TAMIYA61119 1/48 Supermarine Spitfire MK.I Plastic Model Airplane Kit

I know many model builders prefer a model where issues need to be addressed, like parts not fitting properly. I like fixing issues also because it makes the building of the model more fun and creative. However, once in a while it’s wonderful to have a perfect model where every piece fits without having to be too creative in solving problems. Attention to detail is a hallmark for Tamiya and I think this is their best model ever and enjoyable in every way. Panel lines and attention to detail is wonderful.

The model itself is excellent and the manufactured item more than meets my expectation. Unfortunately, as the item was shipped in only a very thing plastic bag, the model box arrived crushed. Fortunately none of the model parts were damaged. I can appreciate the need for minimal weight packaging and shipping. However, I feel the decision making process to ship my order in a plastic bag is based either on ignorance or the shipper just does not care.I very much enjoy using my Amazon Prime account and relatively speaking, this was a very inexpensive item. However, after this experience, in the future I will have to strongly take into consideration the fact that I made a mistake in assuming I was dealing with a professional when I ordered this product.

Nice kit. Reasonably easy build, but with great detail. Good quality, minimal flash and seams. Good value for money

I have had other Tamiya kits and they have been as much fun to put together as this one. The instructions are clear and if you are willing to spend time ensuring everything is followed to the instructions the result will be great. For gluing I use and very fine small opening glue tube so to avoid overage. Painting I use a small kit air sprayer on the larger parts and a fine brush on more intricate stuff. These are great fun to spend hours on. It's worth spending a little more on these kits than other on the market as the quality is good.

This was a gift, assembled ok by the person who received it

The Tamiya Mk. I Spitfire displays some of the finest engineering I ever seen in a 1/48 model kit. The fit and finish of the kit is unparalleled, as is the detail and relief of the molded parts. That said, it is not necessarily a novice's kit due to the extremely fine nature of the details and the photoetch parts. If I was to have any criticism it is that the canopy masks are uncut, though considering most kits do not even come with masks this is purely a nitpick. For the experienced and equipped modeler, this kit is an absolute dream come true.

As usual Tamiya has produced another outstanding kit as the Spitfire Mk.I. The directions are quite clear and easy to follow. With the inclusion of etched metal parts the kit is probably not one for a beginning model builder. This could have been improved by including regular injection molded parts to substitute for the more complicated metal parts.

These kits get great reviews and Tamiya makes some very good models. I ordered this one from Amazon and the model came with the shipping label taped onto the box. It arrived completely unsealed and open. Trying to determine if I got everything in the package because there is no list in the box that tells me everything it should contain. Great kit, terrible customer experience. Is a little shrink wrap or even a piece of scotch tape to hold the lid closed during shipping too much to ask? Horrible experience. Final note, you can call Tamiya USA if you have an issue but there is one guy only to answer phones so good luck getting through and good luck getting help from the disengaged sullen customer service rep. I am making an assumption that this kit came directly from Tamiya because their phone number is list as the seller and Tamiya is who Amazon provide as the contact for this complaint.