1/32 Tamiya Spitfire Mk. IXe

Gallery Article by Rafi Ben-Shahar on Nov 22 2010

 

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.

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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

Photos and text © by Rafi Ben-Shahar