TV advertised model Spitfire...

[vx220]

I just caught sight of an advert for one of those "pay £1000 over three years, first part only £1.99" deals for what appears to be a nice motorised model of a Spitfire.

I wandered if anyone has seen something similar, but ready to buy all in one go. It would be for my father who has dementia, so I don't have the time left with him to finish it bit by bit. To an extent the money isn't an issue.

Any ideas gratefully received!

[stuartmmcfc]

Sorry I can’t help but that’s a really nice idea.

[Riley Blue]

It might be worth contacting Hachette Partworks and explaining the situation: https://www.spitfiremodel.com

Hope you get a positive response.

[Simpo Two]

I've seen this advert; whilst I appreciate money isn't the driving force, £1K+ for a plastic model seems nuts.

There must be an existing kit you can buy off the shelf... does it have to be a Spitfire, or even an aeroplane?

[vx220]

Does really need to be a Spitfire.

One of the saddest days since his diagnosis was watching an antiques TV show held in a hangar with a Hurricane in the background, and Dad getting animated about the Spitfire (obviously I didn't correct him) until one of the presenters said it was a Hurricane...

...my dad has always hated Hurricanes!

Thanks for your replies

[Scrump]

There is also the deAgostini spitfire kit which could be bought as a full set for £799 but is sold out:
https://www.model-space.com/gb/build-the-spitfire-...

[cati]

I would go on eBay there are always part works unbuilt for sale

[henryk001]

Hi. I just googled “large scale spitfires” and see that there are a few built models used on eBay, mostly radio control, a couple built much less expensive than the one advertised. Hope this helps you.

[LandRoverManiac]

Depending on how 'hands-on' you feel - you could always buy an Airfix kit and build it up that way? The mag model is 1:18 - Airfix did a 1:24 scale Spitfire which is still appreciably big. Another company called Trumpeter also do a 1/24 one which is a bit more modern in terms of fit and finish.

Failing that; some people on Ebay sell kits that have been ready-built by themselves (for those with neither the time or inclination). I tend to build kits and sell the completed ones via that route to ensure that the house doesn't get avalanched under plastic - doesn't work all that well - but it does keep the numbers of planes lying around in check! Ping one of the regular sellers a message and see if they can build one up if you ideally want it finished and ready out of the box.

You can buy the whole Deagostini kit in one lump (£799 - gulp!) - a bit larger at 1/12 scale. Supposed to be 'beginner friendly' in construction (yeah - heard that before....).

https://www.model-space.com/gb/build-the-spitfire....

Whoops - edit - should have read the post above. Looks sold out.

All the best with whatever route you go!

[GliderRider]

Maybe something like this:

1/32 Scale Spitfire with motorised propeller

amongst any such models advertised on eBay etc. there will be some which are works of true craftsmanship, and others more akin to something a twelve year old ADHD sufferer put together. The asking price will not necessarily sort one from t'other.

A visit to your local branch of IPMS (International Plastic Modeller's Society) may point you in the right direction to find someone to build a bespoke model.

[blackmme]

Just as an alternative suggestion. A few years ago a Hong Kong based company called 21st Century Toys (there's a hint in the name there) produced a really nice line of 1/18th WW2 Toys/Models.

The shapes are actually pretty damn accurate (far more so than one of the previous Part-Work offerings) and with a little bit of imagination and (my) pretty basic modelling skills can be turned into a at first glance (and a bit of distance) large scale Spit model.

They can normally be found (depending on your timing) for about £100 https://www.ebay.com/itm/ultimate-soldier-1-18-air...






Regards Mike

Edited by blackmme on Thursday 20th February 11:28

Edited by blackmme on Thursday 20th February 11:33

Edited by blackmme on Thursday 20th February 11:34

[lufbramatt]

blackmme said:

Just as an alternative suggestion. A few years ago a Hong Kong based company called 21st Century Toys (there's a hint in the name there) produced a really nice line of 1/18th WW2 Toys/Models.

The shapes are actually pretty damn accurate (far more so than one of the previous Part-Work offerings) and with a little bit of imagination and (my) pretty basic modelling skills can be turned into a at first glance (and a bit of distance) large scale Spit model.

They can normally be found (depending on your timing) for about £100 https://www.ebay.com/itm/ultimate-soldier-1-18-air...

|https://thumbsnap.com/xiJEc2aK[/url]

Regards Mike

Good shout. The 21st Century R+D work was done by a friend of mine, a really great guy from the States called Roy Sutherland who now makes a line of detail parts for model kits, and in a previous life worked for Industrial Light + Magic (Star Wars etc.). They did some really nice stuff that was simple but pretty accurate.

[blackmme]

lufbramatt said:

Good shout. The 21st Century R+D work was done by a friend of mine, a really great guy from the States called Roy Sutherland who now makes a line of detail parts for model kits, and in a previous life worked for Industrial Light + Magic (Star Wars etc.). They did some really nice stuff that was simple but pretty accurate.

Wow! Well please tell him from me he did an absolutely outstanding job. I picked up my Spit from Toys-R-Us in a sale during a trip to the US $25.....
I have a whole bunch of the 21st Century models which I rotate to display but the Spit is my favourite and always out.

It is still by far the most affordable way of getting a large scale Spit I think.

Regards Mike

[vx220]

Thank you all for the replies

[SydneyBridge]

for something a bit different, Cobi make a lego compatible kit

https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=cobi+spitfire&cri...

[vx220]

Already built that at work (I work with kids in care) and the matching ME109, we have a dogfight in our kitchen!
I might do another with him, although he was struggling with a small Lego car at Xmas the year before last.

Thank you for the reminder of the "Lego" one, probably a good option

[russy01]

If you’re after COBI drop me a message too... likewise if you want to buy a model kit spitfire - we’ll sort you out.

[vx220]

Thank you, I will be in touch