Basically Tamiya vs Airfix… know the verdict but the British kit is 12 Euros lets say 14 $ cheaper, (17,99vs 6)…Have you built any of these, is it possible to built a nice kit from the airfix kit by throughing in a bit of work?
Is it valid that all mossie cockpits have the tandem seats not sisde by side by the navigator^s seat being aft and at a step higher than the pilot? The airfix kit shows them on the same level.
I assume we’re talking 1/48th scale here. So, I have built the Airfix but not the Tamiya.
Tamiya will have the edge on quality, of course. The Airfix kit, it comes as around three different version’s, has a few faults, but is not too bad, especially with a bit of work.
I built the Bomber version, the B XVI. I scratchbuilt lots of details for the cockpit, then found that you can’t see most of them when it’s assembled!
It has a couple of anomalies, it has late model bulged side windows, yet the wheel guards are for an early model, late models had squared off one’s as far as I can tell.
The BXVI also includes parts to make a solid nosed Mosquito.
As for seats, aside from the trainer version, I think they all had staggered seating, and both seats are about the same height.
Whatever you do, DO NOT buy the Monogram Mosquito. It dates from the 60’s ,Varies between 1/40th & 1/50th in scale in places & is a parody of the Mosquito.
Pete
The Airfix kit as Pete said has a few inaccuracies, especialy if you intend to build the Fighter/Bomber version as the nose is pointed, the seats are staggered and at different heights. The Tamiya even though a bit dearer would be the better of the two and is more accuriate, it has several options as either a NF II to an FB VI.
Rob.
My mistake …Tandem means one behind the other isn^t?
What I meant was that the Airfix kit shows the seats to be located a the same floor level, while the Tamiya one to be located at different heights, the navigator`s seat being further aft and at a step higher than the pilot. Good to know that the cockpit wont show much detail, if it is true for 1/48 then it is a blessing for 1/72…Propably with a good Mosquito walkaround photos I will find all solutions…
thanks …
G’day thyamis,
I have just finished building the Tamiya 1/48 MkII/MkVI Mosquito and it was an absolutely beatiful kit to build. I have never had a go at the Airfix version but having done the Tamiya kit, if I ever wanted to build another (and I probably will), I would not go past Tamiya. Sure, it is a bit more expensive but I sincerely think it is worth it.
As far as seating position goes here is a photo of the cockpit of the Tamiya kit. The Navigator is seated at almost the same level as the pilot but is to the pilot’s right and slightly to the rear.
If you have any other questions just ask.
All the best,
Bob
Looks as if as nice as the Tamiya Beaufighter…Which is NICE…REALLY NICE…
Here are a few more pics thyamis,
The beaufighter is on my list of kits to build.
Can the Airfix Mossie be built into a great model ? Yes, if you have the time & talent. Can the Tamiya be built into a great model ? Yes, OOB.
I would pick almost any manufacturer over Airfix for most models, but when you are comparing with Tamiya, it’s a bit of what our American friends would call, I believe, a “no-brainer”!!! Tamiya every time!!
Thanks mate…By the way the silver looks nice on the mossie.
I was thinking this or an all black scheme…RAAF vs RAF actually.