Tamiya Spitfire IXc kit: now sorted

[mozart]

I need some advice chaps.  I have the Tamiya Spitfire Mk IX kit:

 

 

but I want ideally to build a Mk IX LF version.  The kit has lain partially finished (in truth just the engine and part of the cockpit) for several years but I've just picked it up again.  The instructions imply that a clipped wing version can be built, the clipped tips being on sprue L.  Problem....no trace of sprue L! 

 

Am I right in my assumption experienced Tamiya Spitfire builders, or does sprue L come with a different offering?  I have a very vague notion that I may have sent the clipped wingtips to somebody else needing them, but a senior mind plays tricks on itself so I could be rambling (as usual).  Any enlightenment is very welcome! 

 

Ah.....enlightenment has crept in via the back door!  The clipped wing tips are on the clear sprue.......didn't think of checking that!  All's well that ends well, don't panic Captain Mainwaring! 

Edited March 2, 2021 by mozart

[Uncarina]

Sprue L does indeed exist for this release, so it should have been included. If you have trouble finding it let me know as I have an extra.

 

Cheers,  Tom

[Uncarina]

Oops, didn’t read the bold print!

 

Cheers,  Tom

[Uncarina]

What was it that Pierre Clostermann called this version? “Clipped, cropped, and clapped”.

 

Cheers,  Tom

[mozart]

Thanks Tom, I appreciate the gesture. 

Edited March 2, 2021 by mozart

[Mark Maclean]

1 hour ago, Uncarina said:

What was it that Pierre Clostermann called this version? “Clipped, cropped, and clapped”.

 

Cheers,  Tom

I think that was the Spitfire VBs that were still on strength in 1944 with cropped impeller blades and clipped wings for low level combat.

[Nighthawk Calling 1]

1 minute ago, Mark Maclean said:

I think that was the Spitfire VBs that were still on strength in 1944 with cropped impeller blades and clipped wings for low level combat.

That was my through to even more so when the 190 turned up.

[Landrotten Highlander]

1 hour ago, Uncarina said:

Oops, didn’t read the bold print!

 

Cheers,  Tom

better not reading the bold print than not readingthe smal print...

[Rick Griewski]

Bravo Mozart!  Keep Calm and Read the Instructions.
 

Or in my case drop to  the floor with the bright flashlight and find it in the box later  all along. 

[Uncarina]

Been there myself!

 

Cheers,  Tom

[MikeMaben]

9 hours ago, Mark Maclean said:

I think that was the Spitfire VBs that were still on strength in 1944 with cropped impeller blades and clipped wings for low level combat.

 

Thanks Mark 

[mpk]

[Uncarina]

13 hours ago, Jennings Heilig said:

And for the record “LF” has nothing to do with the wing tips, it’s the designation for the installed engine.  True that most LF’s had clipped tips, but not all, and they could be (and were) swapped out.

Usually both wings 

 

Cheers,  Tom

[DonH]

On 3/3/2021 at 8:44 AM, Jennings Heilig said:

And for the record “LF” has nothing to do with the wing tips, it’s the designation for the installed engine.  True that most LF’s had clipped tips, but not all, and they could be (and were) swapped out.

...and Tamiya has provided the LF type engine in the kit, so all is well with the world. (I believe it is the carb that defined the LF, but can't remember exactly now)

[RLWP]

12 minutes ago, DonH said:

...and Tamiya has provided the LF type engine in the kit, so all is well with the world. (I believe it is the carb that defined the LF, but can't remember exactly now)

 

According to Wikipedia, the engine is a Merlin 66, "Fitted with supercharger rated for low altitude; Bendix-Stromberg anti-g carburettor"

 

I think that means a smaller diameter supercharger based on the descriptions of other low altitude Merlins

 

Richard