; Scutts
184 pages) (Aircraft in Action series, No. 39; Squadron/Signal [USA], 1980;
58 pages)
■ ‘Spitfire LF.Mk.IX in Detail’
Koran, Danda, Martinek and Khol ■ ‘Spitfire in Blue’
(Special Museum Line series, No. 26; Wings & Wheels Smallwood
Publications [Czech Republic], 2002; in English; 153 pages) (Osprey [UK], 1996; 158 pages)
■ ‘Spitfire IX & XVI of Polish Airmen, Vol. I’ ■ ‘Dutch Spitfires: A Technical Study’
Matusiak van der Meer and Melchers
(Wojny - Bitwy - Kampanie series, No. 3; Mirage Hobby [Poland], (Repro Holland [Netherlands], 1988; in Dutch and English;
2002; in Polish and English; 96 pages) 116 pages)
■ ‘Spitfire Mk. IX & XVI Engineered’ ■ ‘Vickers-Supermarine Spitfire Mk.VI-XVI’
Monforton: Yamada and Ohasato
(Monforton Press [Canada], 2007; 423 pages) (Aero Detail series, No. 27; Dai-Nippon Kaiga Co., Ltd. [Japan],
2000; in Japanese and English; 84 pages)
■ ‘Spitfire: The History’
Morgan and Shacklady ■ ‘Spitfire -- Star of Israel’
(Key Publishing [UK], 1987; 634 pages) Yofe
(Classic Warbirds series, No. 1; Ventura [New Zealand], 1996;
■ ‘Spitfires and Polished Metal: Restoring the Classic 48 pages)
Fighter’: Moss and McKee
(MBI [USA], 1999; 144 pages)
AVAILABLE DECALS
Although accessories and conversions were rare at the time of Gabby Gabreski; EN520 FL-A 81 Sqn Tunisia 1943; MA408 CG
printing, there is already a healthy number of after-market decals 322nd Wing Sicily Wg/Co Colin Gray; MK392 JE-J 144 Wing 1944
available for Tamiya’s 1:32 scale Spitfire Mk.IXc. or 127 Wing Holland 1945; MK329 JE-J JR 144 Wing Normandy
These include the following: 1944 both Wg/Co Johnnie Johnson; RR201 DB-G 411 Sqn Flt/Lt
■ Barracudacals BC32004, Spitfire Mk.IX series Pt.1. Three Dick Audet Holland 1944; Mk VII MD188 PB Culmhead Wing
options - HF Mk. VII MD111 NX-Q 131 Sqn RAF Culmhead Med Wg/Co Peter Brothers 2 versions; Mk.VIII A58-484 CR-C 452 Sqn
Sea Grey/PRU Blue 1944; MB820 ON-E 124 Sqn RAF Northolt RAAF Gp/Capt Clive Caldwell 1945; A58-602 RG-V 457 Sqn RAAF
1943; FR.IX MK716/X 16 Sqn Overall PRU Pink 1944; MB883 Wg /Co Bobby Gibbes `Grey Nurse’ with shark mouth.
VZ-B 412 Sqn RCAF Fl.Lt Buzz Beurling RAF Biggin Hill 1944. ■ Xtradecal X32020, Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IX. Four options
■ EagleCals EC32114, Spitfire Mk.IX. Three options - MA585 - MK805 SH-B 64 Sqn Flt.Lt Tony Cooper `Peter John 3’ RAF
KH-B 403 Sqn RCAF P/O Buzz Beurling; EN354 WD-W 52nd FG Harrowbeer July 1944; MH737 FF-Y 132 Sqn Flt.Lt V.J.Sumpter
Lt Leonard V. Helton N.Africa camouflage; MH454 FU-N 453 Sqn RAF Detling 1943; MH552/R 73 Sqn RAF Brindisi 1945; IXe
RAAF F/O J.Boulton Full D-Day stripes. PV144/4D-A 74 Sqn Sqn.Ldr J.C.F.Hayter Belgium 1944.
■ EagleCals EC32115, Spitfire Mk.IX. Three options - Three options ■ Xtradecal X32020, Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXe / XVIe. Three
- BS104 YO-R 401 Sqn RCAF F/O T.K.Ibbotson Nose art 1942; options - RK855 FT-C 43 Sqn Zeltweg Austria Sept 1945; TB890
MK636 2I-E 443 Sqn RCAF S/L Wally McLeod Full D-Day stripes; ZF-M 308(Polish) Sqn Germany 1945, Both with clipped wing tips;
EN459 ZX-1 145 Sqn RAF Polish Fighting Team N.Africa camo. PV303 ON-B 124 Sqn RAF Hutton Cranwick 20 June 1945, all with
pointed rudders.
■ EagleCals EC32116, Spitfire Mk.IX Spitfire Mk.IX. Three options
■ Zotz Decals ZTZ32033, Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXs and Spitfire
- BS152 AE-W 402 Sqn RCAF S/L L.M.Cameron; MK826 GC-K
412 Sqn RCAF W/C George Keefer; EN398 AE-B 402 Sqn RCAF Mk.XIV. Eight options - Mk.IXc MK210 `Hello Tolly’ Boscombe
Ian Keltie. All 1943. Down; ML214 5J-K 126 Sqn `Muscat/Kay’ S/Ldr John Plagis;
ML296 DU-N Flt.Lt Otto Smik; MK227 5 Stormo Italian AF 1946;
■ Victory Productions VPD32003, Spitfire – Aces of Empire. Georgios Smyrniotopoulos Greek AF Pointed fin and clipped
14 options - Mk.IX Spitfire Aces of the Empire (14) EN368 JE-J tips; Mk.XIVe RB188 DL-K 91 Sqn West Malling Flt.Lt Johnny
Kenley Wing Wg/Co Johnnie Johnson; MK883 KH-B 412 Sqn Johnson;RN133 FF-B 132 Sqn Sqn.Ldr K.L.Charney Hong Kong
RCAF Fl/Lt Buzz Beurling; BS410 VZ-B 3159Polish) Sqn Capt 1946; RN135 YB-A 17 Sqn Sqn.Ldr J.H.Lacey Singapore 1945.
66 Appendix - References & Decals

Other titles available in the ‘How to Build...’ series:
Tamiya’s Bristol Beaufighter Tamiya’s Fairey Swordfish Tamiya’s Steel Wheeled Tiger I
by Steve A. Evans by Geoff Coughlin by Angus Creighton
■ Building the basic model ■ Detailed photographs ■ Building the basic model
■ Six detailed versions of the Beaufighter ■ Building the model ■ Weathering explained
■ Details of production variations ■ Airbrushing secrets ■ Techniques to achieve realistic zimmerit
■ Weathering ■ Specialist techniques explained ■ Concise details of the production variations
■ Five detailed versions of the classic Steel Wheeled Tiger I
SQUADRON SIGNAL PUBLICATIONS

Modelling Reference Books
Squadron Signal Publications is one of the best known
and most extensive ranges of modelling reference books
ever published, featuring high quality photographs of
aircraft, tanks, ships and more in action, as well as an ever-
expanding range of ‘walk-around’ volumes which show
the subject inside and out in crystal-clear photographs
- perfect for superdetailing projects.
The books have been helping modellers to add essential
details, find markings and apply paint schemes to
aircraft, armour and ship models for many years, and the
great news is that Squadron Signal books now are easier
to find than ever before, because ADH Publishing, the
company that brings you the ‘How to Build...’ series, is
importing them from the USA.
www.adhbooks.com
Magazines for modellers
from ADH Publishing Ltd.
All you need to know!
Adh Publishing Ltd.
Doolittle Mill • Doolittle Lane • Totternhoe • Bedfordshire • LU6 1QX Model Airplane Tamiya Model Military
enquiries@adhpublishing.com • www.adhpublishing.com • www.adhbooks.com International Model Magazine International
International
Tamiya’s 1:32 scale
Supermarine Spitfire is truly a
superb kit in terms of level of
detail, engineering innovation,
fit and presentation.
Spitfire Mk.IXc
Although initially conceived as a stop-
gap measure, the Spitfire Mk.IX (and the
essentially similar Mk.XVI) eventually became
the most numerous of all Spitfire variants
with more than 7,000 delivered to the RAF,
the VVS and other Allied air forces.
Premier Japanese model company Tamiya

has released a brand-new Spitfire IXc in
1:32 scale. This is truly a superb kit in
terms of detail, engineering innovation, fit
and presentation. In the warm afterglow of
its release, many modellers have declared
Tamiya’s 1:32 scale Spitfire Mk.IXc to be the
best scale model aircraft kit of all time.
This book suggests how Tamiya’s kit may be

improved, delivers a step-by-step illustrated
guide to building the model, and also offers
inspiration with three complete modelling
projects, including one conversion.
Published by:
ADH Publishing Ltd., Doolittle Mill, Doolittle Lane, Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, LU6 1QX
Telephone: 44 (0) 1525 222573 • Fax: 44 (0) 1525 222574
Website: www.adhpublishing.com

Toaz - Info How To Build Tamiyax27s 1 32 Spitfiremkixpdf PR

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Toaz - Info How To Build Tamiyax27s 1 32 Spitfiremkixpdf PR

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

HOW TO

BUILD... TAMIYA’S 1:32

I Tamiya’s 1:32 Spitfire Mk.IXc

2 How to Build... Tamiya’s 1:32 Spitfire Mk.IXc

First Published in the United Kingdom by:

How to Build... Tamiya’s 1:32 Spitfire Mk.IXc 3

BACKGROUND YOU TAKE THE HIGH ROAD

How to Build... Tamiya’s 1:32 Spitfire Mk.IXc 5

LATE MERLIN SPITFIRES

6 Chapter 1 - Late Merlin Spitfires Close-up

A closer view of the instrument panel.

8 Chapter 1 - Late Merlin Spitfires Close-up

How to Build... Tamiya’s 1:32 Spitfire Mk.IXc 9

The large supercharger intake was common to the Mk.VIII

Note the different size and location of the E Wing

How to Build... Tamiya’s 1:32 Spitfire Mk.IXc 11

12 Chapter 2 - Spitfire Mk.IXc in Profile

How to Build... Tamiya’s 1:32 Spitfire Mk.IXc 13

Below: Desert colours were Middle Stone and

Above: Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXc, PT529/AH•G was finished

Right: On the lower surfaces, invasion stripes extended across

14 Chapter 2 - Spitfire Mk.IXc in Profile

TAMIYA’S 1:32 SCALE

How to Build... Tamiya’s 1:32 Spitfire Mk.IXc 15

Decals are well printed. The kit includes self-adhesive

16 Chapter 3 - In the Box

A standing RAF figure

The seated pilot

How to Build... Tamiya’s 1:32 Spitfire Mk.IXc 17

BUILDING TAMIYA’S 1:32 SCALE

18 Chapter 4 - Step by Step

The photo-etched frets

The interior of the fuselage

How to Build... Tamiya’s 1:32 Spitfire Mk.IXc 19

I am grateful to Bob Swaddling for many

20 Chapter 4 - Step by Step

The photo-etched harness straps

How to Build... Tamiya’s 1:32 Spitfire Mk.IXc 21

THE FRONT OFFICE

22 Chapter 4 - Step by Step

How to Build... Tamiya’s 1:32 Spitfire Mk.IXc 23

and you will use a different shoulder

24 Chapter 4 - Step by Step

The control surfaces are secured with

How to Build... Tamiya’s 1:32 Spitfire Mk.IXc 25

26 Chapter 4 - Step by Step

How to Build... Tamiya’s 1:32 Spitfire Mk.IXc 27

28 Chapter 4 - Step by Step

The engine block, initially painted in basic black,

How to Build... Tamiya’s 1:32 Spitfire Mk.IXc 29

The firewall and engine mount were

The engine, glycol tank and

30 Chapter 4 - Step by Step

Tamiya has beautifully captured the crammed

How to Build... Tamiya’s 1:32 Spitfire Mk.IXc 31

With the detail parts complete, assembly of

and radiator pipes a few times before

32 Chapter 4 - Step by Step

Building Tamiya’s 1:32 scale Spitfire Mk.IXc is more than

34 Chapter 5 - Spitfire Mk.IXc (Early), 453 Sqn RAAF

The upper surfaces are coated in

The base colour was broken up with

paint is Tamiya’s AS-12 Airframe Silver, Alclad or other metallic lacquers.