Has anyone out there built this kit? Or the plain Spit Vb in 1/24 by Trumpeter? I have to build one very soon, putting everything else on the workbench aside (I have no fewer than a dozen builds started and in various stages) and get this thing out on a deadline. It would help to know if there are problems or pitfalls and if anyone has a suggestion on building it.
I’d also like suggestions on building any Trumpeter kit, especially the large scale ones, as this will be my first, making me the only person on the site, it appears, to actually own or build a Trumpeter kit.
TOM
Well, Pix built the 1/24 scale Rufe a few months ago, so maybe he’ll respond. I don’t build anything larger than 1/48 personally. I haven’t seen much on the float Spit, but the original Spit kit got mixed reviews.
Regards, Rick
I’m with you Rick. I’m set in my ways and I won’t build 1/72 and haven’t built 1/32 in years. But this is for an article, and I am looking forward to the challenge, though the more I do this the less I care for building on someone else’s deadline, given how painfully slow I am at builing. And, BTW, the razzing can stop. I will be posting some photos of my very humble efforts soon.
TOM
Can we have a list here of the specific inaccuracies of the Trumpeter Spitfire Vb / Vb Floatplane please? I was unaware of an inaccuracy of the rear fuselage until earlier today.
So far, I count these:
- control column too long, and lacking cannon-triggers
- seat is unlike a Spitfire seat
- tailplane is covered with faux-fabric
- engine bay lacks oil reservoir
- Prop diameter incorrect for floatplane version ( it should be ???)
- prop spinner wrong shape for floatplane (I have not had plans to compare it with)
- rear fuselage inaccurate … (where? how?)
Personally, I don’t like the treatment of rivets on the surfaces, but maybe that’s a matter of opinion. I’m not seeking subjectivitiy, just the facts. I think I’ve missed some things, anyway. I’ll just edit this post as further info comes to hand.
I don’t have the kit, so can’t comment on it. The propellor was 4-bladed 11ft3in diameter. In photographs the spinner looks to be the standard, pointed, version, as used on the VI. MDC supply replacement tailplanes, and a seat. Early on, the first airframe was fitted with a Vokes carburettor filter, but it was later changed to a Mk.IX style. There should be a fin extension under the fuselage, and the fin, itself, was increased, in area, by making the leading edge straight. Apparently the negative comments, about the rear fuselage, concern its width.
Edgar