Jump to content

Airfix 1/48 Seafire F.XVII


Val

Recommended Posts

  • Kit manufacture: Airfix
  • Scale: 1/48
  • Type: Seafire F.XVII
  • Extras used: Quickboost exhausts, Eduard photoetched cockpit set
  • Paints and colours used: Tamiya Sky XF-21, Xtracrylix Extra Dark Sea Grey, MM Metalizers, Citadel metals, Tamiya acrylics, Flory Dark Dirt and Grime washes, Xtracylix satin varnish
  • Other info: Full build is here : ****link here****

So, at last she's all done. I hear these beautiful aircraft were extremely well maintained. I wanted to give her a bit of weathering, but my approach of adding a little chipping didn't really work out. The one thing these aircraft certainly wouldn't have is exposed metal, I have been reliably informed, any signs would have been immediately dealt with. Therefore, I spot-painted her to give her a touched-in look. Although I'm happy enough with the effect, it's way over weathered. But it was fun!

Other things to note: the prop is on the wrong way round. Yeah, that's basically my fault... Can't really think of an excuse for that one...!

The kit is absolutely excellent. It's almost faultless. Fit is perfect, no filler required. Decals are excellent. I hear there is a few accuracy issues, particularly around the wheels and wing blisters. The panel lines are maybe a bit deep, but to be honest, I think they're fine when finished. The only problem I had is with clean up due to large sprue gates and I snapped some of the smaller parts trying to remove them due to the soft plastic.

The pics:

DSCF6504_zpsfkqhgd2p.jpg

DSCF6507_zpsn49n7tts.jpg

DSCF6509_zpsbzrjfzoy.jpg

DSCF6513_zpstldi3s5k.jpg

DSCF6514_zpssixdb6jf.jpg

DSCF6518_zpszgkx8g9x.jpg

DSCF6520_zpsrjqs0j82.jpg

DSCF6497_zpsunftwjva.jpg

The lights were painted with clear Tamiya paints, and backed with silver foil to (hopefully) give a realistic look:

DSCF6500_zpsbfyejfqr.jpg

DSCF6503_zpsifhprzig.jpg

And here she is with my 1/48 collection:

DSCF6521_zpsjagkgugj.jpg

Thanks for looking everyone, and for help/encouragement in the thread.

Val biggrin.gif

Edit: Fix build thread link

Edited by Val
  • Like 32
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Excellent finish all round. This colour scheme is one of my favourites. The cockpit detail looks very good, I like the open door. The top wing weathering looks great, and the underneath looks spot on. The lights look really realistic, well done you. I've seen the markings before, but can't remember if it was shore or ship based. Thanks for posting a well built model for us to enjoy looking at. Joe

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Umm, Val, I hate to break it to you, but as far as I can tell the prop is the way it should be! (taller "point" of the tip leading, and trailing edge a bit more of a curve than the leading edge) If you are thinking of the fact that it turns the other direction compared to the Spit and the Mustang, that's because it is a Griffon engine, instead of a Merlin- and "reversing" the part would not change its rotation, anyway. Looks very nice, too.

bob

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wow Val - that is gorgeous. All the little details are perfect - love those lights especially.

I use Flory Dark Dirt too, but don't get anywhere near the same results - I must have received a bad batch :)

Cheers,

Mike

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks everyone for the kind comments, glad you like her :)

Very nicely done Val, shame about the prop, I don't think I've ever built a kit thats been 100% correct.

gazza l

Yes indeed, me neither, and I doubt I ever will :D

Umm, Val, I hate to break it to you, but as far as I can tell the prop is the way it should be! (taller "point" of the tip leading, and trailing edge a bit more of a curve than the leading edge) If you are thinking of the fact that it turns the other direction compared to the Spit and the Mustang, that's because it is a Griffon engine, instead of a Merlin- and "reversing" the part would not change its rotation, anyway. Looks very nice, too.

bob

Ahh, that's interesting... Thanks for the good news :) I was going by the Airfix instructions which appear to have it the wrong way round....

airfix-seafire-XVII-3_zpsrhlaaykl.jpg

Wow Val - that is gorgeous. All the little details are perfect - love those lights especially.

I use Flory Dark Dirt too, but don't get anywhere near the same results - I must have received a bad batch :)

Cheers,

Mike

Yeah you might have. I've only ever found it really easy to use. I used it over a gloss coat this time, although I use it over satin coats if it's going to be heavier weathered. Phil has changed the formula as well apparently, although this is the old formula still. I've dropped a stainless steel nut into my bottle to help give it a good shake up, that might help? Thanks for you comment, much appreciated :)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Now I look at it Val,yes the prop does go the right way.

Look at it from the cockpit,it turns left(remember,left rudder,left rudder),from the spinner it turns right:

http://www.allenaircraftresprays.co.uk/Seafire.htm

http://www.milairpix.com/northweald120910/nw10seafire-0031.jpg

and for comparison,Cliff Spink's lovely TD248 with it's RH turning four blade Rotol/Merlin 266:

https://www.flickr.com/groups/spitfire/pool/with/4964908265/lightbox/

So there you go Val,no worries and a great result on the Seaf.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Cheers guys :)

Now I look at it Val,yes the prop does go the right way.

Look at it from the cockpit,it turns left(remember,left rudder,left rudder),from the spinner it turns right:

http://www.allenaircraftresprays.co.uk/Seafire.htm

http://www.milairpix.com/northweald120910/nw10seafire-0031.jpg

and for comparison,Cliff Spink's lovely TD248 with it's RH turning four blade Rotol/Merlin 266:

https://www.flickr.com/groups/spitfire/pool/with/4964908265/lightbox/

So there you go Val,no worries and a great result on the Seaf.

Ahh I see! Cheers for that :) and thanks for the info in the build thread, really interesting stuff! I'm currently looking at my Airfix FR.46/47 and really fancy having a crack at her now..!

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...