Question on a decent Spitfire for a well deserving friend.

Raymond G

Member since
December 2013
From: Greenville, TX.

Question on a decent Spitfire for a well deserving friend.

Posted by Raymond G on Wednesday, August 20, 2014 10:53 PM

I've been trying to decide what to do next. Whether to work on a project for the U.S.S. Lexington, or just something fun for me. Then, I just learned one of my favorite professors is hanging up his spurs after a very long career. He has been at Texas A&M University-Commerce since it was East Texas State in 1968. He has lead the Study Abroad program for thirty-two years, and my daughter was fortunate enough to be with his last trip to Europe. I have been trying to decide what to do for him, and I wanted it to be special. I went by and talked to Uncle Rock today for over an hour, holding back tears. As I walked out, I looked on his wall and knew what my gift would be. There, proudly displayed, hung a picture of a proud Spitfire in action. So, any suggestions? I'm looking for 1:48... perhaps 1:32, and something I can set on a diorama. And I'm looking for a good kit that goes together well. Raymond

On the Bench:

U.S.S. Arizona (Revell)

P-51D Tribute (Revell)

57 Chevy Bel Air

Reply

lawdog114

Member since
February 2012
From: Olmsted Township, Ohio

Posted by lawdog114 on Thursday, August 21, 2014 12:00 AM

Which Mark? This is a wide open topic since there's so many to choose from. Off the top of my head, the 1/32 Tamiya MK. IX is supposed to be state of the art but I've not seen it in person. For 1/48, I'm a fan of Eduard's new MK. IX and the Tamiya MK. I and V are great too. Hasegawa makes Merlin Spits in both scales too, but Tamiya and Eduard are more detailed (I have two in the stash though). Airfix just released a MK. V that has been getting positive reviews.

Goog luck Ray,

Joe

"Can you fly this plane and land it?...Surely you can't be serious....I am serious, and don't call me Shirley"

Reply

GMorrison

Member since
September 2012

Posted by GMorrison on Thursday, August 21, 2014 1:14 AM

Several years ago there was a group build of the big Tamiya kit. As in, about 20 if us took turns on the same kit and it literally went around the world.

See it in the FAA GB on this forum.

It is a really nice model, probably the best a/c kit I have ever built ( steps 6-9 the engine block).

Modeling is an excuse to buy books.

Reply

P mitch

Member since
October 2008
From: England

Posted by P mitch on Thursday, August 21, 2014 1:58 AM

Eduard have just released a D-Day Spitfire which has just about everything for a Spit in 1/48 which may lead itself to a nice looking Diorama. You may have to go to the net to find one but I have one in the stash and I cant see what else you would need to make a great Spit

www.eduard.com/.../The-Longest-Day-1-48.html

Phil

"If anybody ever tells you anything about an aeroplane which is so bloody complicated you can't understand it, take it from me: it's all balls." R J Mitchell

Reply

Spitfire

Member since
November 2013

Posted by Spitfire on Thursday, August 21, 2014 8:49 AM

If you want to consider sort of a unique Spitfire experience, I did the Italeri 'Beer Truck' Spitfire, and actually came out very well.

Reply

Raymond G

Member since
December 2013
From: Greenville, TX.

Posted by Raymond G on Thursday, August 21, 2014 9:30 AM

I had actually thought about the MK IV, don't know why I didn't put that down... One of the greatest things he always did with his students, though, is take them to Normandy... I may take a look at that "Longest Day" from Eduard... Though I'll look at some of the others as well. Spitfire, I think my local hobby store has that kit in stock, believe it or not... So that may be an option as well... Thanks guys!

On the Bench:

U.S.S. Arizona (Revell)

P-51D Tribute (Revell)

57 Chevy Bel Air

Reply

Phil_H

Member since
August 2005
From: Sydney, Australia

Posted by Phil_H on Thursday, August 21, 2014 10:11 AM

You might consider that the one depicted in the picture may have some special significance to your professor. Perhaps a friend or relative?

Maybe a recon mission to his office is in order to find out what mark of Spit and what the call letters and serial number are, if they're visible in the pic.

Reply

Raymond G

Member since
December 2013
From: Greenville, TX.

Posted by Raymond G on Thursday, August 21, 2014 2:02 PM

Will do, but it's more of a turning frontal shot over the beach. If I can get close enough, I think there's a brass plate though... Good idea Phil. Thanks, Raymond

On the Bench:

U.S.S. Arizona (Revell)

P-51D Tribute (Revell)

57 Chevy Bel Air