The Kit

The Tamiya Spitfire Mk.I consists of 34 injected molded pieces and a sprue of 5 injected clear pieces, two of which aren't listed in the directions. It's molded in typical Tamiya gray, and the molding is flawless and spot on. In fact, I can't find anything wrong with this kit looking at it on the sprue.

Detail is fantastic and the cockpit is a dream. If this kit had photoetch seat belts I would consider it perfect - instead it contains decal seat belts, possibly my only complaint.

I have heard there are a couple of small outline inaccuracies, but from what I can tell they are very small and not worth pointing out. If you're a true Spitfire aficionado you'll figure these out on your own, but they're not large enough to not buy this kit. If you're like me and just like the Spitfire for what it is, then this is the perfect Spitfire kit.

Decal options are for a machine of No. 601 Squadron and an aircraft from No. 92 Squadron, both RAF schemes.

Conclusion

If you like the Spitfire, buy this kit. There are only two other Spitfire Mk.I's I know of - Airfix and Hasegawa - and both have been superceded by this release. I can not recommend this kit enough. Buy it, and buy plenty, to prove to Tamiya that the 1/72^nd market is indeed alive and flourishing. I am definitely looking forward to Tamiya's release of the Mk.Vb later this year. There are VVS Spitfire's that need to be built!