Half the people slagging it off don’t even own one. I’m building one right now and it’s one of the best kits I’ve put together. It’s ridiculously accurate and an absolute joy to build. The thing is 90% of modellers don’t want an irksome engine in the way either !.
Gasp, shock, amazement. Someone dared to produce a kit with a high level of accuracy and it didn't fit my preconceived notions. Whatever shall I do? I know, I'll go pound my keyboard in anger and be rude. Dude, I am a Patreon supporter of Jenesis and Model Shed, among a "few" others, plus a stack of YT channel memberships. I am grateful for their opinions and builds and aspire to become better through their and others great content. Many many great creators out there and most of them are fantastic people. Support them as you can. Remember you wouldn't have known about the lack of an engine without them. 😳🤔 There are several manufacturers that I won't buy their products, yet will happily support the content creators purchases of them to show on their channels. More power to them. We get to find out about the pitfalls the easy way. Sounds like a good reason to be cordial on that creators comment section. People forget they can email the company and complain to them? Might be a better use of the angry energy, and probably more productive too. SMH Constructive criticism is one thing, remembering manners when giving context in a discussion is an Adult behavior sadly waning. Believe it was on the Plastic Posse Podcast (correction , Sprue Cutters Union, also free and great podcast) where the Kotare gentleman explained a whole bunch of the detail choices, including the lack of an engine, in great detail. Well worth the listen. And it's a free podcast ya cheap baa....😜☕🐢
@@thescalemodellingcafe I stand corrected: Sprue Cutters Union podcast - Episode 43: Unicorns and Rainbow farts--Richard Alexander and Darren Mildenhall from Kotare Models. And it's also free 😜. I spend a lot of hours driving professionally 🚛🚛, listening to YT videos and podcasts is a bonus to affording kits by the mile👍☕🐢
The negative comments about Kotare’s spitfire says more about the modeller making the comments than it does about the product itself. Any seasoned modeller would appreciate the quality of the Kotare spitfire.
Ten years from now, when I'm cracking open my new 1/32 Kotare Handley-Page Hampden, I'll look back and smile on the fact that I had a small part in supporting this new company when it mattered. That's what we can look forward to, but not if we can't show them support now. I for one am am excited by the future of this company, we are truly living in the golden age of modeling. I've been a follower of Jen's channel for a while now, and she's put a dent in my checking account due to her kit reviews, in a good way of course. And finally to you Jamie, thank you for starting this channel, it's been an educational and inspirational experience, keep it coming! P.S. Thanks for passing on your knowledge of fast jet ops to the new generation, it's noble work. Out from Michigan.
A video with reasoned judgments, no, it cannot be so!! ;) I agree with everything you said there Jamie, and it has been something I've tried to convey in the few reviews I have come across of it. The kit is supremely accurate and is simplified so as many people as possible can feel like they can build it - what is wrong with that?! To achieve this though, you need the product to be perfect and to pay for the quality tooling to allow the moulds to stand the test of time and maintain the hard work that has been put into the kit's design - such tooling costs a lot of money. The research too is impeccable in the instruction booklet. People whine consistently these days about Chinese companies that have awful instructions with no diagrams or colour callouts - this research that has gone into the kit and the instructions for people to have as a reference cost time and money; yet, it seems people want it but expect it to not cost them? I do wish the option of a Merlin as an add-on was there. I don't mind it not being in the box but for those of us who want an engine it could have been sold separately, like Eduard do. If they did a Hurricane in the future too, the tooling of a Merlin could have a secondary use and would be very cost effective. I have the kit and can't wait to build it. The comparisons with Tamiya Spits are also mostly pointless, as the only other 1/32 Mk.Ia was the Revell/Hobby2000 kit that is old and isn't as accurate or detailed. The problem Kotare have is that people still judge them as if they are Wingnut Wings and have the unlimited financial backing that company did. There's a reason why WW no longer exist, and these guys have had to fork out their money on this and not rely on Peter Jackson's vast fortune and love-affair of aircraft to back them up. I commend their bravery and their efforts and I look forward to what projects they will have in store once they have got the Mk.I and Mk.Va from this current tooling! (A Hurricane Mk.I would be most appreciated!).
A great model, my only problem were the size ( in proportion to the model )the decals. So small, I gave up on the cockpit. Also a lot of detail that is never seen. Looks good though. Like your comments.
Well done Jamie ,its a great kit I brought one this weekend from West Anglia Scale Model Show 2023 - West norfolk IPMS,and bargain steel for £80.00, if you look on modelling new, you see a write up of the MK5, whats coming out near the end of the year.look forward for your next video.
Interesting litttle story for you, Jamie. At the beginning of October 2023, IPMS Auckland hosted the IPMS New Zealand Nationals here in Auckland and in 1/32 there were 3 or 3 Kotare Spitifires in the competition. Kotare had a sales Stand at the show and they sold just over half (I Think) of the kits they bought along (Which was better than Richard Alexander expected!). I myself heard 1 modeller, from another part of NZ, state aloud that, having seen the kit built and checking the sprue trees on display, that he had changed his mind and bought 1. (He had declined to buy initially because there was no engine!) I, myself, had pre-ordered the Mid-Production kit and also have now pre-ordered the Early version. (Mainly because pre-orders included 3D printed resin exhaust stacks, which actually improve on the plastic ones provided in the kit(s)!)
Discussing Spitfires is like discussing Tiger Tanks. Polarising and often painful. My take, much aligns with yours and I too prefer the Mk V. One thing though, I think I read somewhere that early spitfires had the rivets on the wings filled before painting the camo to aid aero dynamics; much like the P 51. I’m not certain but out mate at BBMF, Tom, will no doubt give us the definitive answer. I personally, love the look of it, like that it hasn’t got an engine, think the detail it has look fabulous but; and here we go…..I’m still not sure about the ‘blue’ code letters on the decal sheet. I’m assured it’s correct by all the ‘experts’ but it does still look a bit odd. Anyway mate another interesting video and I very much look forward to the next
Just after it was released I very nearly cancelled my order , I saw one of the very first builds by a modeller (not anyone well known) and it was an absolute abomination. After I slept on it I concluded that the guy had built it that way for a joke because I couldn’t complete a kit that badly if I was high on crack, the undercarriage was splayed amongst a myriad of other faults that led me to believe that maybe it was tricky to build. Luckily other builds and reviews appeared which allayed my fears and I took delivery of mine a couple of months back and it looks a beauty. Kotare answered my prayers because I wished for a decent 1/32 Mk I and now i have it ! I sat in a 19 Squadron Mk I at Duxford restored to its original state and from that I can see Kotare have done a fantastic job. It must be a good kit because even Doogs seems to like it 😉
I'm happy it doesn't come with an engine, a feature I'm not that focused on. I've also got the Tamiya MkIXc in the stash, and tbh almost feel obliged to build and detail that engine, for no other reason than it's there, and I've paid for it!
The Australian War Memorial has a Official RAF Training Film posted on their site, titled, 'Streamline Colour', that shows the processes involved in preparing and painting high speed aircraft. Putty was used to create a smooth surface on the leading ('D' box section) of the wings. Kotare has made accuracy a prime concern and as modelers we all want that. For those few who do not collect reference/knowledge on the Spitfire there could have been information with the instructions to justify the lack of rivet detail. The lack of a engine is another accuracy issue as it would have to be under scale to fit with injection molded cowlings. 1/32 Tamiya and 1/24 Airfix Spits are that way. A seated pilot figure would have been nice but for most they will build the kit as a static, landed pose and a pilot in the cockpit would block a majority of the interior detail. I have built 2x 1/32 Tamiya Mk.IXcs and working on four 1/24 Airfix Mk.IXc Spitfires three of them will be posed in flight on custom stainless steel stands (George Beurling KH-B, Johnnie Johnson EN398 and the 'Silver Spitfire', using Draw decals) with pilot figures and variable speed electric motors with two sealed bearings supporting a drive shaft to spin the props true. Kotare did similar with their design so as to eliminate wobble. All three will have closed cowls with the kit engines displayed on stands.
Some very good points mate, thank you for the post. I totally agree with the engine dit, most cockpits and seats are undersize for the same reasons you mention.
I would speculate that if the Kotare kit was the same price as a 1/32 Revell, modelers would go APE over it and there would be zero negative reactions but that would not be fair. The Kotare kit is far superior. If interested Jamie, I have examples of my model builds posted at the bottom of the DESIGN page on my site, Chopperworks in Burlington, Ontario, Canada. @@thescalemodellingcafe
I completely agree with you Jamie , as a small business owner myself i completely understand why Kotare have done it the way they have . Im sure as kotare start doing well which im sure they will they may have the revenue to add more and more to their kits . I think its greaf to see new companies coming into the industry and hopefully they will go from strength to strengh . Companies like Tamiya have endless amounts of money to throw at a new kit but Kotare in my opinion have saved money on the right things because like any start up company they only have so much to invest . As regards the Keyboard warriors and Snowflakes, they will always find something to moan about but i do wonder if Kotare had not used the "Wingnut Wings " card when they started perhaps these Keyboard warriors wouldnt have anything to moan about . Either way i think people have the choice if they dont like if they dont have to buy it , you have to wonder about how many people who are knocking the kit , would actually buy it even if it had the engine that they are all moaning about . Its probably the usual case of people who dont have anything else in their lives to do other than hide behind a Keyboard having a go at anyone or anything . The Spitfire kit isnt my thing but if certainly looks a stunning kit and at the end of the day , the more manufacturers we have as modellers surely is a good thing . Kotare certainly have my vote and i wish them the best for thd future .
I have a view that an aircraft model with engine covers and gun bays open is perhaps more of a diorama? I'd actually like to see more kits have the option of depicting the aircraft in flight out of the box i.e. with a stand and a pilot. I wouldn't necessarily choose that every time but some aircraft just look so beautiful in flight it would be nice to have the option. I love the Kotare philosophy and their phenomenal attention to detail. The rivets on the leading edge of the Spitfire were puttied and sanded at the factory - so having rivets in that area would be like saying there should be rivets showing on the wing of a Mustang.
@@thescalemodellingcafe I emailed Richard Alexander and asked him about the tailplane - I was expecting to at least see some screw heads on the underside. He said that they'd taken the decision at at 1/32 they would not be visible in anything other than extreme close up so it was their take on an accurate representation. I think that there have been a couple of interviews with him that were posted online.
I wholeheartedly agree with you Jamie. So much angst over an engine. Exposed engines and gun bays and whatnot look good in a diorama but in general the only thing I like to see open is the canopy. I am building Airfix's 1/24 spitfire IXc and have glued the cowlings and gun covers firmly closed. Oh and how dare I do a spitfire without invasion stripes??? 😯
Damned if you do, damned if you don't. I don't care if someone doesn't like a kit like Kotare. Just like people hating on Wingnut or Tamiya. There are always gonna be haters. It never fails. There's no satisfaction whether it's a complicated kit or easy kit. People love bitching. What I've seen? It's a absolutely lovely and simple yet accurate Spitfire early. How many are there in 32nd? Mind boggling
Whatever companies decide to do will always upset someone, somewhere!! As someone who loves Spitfires, i think its a great looking kit. But will I buy one? Maybe. Do I care if it has an engine? No. Kotare has done their research and decided not to put one in to keep the price down. People need to understand that things are more expensive to make than when Tamiya produced their Spitfire and this has to be incorporated into the price of the kit. Kotare has to make a profit from selling kits so they can reinvest so they can produce more new kits! Keep up the good work Kotare!!
Agreed. I won't be getting this because quite simply I'd prefer to wait for a later mark. It sounds like their design choices are solid, and the reputation of the designers precedes them. I don't necessarily agree with their stance on colour, but that's my problem, not everyone else's :). I wish them success.
@@thescalemodellingcafe yup, their research is great, but then saying on FB there are so many variations that it didn't matter in the end seemed a little odd. Like I said, my problem, and it won't stop me getting a later mark :).
I get a kick out of people slagging kits sometimes, I find it entertaining and informative but I can see why others hate it, I bought a Border model 1/35 leopard 2a5 a6 and it is way beyond my skill set at this time so I will get a Tamiya 2a6 to work on instead, I also want to say that I think rivet counters could be called accuracy enthusiasts, which isn't such a bad thing really unless you get stuck somewhere talking to one and it is a hobby, after all, it should be fun for everybody.... even bloody rivet counters
First of all, they’ve produced a kit of a Mk1 in 1/32nd scale which is absolutely beautiful to build. It looks great as an end result and I’m all for their philosophy. I’m all for them to produce both the early, mid and MkVa version. I’m hopeful that they’ll make more money from this and be able to produce a 1/32nd Hurricane Mk1. Just think of a newly-moulded kit of this nature? Let’s support them into the future. If you don’t like the kit, don’t buy it then!
@@thescalemodellingcafe 100% agree with you. Apart from the PCM kit, and the ancient and totally inaccurate Revel model, we desperately need one. Plus the resurgence of the Hurricane in 1/48th shows the need for newly minted kits. I’ve given up on Tamiya and Revel choosing the Mk2 as their preferred version disappoints.
Admittedly, I had reservations concerning this product on its release. The review and build I saw did not, with respect to that modeller, highlight the quality and engineering that has gone into producing this kit. Subsequent reviews I have seen show without doubt that this is indeed a quality item. Engines and ancillaries. All totally subjective. If Airfix had not included that beautiful replica a Napier Sabre or provided cannon bays in the wings of their 1/24th Typhoon, there would have been uproar. Is no one ever satisfied? Jeez. Moan, moan moan! Someone commenting that in their view, the Kotare cockpit was better than Tamiya's. Er, Tamiya's Spit IXc came out in '08 and this one from Kotare, this year. That's a difference of 15 years! 15 years of progress and evolution in the manufacture of plastic models. Just to put into perspective, what would happen if Tamiya offered Spit Mk 1 to 1/32nd now? Which do you think would be superior? In addition, I bet Tamiya would offer an engine and no one would moan. You can also bet there would also be a closed cowl option too that would be interchangeable as desired. This kit from Kotare is lovely. Simple as that. Be grateful that it's available. Rant over. My father flew Spit Mk VIIIs in Australia, so it's the Tamiya one for me all the way. (No bias from me, then?😄).
@@thescalemodellingcafeThat is indeed a fair point, but I won't hold my breath just yet. Mk 1s and Mk Vs are easy to do for model companies as they're so similar. The Mk Va was just a Mk 1 with a Merlin 45. Early Mk Xs were Mk Vs fitted with a 60 series Merlin which, as I'm sure you are aware, incorporated an intercooler which resulted in longer cowls and symmetrical radiator shrouds underside. Very different to the Mk I/V. The Mk VII/VIII, though superficially similar to the Mk IX were quite different, incorporating significant airframe changes. The 'C' wing of IX was different to the 'C' wing of a VII/VIII. All these differences, model companies have to incorporate in order to be authentic. This means more cost. I would love to see a VII/VIII from Kotare, but, as stated earlier, I won't hold my breath. For the moment, anyway, Tamiya's offering will do just fine. Thanks for your response.🙂
People don't seem to understand that of course there will always be new Spitfires,109s,190s, et al because there will always be new generations of modellers entering the fold, and they will want the latest kit on the market. As for the cost: we have to recognise that this is a new company that doesn't have resources that the likes of Tamiya have so, naturally, the cost will be more. Finally, if you want rivets, it's not a big deal to add them.
One of the best and easiest kits I have evr built, no idea why there is such a negative reaction. A real mojo builder of a kit. Thats my threpence worth mate 😁 Modellers...🤨 Word of the week Ginagorous😎
If you are a new model company, what are you going to produce, something you know will sell of some obscure subject that sells small volumes? People complaining there is no engine, it has been well known well before release that this was the case. People complaining about rivet detail, they made this as accurate as they could, if you want rivet detail where there wasn't any, go at it put it in yourself. Simply, if you don't like the kit don't buy it. But I'm enjoying my kit and I intend to buy each variant they release .
Is the varied complaints something to do with that It's just too expensive , there's no engine, no guns or gun bay details no PE and no canopy mask Its a bit like trying to sell a scale model of Star Wars X Wing Red 5 without a detailed R2 D2 you would not buy it . also is it because no other decal options for Pol, Czech , Uk or Aus markings ? for such a high priced kit. It seemed like they made this MKI a sort of NZ exclusive only ? so its probably is really popular in NZ or with other model builder people who connect with NZ WWII around the world. So this may be limiting its appeal to a wider audience ? where as the Tamiya kits have got all the bases covered and the usual high standard including detailed RR Merlin V12 engines . I can't understand why you buy it and pay what they are asking for it .
Given the quality of the plastic I think it's well priced. As for the markings options, there are many more variants and boxings to come, judging by the number of builds I've seen so far I think it's selling well. And an aftermarket decal sheet is not that expensive anyway!
It has three R.A.F. options. Only one of those options is for an aircraft flown by a New Zealander during the Battle of Britain. Not surprising as it is a New Zealand company. You would expect to have one example. About one fifth of the aircrew in the battle were from overseas countries, with New Zealanders numbering 126. The only other nation to provide more to the R.A.F. was Poland, with about 145.
Don't think 90 quid is bad value for this standard of kit. For me, it's all about the build, and I get a kick out of seeing the engineering fall into place. Don't care if the Tamiya has an engine: it's much more expensive, has way too many parts and it's a IX. Like you, I was tempted by this but would rather have a Vc.
Ha! I can remember moaning's about the great Tamia kit being (back in the day) ~£100 and having an engine in it that they wont use!!! You can please some of the people all of the time, and all the people some of the time, but you can't please modellers ever.
A few people are very vocal. And for some reason their feelings are hurt by something they need to spend zero energy on. I think brisk sales are going to speak more loudly to Kotare than a few people who never would have been satisfied with the kit even if had had an engine.
Is it only £90 I thought it was way more than that. In that case I’m probably going to get one. Let’s face it you can pay £50 for a 1:48th kit with no engine so it’s not that pricey at all in comparison. And yep the engine thing all sounds good but who wants to see a spitfire with its bits hanging out, if it were a big old radial engined thing there is a point to that argument. In general if a kit has fundamental errors like mis matched panel lines on the fuselage halves, warped parts or it is obviously the wrong shape then criticism is fair. But complaining about something because you just don’t like it, I just don’t understand. just buy something else.
Sounds like a great kit to me. What I don't like about it is the absolute spunk-fest it created amongst RU-vid model-builders in the same way the 1/24 Airfix spit has. Yawn yawn yawn. But the kits are great, the manufacturers do it to make money. But the hyperbole and sycophancy from (some pretty ordinary, I have to say) RU-vid modellers over these two kits in particular, is nauseating at times.
If people don't like a kit, why slag it off? Go elsewhere for one you like, not everyone is pleased with every new kit that comes out. We modellers should be pleased with the choices, and standards of kits. Save your vitriol, turn your rage into building your dream model.
Personally I simply discard reviews that are not build reviews. it is only when you build that you find the problems and how may problems of fit etc are actually the result of poor modelling rather than poor moulding or instructions. I thought Model Sheds built was fantastic and shows the kit to its advantage. Are the commenters knobheads or fanboys or are they sock puppets for the other manufactures trying to get Kotare a bad name?
I've seen his series of videos, they are very good. I don't think they are "sock puppets for the other manufacturers", I just think they are just venting their opinion.
I like the way Kotare have pitched it. A premium product with accuracy and ease of construction in mind. Assessible to less experienced modellers and providing superb instructions. As for the hate there's more important things to worry about.
I could only see a few defaulters one of them commented multiple times.. I think he was a wind up troll with nothing else better to do.. certainly doesn't share his work even if he does any? I think it its a smashing looking kit I have ordered the mark Va and it will be the first Spit kit I have done since a an half crown Airfix blister pack 56 years ago. The design team do the research clearly and looking at build vlogs it seems to go together a dream. Just envy that it is better than the shed on their shelf. other than that turn your phone t'other way mate.
For me, EVERYTHING you stated is spot on! Plus, the surface detail of this kit raises the "reality appearance" bar above ANY 1/32 Spitfire kit ever molded, including the vaunted, £150+ Tamiya kit. For moi, Kotare surface detail is 10/10, ditto instructions, ditto decals, ditto boxing, ditto ASSEMBLY. If I had to pay the "freight" of the Tamiya kit, but got no engine, I WOULD be miffed; but I did not, so am not. I think Kotare is a 10/10, and their 109K cannot land soon enough for me. Need more rivets? That's why God made Rosie the Riveters. Need an engine? That's why God made 3D resin companies. There! You're at your £150+ that you wanted to spend all along! I do not want the heartbreak of another high-minded endeavor like Wingnut Wings going under. So Kotare, keep doing whatever it takes to come out suitably profitable so that you stay around, healthy & strong.
I’m coming to this Vlog six months on from its posting, so I’m somewhat “late on parade”! I’m a great fan of Jenesis Models, little waffle and very good production and information standards, so it’s sad to hear that she’s picked up a load of “white noise”...... .....scroll on is the thing to do and remember, if it’s vitriolic, then the individual typing it probably wouldn’t dare utter the same in public.....😎 Re Kōtare’s Spitfire: you hit the nail on the head, it’s got to make money, got to be profitable and it’s got to be the best, where being the “best” is most visible....points scored all round then! I’m not really a Spitfire Chap though.....😬😂 I’m hoping that a Mk 1 Hurricane appears but I’ve supported Kōtare, by buying the kits that they’ve produced to date, because they deserve our support and I fully believe that we’ll see massive results in the long term. One thing about this Kōtare Spitfire: if, as a grandad, you sat down with the kids and built this kit, it’s easily buildable....it goes together with precision and doesn’t tax the modeller too much, so you can quickly achieve a really beautiful result, without being a “professional” modeller. That, price point aside, is a really good thing and I’d push that as a sales point. If, as a more advanced modeller, you wish to flex your muscles, then you’ve got a fantastic foundation on which to build on....a “win, win” if ever there was? Hope that you’ve had a good Christmas and Happy New Year to you!
This is a niche kit. Kotare have nailed it. The moulding of various panel line differences & access panel's, as with the real thing, is amazing. The "dimples" around the screws on the wing-root fairings, the same with the radiator, just top-notch. The mould construction and engraving must've been just full-on. This is $188.95 AUD and worth every penny. The Tamiya MkIXc here range's from $176.00 to $201.95 AUD.The Tamiya MkVIII here is hard to find at best and is from $185.95 - $209.95 AUD. I have all these kits and there isn't a doubt in my mind about the 3 I'm referring to as individually brilliant kits. It's fantastic to have such a beautiful Mk1a as Kotare have answered the call for and filled a gap. I personally have always thought Tamiya would to bring forth a Mk1/1a, yet Kotare have "knocked it for 6" here. My take is this. If you want to build a kit, go from what YOU feel in your heart, what YOU want to build and render and thus indulge your passion and find contentment. Simple. Great level headed, well grounded review and a great perspective on a kit which is par excellence. Kindest regards and Merry Christmas to you & yours from us here in paradise from the Northern River's NSW, at Tuckombil via Alstonville and East Ballina 800km north of Sydney via Maroubra. MATE 😉🤙
One thing I noticed on reviews, was a plethora of ribbing INSIDE the wings. Was this done to induce slight surface patina/deflections? I haven't seen the kit so I don't know.
Social media rewards echo chambers. It's why so many of my "Remainer" friends are still baffled by Brexit as they still believe they are in the majority!
You can get the Tamiya kit for £90, but most seem to be selling it for around £130, but the problem with people comparing the price of this kit with the Tamiya one is that kit was designed and tooled 14 years ago and we know how the price of everything has shot up over the last year or so. If Tamiya tooled the Spitfire now it would cost a lot more, so I think the Kotare Spitfire is well priced for the quality you get in todays market. As for people complaining about no engine, didn't Kotare do a survey and most people said they didnt want an engine?
After watching your video, I think the title is totally wrong...!! You have very reasonable arguments for the Kotare kit... The title sounds like you're siding with the negative reviews...
@@thescalemodellingcafe Please, don't think my comment is a critic to your video, just that, after reading the title, it sounded like a strong critic towards the Kotare kit, but once I watched the video it was a very fair and balanced review of the kit.
Love the Kit! I have two more in the stash. Everything fits great and it was an enjoyable build for sure! Worth the money. Final model shows the beautiful lines of the Spitfire.
Dear Jamie, It is often the case that negative comments attract much more attention than positive ones. The erroneous false impression that “everyone” dislikes this model is then generated. One might need to be careful when assessing such an apparent groundswell of opinion. Pricing for any manufactured product is based upon return on investment and estimated volume at sale (amongst other factors). These things are viewed over a period, but the cost equation will be based on the funding plans for the organisation. We don’t know what those parameters are and I consider it unfruitful to speculate on them. Instead I would add my opinion, (formed from building the kit on YT), which is that it is accurate and exceptionally well engineered. Those who buy it know what they are getting. Regards, Z
All good points mate although I would take issue with your use of the word "everyone". The comments I see are mostly very positive however the point I was making is it seems the negative comments seem to me to be many more than normal, odd for such an amazing kit. Maybe because Kotare made such an effort striving for ultimate accuracy if they find the slightest inaccuracy certain modellers fly off the handle!
I have 2 of the kits. It’s really nice, I can’t understand the bashing. Sure some areas are simplified, but it’s okay. Some other features we haven’t seen anywhere else yet. I think people just expect too much after all the wingnut wings kits.
Got it - and it looks brilliant - I've got 4 WIP projects, and using it as a 'not until finished' to get those done. I've got some masks, and that's all you need to build the most accurate Spitfire in any scale from anyone... as simple as that. (I've build the tamiya 1/32, and its great, but this is better and without an engine, it 1/2s the time!!)
Well said and absolutely agree. This is far and away the nicest early mark Spit we have ever had and who wants to spoil those lovely lines with it's guts hanging out. The Revell and Hobby Boss/Trumpeter kits are pretty awful, but yes, they have engines. I have the Tamiya Spits (about the same price as the Kotare kit in Canada) and yes, they are lovely but they are not perfect either. Very hard to build without adding the engines, landing gear legs are spilt down the middle (grrr) and a lot of cockpit details missing, and the gun bulges on the IXc are poorly shaped. (I have spent a fortune of those lovely Barracuda correction and detail sets). You never hear hear a breath of criticism on the Tamiya kits. Personally I hate rivets (which the Tamiya kits lack entirely) which are way overscale anyway. I think the Kotare kit is the first Spit I have owned that doesn't need any aftermarket bits (well maybe some HGW seatbelts and would have like the blind flying panel to be a separate part). Cheers!
I think a lot of modellers forgot about scales and the distance the scale is supposed to be viewed. Id rather have accurate shape and dimensions over exaggerated panel lines and rivets any day.
I have this kit and frankly it's one of the best models in my stash. I have the Tamiya Mk IX and it's a good kit, but in my opinion Kotare is better. The cockpit is one of the best l have seen. Surface detail...is great. If you take a close look at the upper wings, there's a panel variation similar to the actual Spitfire. Access panels are slightly askewed...similar to photos l have seen. No engine...yes. But, from what l have been told about WNW kits their engines are models in themselves. This would have meant multiple molds which would have multplied the price. So l am fine with no engine...they saved a few dollars and passed that along. You're also right about this being a starting company as opposed to a deeply established one. Tamiya can afford to gamble. Kotare is stepping to the table with just a couple of dollars in hand...they have to bet wisely. There's one more thing l experienced with this kit that makes it a winner. As l live in the states and Kotare is in New Zealand, there was some difficulty having NZ post accept my address. I had a number if emails with Richard Lewis giving me suggestions to altering my address and one of them worked. Richard didn’t have to take the time to help but he did. To me it's the product that makes the first sale...how customers are treated make future sales.
I had pre-ordered one and I love it. That’s all that matters. If all you want to build is *insert brand here*, then you do you. INAM1: I’m re-reading the instructions prior to starting mine soon. I honestly believe the instructions alone are worth the purchase price. No word of a lie. I’ll continue to build whatever I like. Peace and mung-beans. Out.
Totally agree Jamie. I bought the kit knowing there is no engine and the rivets - seen or unseen - don’t bother me. It is not like they faked panel lines or did fantasy cockpit details for goodness sake. Some people are reacting as if they were promised the moon and got swiss cheese instead. Kotare is taking baby steps in a difficult business arena and I will support them by buying their products that I like. With WnW I didn’t buy every release either, just the aircraft designs that appealed to me. Nobody is being forced to buy something they don’t like. Some people obviously have a warped sense of entitlement - build more models, less banging on keyboards. It’s a hobby, remember?
Only one point.... Why you speak over the kotare Spitfire if you didn't hold it in your fingers... That's the same who every single lady's doing, too... Speak bad... But never see in real... I have this kit... Kotare is a new and small business. Bad critical thinking, damage this new brand. Richard is an amazing person and a real expert... So much work done for WNW... Sorry Jamie I like your work... But please for the future... Don't speak bad about things you never see in real... That's not fair
Hi mate, I think you've missed the point of the video, I will never review a kit without seeing it! Even though I haven't seen the kit in person, this video is not a review on it. My point is discussing why other people, many who haven't seen the kit, have negative views on it. I find that most odd. As I said in the video, more than once, I think Kotare are a fantastic company who have brought a brilliantly innovative, highly detailed kit to market. I agree that Richard Alexander has done great things in the hobby and is a great guy with so much to offer the hobby. I recommend you watch the video again with that in mind.
