Note: This video was previously a Patreon Exclusive video. As I am no longer doing Patreon, it has been released publicly.
The “old” 1993 tooling of Tamiya’s 1/48 Spitfire Mk. I was always at the top of my “favorite kits” list. While the shape wasn’t perfect, and some of the detail was basic, my fondness stemmed from the fact that it was a kit I could recommend to anyone. Literally anyone.
It’s ease of assembly and lack of a bajillionty parts meant even a very young modeler could have fun with it. Yet it was detailed enough, with wonderful refined surface detail, that even the grumpiest IPMS-USA veteran could enjoy it. Even the ones with a very low member number and treasured mustard stained t-shirt from last years nationals.
So when Tamiya announced in 2018 that they were releasing a new tool of this kit, I was both excited and yet a bit worried. While Tamiya didn’t have a reputation for overengineering, I was concerned that the model might trend in the direction many other aircraft’s makers were heading – catering to the vocal minority who demanded refinements galore. I’ve always felt that the majority of builders are actually pretty basic in their wants. They want a buildable, fun kit as a diversion from the details of life, and while accuracy and refinement are nice… how about it just be fun?
As I’d blogged at the time, I ended up being mostly happy with the kit itself. As far as the build went, it pretty much fell together, just like the 1993 version. The few shape issues from that offering were addressed, and the detail was increased and yet kept buildable in very nice fashion.
The only hesitation I had in it potentially replacing the older sibling as my most recommended kit was the inclusion of a few mandatory photoetch parts. I say mandatory simply because no plastic alternatives are offered. And in my view, it was completely unnecessary really. I wondered if it was simply catering to that group who can only see a model as “legitimate” if there is some barrier to entry.
Still, I had a great time building, painting, and weathering it. And it is near the top of my recommended kits list, though with an asterisk for young builders.
I’ve not yet built the newer Eduard Mk. I kit, so I don’t know how it compares. Perhaps some day I’ll get the chance to do that one as well.
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