Manufacturer: Tamiya, distributed by Tamiya America, 2 Orion, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656-4200, 800-826-4922.
Kit: No. 61068
Scale: 1/48
Price: $68
Comments: Injection molded, 218 parts, decals
Pros: Beautiful surface and interior detail, thoughtful engineering, good decals, optional folded wings, well-sculpted crew figures
Cons: Photoetched rigging set not included in kit, some tricky assemblies, missing control wires to rudder and elevator
Affectionately known as "The Stringbag" by its flight crew and ground handlers, the Swordfish was almost obsolete before it entered service with the Fleet Air Arm in 1936. Yet, this "obsolete" aircraft served longer than its main replacement (Fairey's Albacore), and it remained in production until 1944. The Swordfish is best known for its bombing and torpedo raids on the Italian fleet at Taranto and the crippling of the German battleship Bismarck.
Tamiya's Swordfish kit is an eye- popper. The quality of the plastic moldings is top notch and a comprehensive instruction booklet, three sets of excellent decals, and a 1/48th-scale paint diagram are included. However, clearly shown on the box top photo of a built model are many photoetched metal parts which are not included in the kit. You have to buy the set separately (item No. 61069 for $13). I used that set on this model.
After opening the box I wondered if I could finish the model in time for my deadline. The number of parts and the apparent complexity is staggering, but once I got going, it was a relatively quick and easy build.
The main optional feature is the ability to pose the wings extended or folded. Optional parts for this feature mean that you'll need to decide which way you want it before you reach step 12 in the instructions. Other options are mounting the torpedo, bombs, or both, and three well sculpted seated crew figures.
The first five steps deal with the cockpit alone. The detail is great and the fit (after mold seam edges are cleaned up) is tight and sure. A steady hand will be needed for the painting detail. I didn't like how the instrument decals snuggled down over the raised instrument panel, so I painted and dry-brushed the detail.
Starting in step six, pointers indicate where you'll need to open holes for the photoetched rigging and other parts. At this step you also need to decide which aircraft to model of the three provided on the decal sheet. Biplane models, especially this one with folded wings, cry out for a "paint as you build" assembly method.
After painting and assembling the fuselage, progress was quick and easy. The ventral rear-fuselage panel in step 8 is a tricky fit to the base of the rudder, so take your time. Be careful when bending the photoetched cowl mount in step 9 - it's a tight fit inside the cowl ring.
If you want the wings folded, I suggest not gluing parts B3, 4, 5, 6 in place (steps 13 and 14) because you will need to test fit the extensions into the wing slots after the wing halves are glued together. You want a smooth and reasonably snug fit for good support of the folded wings.
The strange looking photoetched parts (9 and 10) are the torpedo ranging and angle of attack indicators. I assembled each wing section, pre-painted and applied decals prior to linking upper and lower wings with the inter-plane struts. The fit is tight, and you don't need a jig to get the wing angles correct. I glued the struts to the bottom of the upper wings first, then fitted the lower wings to the struts, and finished by snapping the upper aileron control struts (C1) into place. The optional photoetched rigging is easy to install and fits precisely.
I finished detail painting and applied the fine decals, then added the bomb shackles and torpedo. The torpedo assembly needs care with the props and rudder, and the torpedo crutch is delicate. I used Xtracolor Light Aircraft Grey and Model Master's non-buffing Aluminum Metalizer and flat black on the model.
Missing from the kit, and even from the instructions, are the prominent elevator and rudder control wires which come out of the rear fuselage. I made them from stretched sprue.
Tamiya did a great job engineering and molding this kit, and I had a great time building it. While not a beginner's model, it is less difficult to build than it first appeared to be, and it's surely a welcome addition to my Fleet Air Arm collection. I spent 35 hours on it, using Warpaint Series No.12, Fairey Swordfish as my main reference. Tamiya has announced a float version of the 'Fish, and judging from some of the unused parts, I think you'll see a Mk.II/III sometime in the future. I'm wishing for a 1/72nd scale kit version, too!