As you probably
know, Tamiya has not issued the IXe variant of their fabulous 1/32 Spitfire. To
convert the available IXc, I modified the gun bay area namely, gun position,
length, cartridge ejection openings, blister location and position. Quite a lot
of work for such a small area. In addition, I utilized the optional C version
features that represent a late Mk IX. With ample reference at hand, but no
photographs of the actual aircraft, I was probably close to the mark
although I found that the most typical aspect of late Mk IX Spitfires
was the high variation in the structural modifications performed.
Click on
images below to see larger images
Finally, I used
XtraDecal where this 74 Squadron Spitfire IXe appears, to replace the thick
Tamiya decals. The decals performed well and do not hide the fine panel and
riveting engravings.
Since it is the
second Tamiya Spitfire that I built of the scale, I was able now to fully expose
the engine in the first model. I revamped the piping and cable arrangement. I
found that there are many open connections on the original mould that help with
the position of the additional piping with the exception of wiring on top of the
engine block. Pity that Tamiya did not go the extra short mile to provide the
necessary cables and a few instruction drawings to indicate the respected
position.
Rafi Ben-Shahar
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