Kotare 1/32 Spitfire Mk.1a (Mid)

[Narayan]

Greetings!

As the title suggests...



The kit comes in a nice sturdy box measuring 40cm x 27cm and is 7 cm deep. So it's nice and compact, no wasted space.

The first kit from this company comes with a 'message from the proprietor', Mark Robson.





There are 4 sprues molded in grey plastic. In my opinion of a good quality. Unlike some kits a lot of the interior is already attached. Oxygen bottles for example.





You can build this with molded seatbelts or not.











And the clear parts.



Whilst there are already a couple of exhaust options there was a third choice given because I had pre-ordered.



I already started this kit so a couple of parts have already been removed before I started this review.



An A4 sized decal sheet offering three versions of the aircraft. I didn't take pictures of these options but if anybody would like to see them I'm happy to follow up.



There's a 28 page instruction booklet. Not your usual paper instructions, this is a well put together booklet. It also includes a lot of reference material.







I have taken pictures of the entire instruction booklet so if anyone wants to see more I can also post here.

Finally a print, the size of the box, was also included. Not sure if that was exclusive to pre-orders or is included with all kits.



Overall I'm very impressed with the whole package. The first kit from Kotare sets an impressive precedent.

_________________
Narayan

If I’m not back in 30 minutes, call the President.

A:B 2023 4:0 2022 46:09 2021 100:06 2020 113:11 2019 113:16 2018 35:05 2017 28:03 2016 27:10 2015 53:07 2014 21:04 2013 39:12 2012 20:05 2011 11:10 2010 44:12 2009 19:16 2008 16:03 Overall 534:135 Stash 399

[iggie]

Thanks for the comprehensive review; that looks a really nicely done package all round and one that I will be looking out for

[PaulBradley]

Wow, that does look very nice indeed.

Thanks for the review!

[JohnRatzenberger]

Thanks for that !!

I am curious about the internal ribbing in the upper/lower wing halves - much will not be visible, but does it seem to reflect in the panel lines, etc, on the exterior side ? Same question could be asked of the fuselage ribbing. Guess I ought to look for one of these, except it's 32nd scale and I have no space although I see they have a Mk.I early (32004) pending, more my style. I have downloaded the 32001 instructions, tempting fate.

[mattbacon]

Spitfires are very small, John. Barely bigger than a Snipe, really… From what I heard and saw at Telford, the internal ribs are a way of simulating the “oil canning” effect on the outer surface of the real thing. They generate a very subtly “wavey” outer side…
Best,
M.

[JohnRatzenberger]

Thanks, Matt, for the rib explanation.

While I might have room for a 1/32 Snipe …. And do have a 1/24 Hurricane hanging from the ceiling ….

[beany]

Great review - thank you. Whilst it is clearly a very nice kit I find the lack of an engine bothersome and think my money would much more likely go to Airfix for the 1/24 Mk.IX and still have change.

[Softscience]

must...resist...urge....to buy....

[iggie]

must...resist...urge....to buy....

You and me both kiddo!

[AndrewR]

must...resist...urge....to buy....

You and me both kiddo!

I third that sentiment

[Chuck E]

It does look good, but I am having problems finding space for the larger kits. I already have 2 Mk Ia Spitfires in this scale, so I may give it a miss at that price. I was expecting a more detailed instrument panel, too, though there will be a a few for the usual suspects quite soon., I'm sure.