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Tamiya 1/32 scale
Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXc

by Bill Gilman


Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXc



Airfix's 1/48 scale Hurricane Mk.I is available online from Squadron

 

Description

 

I know what you're thinking - another Spitfire, but this one has a nice story behind it.

During my chemotherapy back in 2015, a very fine gentleman from Australia sent me the fantastic 1:32 scale kit from Tamiya of the Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXc. His generosity was unbelievable, as I've never met him! At the same time it was a beautiful gesture to someone going through a very difficult time. I will forever be grateful to him.

 

 

I started the kit when my primary and maintenance chemo was over, and it took me a long time to finish her. But here she is at last. I am still amazed that someone would send such an expensive gift to someone he'd never met. But modellers really are a good bunch at heart, despite all our quibbling over how many rivets are on a Bf 109.   

 

 

Although the Tamiya kit is amazing right out of the box, I never miss an opportunity to spend some of my children's inheritance on aftermarket goodies. As it just so happened, I had placed an order with Barracuda for some resin parts for a different project, and in return I was awarded a gift certificate because I was the millionth customer (or something like that). I immediately picked up all of the beautiful resin that Barracuda had on offer for this kit, and my kid's inheritance was safe.

 

 

I made a few improvements and corrections, but spent most of my time adding extra details.

  • Detailed the cockpit with Barracuda resin bits, Eduard photoetch, Yahu panel, and added hydraulic and pneumatic lines

  • Drilled out lightening holes in bulkheads and seat frame

  • Added canopy lock mechanism

  • Detailed the engine with ignition harnesses, oil lines, coolant lines, hydraulic lines, and Quickboost exhausts

  • Added chafing strips to cowling framework with Eduard PE

  • Added turned brass cannons from Master

  • Added scratchbuilt breather tube to the oil tank below the engine

  • Added scratchbuilt wing gun heater duct-work to rear of radiators

  • Added "cheese cutter" IFF antennae from 0.008" Nitinol wire

And probably something else that I forgot - but hey, I'm old! The model was finished with Colourcoats enamels, and the markings are from EagleCals for BS152 AE-W, 402 Squadron RCAF, flown by Lorne Cameron, DFC early 1943. It's a beautiful kit, and it sure stands out in my display case full of 1:72 aircraft. 

 

  • Tamiya 1/32 Spitfire Mk.IXc by Bill Gilman: Image
  • Tamiya 1/32 Spitfire Mk.IXc by Bill Gilman: Image
  • Tamiya 1/32 Spitfire Mk.IXc by Bill Gilman: Image
  • Tamiya 1/32 Spitfire Mk.IXc by Bill Gilman: Image
  • Tamiya 1/32 Spitfire Mk.IXc by Bill Gilman: Image
  • Tamiya 1/32 Spitfire Mk.IXc by Bill Gilman: Image
  • Tamiya 1/32 Spitfire Mk.IXc by Bill Gilman: Image
  • Tamiya 1/32 Spitfire Mk.IXc by Bill Gilman: Image
  • Tamiya 1/32 Spitfire Mk.IXc by Bill Gilman: Image
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The model won the Best Aircraft and Best in Show awards at the 2019 ROCON contest hosted by the ROC City Scale Modelers in Rochester, NY. I guess now she needs a stablemate - and that Tamiya 1:32 Corsair keeps calling!

Bill Gilman


Model, Images and Text Copyright © 2020 by Bill Gilman
Page Created 23 April, 2020
Last Updated 23 April, 2020

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