This is a meticulous, very informed review. I've watched other reviews of this kit, but what captivated me to the end was your impeccable diction, grammar and rich, precise vocabulary. A breath of fresh air for a first time viewer, same time subscriber. Thanks a million.
I have also heard a lot of this exact kit, and it seems wonderful! I am currently building four 1/32 Spits but from Revell. It is much better than I expected/remember, but the Kotare seems to be in another league. Thank you for posting and happy crafting!
Graet review on a great kit. I have it as well. One comment about molded on seat belts. Being an old fart I grew up with, amongst others, the great Monogram kits. Those, being made "analog" had seat belts (and break lines) that looked very natural. A good paint job and they were fantastic. Now, with CAD and digital tool cutting I get the feeling that irregular shapes like belts, break lines but also dash covers like on the F-14 or the F-4 are harder to produce. No more juwel maker with a hand tool who would carve the mold. That's the negative side of the modern times.
Thank you, that was a lovely review of the kit. I’m still waiting on mine to arrive but ordered in advance, as I believe that it was important to support them! Lovely to have a superb model without forty eight thousand parts and the requirement to own forty thumbs, etc with which to hold, test and adjust bits....before throwing them on the carpet! 😎😜
Some people have commented on the fact that the kit only has 117 parts - but when you look at the moulded on detail and the way that things like the wheel well walls are in one piece and are often 3 or 4 pieces in a similar scale kit - you realise that you've been saved from gluing perhaps 40 or 50 additional parts. The surface detail looks to be a really accurate representation too.
Nice review, Jen. I saw one at Telford and it looked tremendous. After your show-and-tell I feel the tuggings of temptation. The instruction book is on a par with their Wing Leader cousins and is probably worth £15. My only difference of opinion with you would be that I find the black and white undersides scheme hideous. But hey, eye of the beholder and all that!
+Hi Jen great review as always, and am tempted in view of the very clear instructiuons and the reputation of the guys behind it, however realistically what skill level would a modeller need, to do this kit justice ? I am probably a rusty level 2 currently but am following your Mossy build closely to improve relearn my old skills. The price seems v good for a 1/32 kit which looks excellent when built. Also like the idea of supporting these guys as they seem so passionate about what they are doing.
That's such a difficult question to answer .... Honestly, to me, I don't think the kit has any feature that makes it more difficult to build than the said Mosquito. It's bigger, more detailed, more expensive. But not innately any more difficult to work with. I will be building one of mine on the channel this year, maybe hang on and look in at it to see what you think?
Always good to hear your opinion Jen. I received mine directly from Kotare last week and if I calculate the cost of the kit, postage and vat here to Ireland, I know that it would have been cheaper to get it more locally. However, I was happy to preorder to hopefully help out a new company that I would love to see thrive.
I have been waiting for your preview! It didn't disappoint. And I find the kit to be nice too! It's not in my scale but I also do love the early marks, so I might get it if I have the chance. Am I eager to see your build review?... Let me see... No pressure! 🙂
Kiwi is the name that the pilot, Al Deere, gave to his Spitfires. I have no personal connection with the man, but some of my earliest modelling and Spitfire memories revolve around the aircraft thanks to the original Airfix 1/24th Spitfire Superkit. His book 'Nine Lives' is a great read.
It's a pleasure to watch your review Jen. Interesting observations. With one winging it's way across the world to my door I am fascinated to see these being reviewed. Thanks for your honesty. I was hoping for a Tamiya equivalent model but think I may have to adjust me expectations a little now. Look forward to this one joining the queue on your channel. Enjoy
Dear Jennifer, Thank you for putting out this detailed and well presented review, (much to the standard of your other reviews I might add). As I proceed slowly through my particular build project with the Kotare Spitfire, I find that there are little details coming out that I failed to include in my own brief examination of the kit. I am still of the opinion that it is an excellent kit. I will look in on your project when you put up videos. I am sure that you will enjoy the build process. Subbed. Regards, Z
Good review, no bias and moaning for the sake of controversy over lack of an engine and low parts count. So, based on this plus other reviews... I bought ine and after opening the box its a beauty. I have built 1/32 Hobby Boss, Tamiya, and the Revell twice. The IXc and the Mk II MY 50p worth, put the time in get the results back. Jen, great review, thanks.
I'm still annoyed at so many unimpressed or derogatory reviews of this kit. I've built the newer 1/48 Airfix Mk Vb and the Revell 1/32 "Aces High" version. For the life of me, these two "large" companies both did the most idiotic thing in needlessly dividing the landing gear legs into two pieces that do not positively fit onto each other in both axis, whereby they could be off in multiple directions at the same time. This kit looks great, the instructions are CRAZY good, and any good modeler should be able to knock out a splendid rendition with this. And straight gear legs as a bonus. And honestly, the 1/48 Airfix, sparing the landing gear stupidity was a fantastic build and looks fantastic. Which is that much more frustrating.
Brilliant review Jen, I agree about the value, I bought a couple from NZ, will build one soon. A Wingleader book with the content and photo references would cost £25 and a build companion booklet or magazine would be another £10-15 neither of which are needed with this. I will probably build mine straight out of the box with no extras so I think it's good value. The one aspect I worry about is that spine, are we swapping 1 seem line for 2? But at least it does give raised rivet details along the spine.
This kit does look really nice however, since I am on a retirement budget, there is no way I can shell out the dollars to get it. Ah the joys of being retired?
I’ve been left unable to work due to a botched operation. I have no savings left and am living on disability benefits. I can’t afford expensive kits if you lost a simple price v funds calculation. However I have discovered if I use PayPal and their pay in 3 system it solves my issue. So with pay in 3 the retailer gets the full amount in total. I however have a short credit agreement with PayPal who allow me to pay over 3 months making it much more convenient for me. Perhaps it will help others. .
The Kotare spitfire is very simple. The only plus is the cockpit. My favorite 1/32 spitfire is the MK V from Hobby Boss. I found this far better than all the others ( including Tamiya) and cheaper!!
Impressive kit. I do love, that spine is a separate piece. I am not sure about missing rivets details on the wings, but I have to admit, that I am spoiled by recent build of GWH P-40 (amazing kit, even better then Tamiya). I an very curious what other planes Kotare will release (P-47 maybe??)
There's no flush riveting on the fuselage either except for the larger, more obvious ones. This is how I would prefer the smaller scales, but like you I'm not sure about it in this scale. It's will probably look more realistic when it's painted, but we will have to wait and see.
@@tauponewbie100 the review was exemplary and highly complimentary, especially the instruction manual, it's just that I thought I would be more blown away by the plastic, and I'm not.
@@gordonj498 the quality is in the actual construction, it shines through with the engineering. Its all substance without extra flash, Im absolutely thrilled with the kit for what it is, and its attention to fit and detail. The team did their homework and it shows.
I have to agree with Mr Stone, I was expecting more from the plastic based on the various renders we saw around the place. When I saw photos from Telford, I was less impressed which I think I mentioned. What I love about this kit is the package, the accuracy and attention to detail. For me it's more than the sum of its parts.
I live I New Zealand and seen a fully built version of this kit by a member of the Kotare team. I’m not loyal to any brand but know what I like and build what I like. When I saw the built kit, straight away based on price and moulded detail, my thoughts were “I’d rather have a Tamiya 1/32 Spitfire” and I already do. The detail isn’t as sharp on the Kotare kit and yes I know there’s less parts. I just think that Tamiya will just fit and it’s just so refined. Also I don’t buy into the whole “New Zealand home grown” thing despite having lived here for 14 years and full citizen. I never went Gaga over Wingnut Wings either even though I have one but only long after they went out of business. Kotare/Wingnut...over rated in my opinion.
I have seen many reviews of this kit. Aside from the instructions, I am not that impressed. No engine or gun compartment detail, and some questionable missing rivet detail. I really do not understand this hobby anymore. Why are these kits so expensive. If this was a Revell or Hobby Boss kit, reviewers would have ripped this apart. I guess it is all in the name.
@@harryspeakup8452 of course it is. This kit could be twice the price and it would sell. That is the problem with this hobby. It definitely caters to people who are willing to pay that kind of money for kits, and as long as one is the price will keep going up
Not missing rivet detail. Like the P-51 the rivets on the front span of the wing were puttied/filled. The kit here is probably the most accurate representation of the Spit (as evidenced by the double riveting along the rear spine). Don't judge an accurate kit based on over worked kits.
@@j0hndunphy300 I have a dozen 1/32 scale aircraft kits and I see the engine and gun bays every time I look at them. Some of us enjoy displaying the details of our models, so it's far from "dum".
The only thing we needed less than another Spitfire kit was an under detailed and overpriced Spitfire kit. The mental gymnastics people perform to defend this kit is amazing.
yeah, you can always buy the Revell mK 2, then spend a ton on aftermarket seat belts, cockpit details, radiator replacement, wheels etc just to bring it up to a standard that is way inferior to the Kotare and has the additional joy of a mediocre fit. Or buy the really ancient revell kit and.....
@@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft If this kit were released by any other manufacturer, it would be getting ripped to shreds over the bad value proposition. But because it has the WW pedigree, it gets a pass from some of the hobby community. I object to it because it sets the precedent that you can charge more for less simply because of the brand has a cult following who will but it purely on the name.
![Oscar Maydon x Fuerza Regida - Tu Boda [Official Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/_ymicn0_GYc/mqdefault.jpg)
This is a meticulous, very informed review. I've watched other reviews of this kit, but what captivated me to the end was your impeccable diction, grammar and rich, precise vocabulary. A breath of fresh air for a first time viewer, same time subscriber. Thanks a million.
Thankyou David, I'm very glad you enjoyed the review
It looks a wonderful kit. Given the effort that went into producing the tooling and research I wouldn't mind one.
I have also heard a lot of this exact kit, and it seems wonderful! I am currently building four 1/32 Spits but from Revell. It is much better than I expected/remember, but the Kotare seems to be in another league. Thank you for posting and happy crafting!
Great review as always Jen, those instructions look pure Wingnut Wings to me, that of course is a very good thing!😊
Graet review on a great kit. I have it as well. One comment about molded on seat belts. Being an old fart I grew up with, amongst others, the great Monogram kits. Those, being made "analog" had seat belts (and break lines) that looked very natural. A good paint job and they were fantastic. Now, with CAD and digital tool cutting I get the feeling that irregular shapes like belts, break lines but also dash covers like on the F-14 or the F-4 are harder to produce. No more juwel maker with a hand tool who would carve the mold. That's the negative side of the modern times.
You are actually spot on with what you say, one of the designers at Airfix said the same thing.
Thank you, that was a lovely review of the kit. I’m still waiting on mine to arrive but ordered in advance, as I believe that it was important to support them! Lovely to have a superb model without forty eight thousand parts and the requirement to own forty thumbs, etc with which to hold, test and adjust bits....before throwing them on the carpet! 😎😜
Some people have commented on the fact that the kit only has 117 parts - but when you look at the moulded on detail and the way that things like the wheel well walls are in one piece and are often 3 or 4 pieces in a similar scale kit - you realise that you've been saved from gluing perhaps 40 or 50 additional parts. The surface detail looks to be a really accurate representation too.
Nice review, Jen. I saw one at Telford and it looked tremendous. After your show-and-tell I feel the tuggings of temptation. The instruction book is on a par with their Wing Leader cousins and is probably worth £15. My only difference of opinion with you would be that I find the black and white undersides scheme hideous. But hey, eye of the beholder and all that!
+Hi Jen great review as always, and am tempted in view of the very clear instructiuons and the reputation of the guys behind it, however realistically what skill level would a modeller need, to do this kit justice ? I am probably a rusty level 2 currently but am following your Mossy build closely to improve relearn my old skills. The price seems v good for a 1/32 kit which looks excellent when built. Also like the idea of supporting these guys as they seem so passionate about what they are doing.
That's such a difficult question to answer .... Honestly, to me, I don't think the kit has any feature that makes it more difficult to build than the said Mosquito. It's bigger, more detailed, more expensive. But not innately any more difficult to work with. I will be building one of mine on the channel this year, maybe hang on and look in at it to see what you think?
@@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft Tx Jen that makes sense will
Follow your build and them make my decision.
I really appreciate the simplicity of this kit. No need to over complicate things.
Great video Miss. If I may ask, how did you get into modeling?
That might be a subject for a future Chatterbox I think
Always good to hear your opinion Jen. I received mine directly from Kotare last week and if I calculate the cost of the kit, postage and vat here to Ireland, I know that it would have been cheaper to get it more locally. However, I was happy to preorder to hopefully help out a new company that I would love to see thrive.
I have been waiting for your preview!
It didn't disappoint. And I find the kit to be nice too!
It's not in my scale but I also do love the early marks, so I might get it if I have the chance.
Am I eager to see your build review?... Let me see...
No pressure! 🙂
Kotare, PLEASE do a 1/24 Typhoon as flown by Jim McCaw to flip out the V1 missile.
Jen, never heard the KIWI, what does that mean? don't know much about airplanes, sounds interesting though
Kiwi is the name that the pilot, Al Deere, gave to his Spitfires. I have no personal connection with the man, but some of my earliest modelling and Spitfire memories revolve around the aircraft thanks to the original Airfix 1/24th Spitfire Superkit. His book 'Nine Lives' is a great read.
It's a pleasure to watch your review Jen. Interesting observations. With one winging it's way across the world to my door I am fascinated to see these being reviewed.
Thanks for your honesty. I was hoping for a Tamiya equivalent model but think I may have to adjust me expectations a little now.
Look forward to this one joining the queue on your channel.
Enjoy
Scalemates was my first stop after watching your review to download those amazingly detailed instructions
Dear Jennifer,
Thank you for putting out this detailed and well presented review, (much to the standard of your other reviews I might add). As I proceed slowly through my particular build project with the Kotare Spitfire, I find that there are little details coming out that I failed to include in my own brief examination of the kit. I am still of the opinion that it is an excellent kit.
I will look in on your project when you put up videos. I am sure that you will enjoy the build process.
Subbed.
Regards,
Z
Thankyou Jen for another very informative and honest review 👍👍👍
Hi jen nice review whats the story with the Brian lane version
It's the same as this kit but comes with markings for Brian Lane's aircraft and includes a figure to pose with your completed model.
@@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft thanks who was Brian lane
what a truly amazing review,thank you so much for sharing.
Good review, no bias and moaning for the sake of controversy over lack of an engine and low parts count. So, based on this plus other reviews... I bought ine and after opening the box its a beauty. I have built 1/32 Hobby Boss, Tamiya, and the Revell twice. The IXc and the Mk II
MY 50p worth, put the time in get the results back.
Jen, great review, thanks.
Great review Jen !!
Great review by a very knowledgeable modeller!
I'm still annoyed at so many unimpressed or derogatory reviews of this kit. I've built the newer 1/48 Airfix Mk Vb and the Revell 1/32 "Aces High" version. For the life of me, these two "large" companies both did the most idiotic thing in needlessly dividing the landing gear legs into two pieces that do not positively fit onto each other in both axis, whereby they could be off in multiple directions at the same time. This kit looks great, the instructions are CRAZY good, and any good modeler should be able to knock out a splendid rendition with this. And straight gear legs as a bonus. And honestly, the 1/48 Airfix, sparing the landing gear stupidity was a fantastic build and looks fantastic. Which is that much more frustrating.
Brilliant review Jen, I agree about the value, I bought a couple from NZ, will build one soon. A Wingleader book with the content and photo references would cost £25 and a build companion booklet or magazine would be another £10-15 neither of which are needed with this. I will probably build mine straight out of the box with no extras so I think it's good value. The one aspect I worry about is that spine, are we swapping 1 seem line for 2? But at least it does give raised rivet details along the spine.
Lets hope the spine is a good fit, hopefully it's slightly larger as its a lap joint.
This kit does look really nice however, since I am on a retirement budget, there is no way I can shell out the dollars to get it. Ah the joys of being retired?
Hmmm …. I wonder how much that kit costs to build PER HOUR? That’s some pretty inexpensive entertainment dollars.
I’ve been left unable to work due to a botched operation. I have no savings left and am living on disability benefits. I can’t afford expensive kits if you lost a simple price v funds calculation.
However I have discovered if I use PayPal and their pay in 3 system it solves my issue.
So with pay in 3 the retailer gets the full amount in total. I however have a short credit agreement with PayPal who allow me to pay over 3 months making it much more convenient for me. Perhaps it will help others. .
The Kotare spitfire is very simple. The only plus is the cockpit. My favorite 1/32 spitfire is the MK V from Hobby Boss. I found this far better than all the others ( including Tamiya) and cheaper!!
Great review!!
I’ve just pre ordered for a U.K. retailer price £86 plus £5.35 postage, delivered next month. That a good price.
which retailer btw? I'm on the hunt!
Impressive kit. I do love, that spine is a separate piece. I am not sure about missing rivets details on the wings, but I have to admit, that I am spoiled by recent build of GWH P-40 (amazing kit, even better then Tamiya). I an very curious what other planes Kotare will release (P-47 maybe??)
There's no flush riveting on the fuselage either except for the larger, more obvious ones. This is how I would prefer the smaller scales, but like you I'm not sure about it in this scale. It's will probably look more realistic when it's painted, but we will have to wait and see.
All the wineing about this kit ether build it or don't stop the wineing
I know it isn't cheap. But I would think if you're a Spitfire fan you would want to have this kit.
I was always planning on buying this kit but after watching this review I am glad I haven't and that I've saved myself at least £110
I thought the review was highly complimentary, just like Beckers models and most of what else I have read about it. I am buying one asap.
@@tauponewbie100 the review was exemplary and highly complimentary, especially the instruction manual, it's just that I thought I would be more blown away by the plastic, and I'm not.
@@gordonj498 the quality is in the actual construction, it shines through with the engineering. Its all substance without extra flash, Im absolutely thrilled with the kit for what it is, and its attention to fit and detail. The team did their homework and it shows.
I have to agree with Mr Stone, I was expecting more from the plastic based on the various renders we saw around the place. When I saw photos from Telford, I was less impressed which I think I mentioned. What I love about this kit is the package, the accuracy and attention to detail. For me it's more than the sum of its parts.
Great review! But Sword? Ouch…
Disappointing no engine ? but extremely accurate surface detail .
I live I New Zealand and seen a fully built version of this kit by a member of the Kotare team. I’m not loyal to any brand but know what I like and build what I like. When I saw the built kit, straight away based on price and moulded detail, my thoughts were “I’d rather have a Tamiya 1/32 Spitfire” and I already do. The detail isn’t as sharp on the Kotare kit and yes I know there’s less parts. I just think that Tamiya will just fit and it’s just so refined. Also I don’t buy into the whole “New Zealand home grown” thing despite having lived here for 14 years and full citizen. I never went Gaga over Wingnut Wings either even though I have one but only long after they went out of business. Kotare/Wingnut...over rated in my opinion.
Tamiya 1/32 spitfires are like an extra 100$ kiwi, plus it's not a mk1
I get not everyone can afford the Tamiya kits but regardless of what version it is, Tamiya is just where I prefer to put my money.
If you want an accurate MkI in 1/32 Kotare's is the only game in town
I have seen many reviews of this kit. Aside from the instructions, I am not that impressed. No engine or gun compartment detail, and some questionable missing rivet detail. I really do not understand this hobby anymore. Why are these kits so expensive. If this was a Revell or Hobby Boss kit, reviewers would have ripped this apart. I guess it is all in the name.
Well, it's sold out so I guess buyers disagree with you
@@harryspeakup8452 of course it is. This kit could be twice the price and it would sell. That is the problem with this hobby. It definitely caters to people who are willing to pay that kind of money for kits, and as long as one is the price will keep going up
Not missing rivet detail. Like the P-51 the rivets on the front span of the wing were puttied/filled. The kit here is probably the most accurate representation of the Spit (as evidenced by the double riveting along the rear spine). Don't judge an accurate kit based on over worked kits.
No one sees the dam engine or guns anyway open panel's on aircraft is just plain dum
@@j0hndunphy300 I have a dozen 1/32 scale aircraft kits and I see the engine and gun bays every time I look at them. Some of us enjoy displaying the details of our models, so it's far from "dum".
The only thing we needed less than another Spitfire kit was an under detailed and overpriced Spitfire kit. The mental gymnastics people perform to defend this kit is amazing.
Show me another 1/32 Mk I Spitfire then? There's a lot of disdain for this kit out there, and I'm not sure why
Almost as amazing as how much people are crying about a kit that they don't have to buy.
yeah, you can always buy the Revell mK 2, then spend a ton on aftermarket seat belts, cockpit details,
radiator replacement, wheels etc just to bring it up to a standard that is way inferior to the Kotare and has the additional joy of a mediocre fit. Or buy the really ancient revell kit and.....
@@JenesisDesignsandModelcraft If this kit were released by any other manufacturer, it would be getting ripped to shreds over the bad value proposition. But because it has the WW pedigree, it gets a pass from some of the hobby community. I object to it because it sets the precedent that you can charge more for less simply because of the brand has a cult following who will but it purely on the name.
@@jimrichards3621 I never recommended the Revell kit as an alternative. I would never recommend Revell, period.