Arii/Otaki
A kind viewer recently sent me this classic kit to review - thanks Jeff! Don't miss out on my other 1:48 Spitfire reviews: • 1:48 Spitfire Model Kit Reviews
The Arii Spitfire Mk VIII (kit no. A333-800) uses the older Otaki plastic parts (originally released by Otaki in 1975). In this video, I'll give a brief history of the Spitfire Mk VIII, we'll check out what comes in the box, we'll go through the kit instructions, we'll look at the surface detailing, the transparencies, the decals, potential problem areas to watch out for, we'll compare this kit to Eduard's Spitfire Mk VIII, and finally, I'll be giving my conclusions. With the newer Eduard Spitfire Mk VIII kits currently available, is this classic Arii Spitfire Mk VIII still worth building? Let's find out together!
00:00 Introduction & kit history
00:36 Video overview
01:29 Spitfire Mk 8 history
03:08 What comes in the box
03:19 Instructions: Step 1 - cockpit assembly
03:42 Potential cockpit upgrades
04:02 Step 2 - mounting cockpit assembly to fuselage
04:19 Step 3 - Adding the prop base & closing the fuselage
04:44 Step 4 - Wing assembly
05:07 Step 5 - Adding the wing & tail planes to the fuselage
05:26 Step 6 - Building the main landing gear
05:54 Step 7 - Adding the oil cooler, radiators & landing gear
06:13 Lower wing accuracy issue
06:36 Step 8 - Adding the final parts (prop, spinner, cannons, canopy, etc.)
07:19 Upgrades for exhaust & cannon
07:43 Step 9 - Pilot figure
07:56 Marking guide & decals
08:29 My plan for markings
08:42 External surface detail Arii/Otaki
09:06 External surface detail Eduard
09:17 Conclusions & comparison with the Eduard Spitfire VIII
09:57 Recommendations