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Sometimes I wish I hadn't started it only to find myself thinking about how to improve the next one! Then I stumble across this little beauty http://www.miniwing.cz/models_1_144/mini009/Hawker_Sea_Fury_FB11.htm and see that there could be a few more Sea Furies finding their way across my desk. Anyway, working on some of the small parts now. The u/c is done, the prop painted and the canopy fitted. Next big job is to get the EDSG on.

Nor can I.

I bought a pot of Nuln Oil on the strength of this and am using it on one of my builds.

Talking of things that might not be used, I decided early on not to fit the under wing tanks as I think they look a little clunky. Flushed with success after my triumph over the CM I thought I would put them together anyway, just to have a look. That's when I realised that there are two great big locating lugs for them right in the middle of the wing which I hadn't removed. Taking them off now would mean repainting the underneath which I don't want to do so now I'll have to fit the tanks anyway.It's not a disaster, though, but might have taken some explaining. Actually, I've just realised I'm being really stupid as that is where the stripes will be going. Now I can't decide whether to fit them or not but at least I spotted this potential faux pas. The u/c is looking better now.

So the Carpet Monster thought he could trick me by hiding bits in the instructions, did he? Mind you, having spent the best part of three days looking for this piece I have decided I might use the Aeroclub u/c after all as the kit parts look decidedly weedy next to them .

Disaster strikes! No build is complete without a visit from the Carpet Monster and last night I discovered that he had swiped one of the u/c legs. As I didn't notice it go I can only assume that it's in the house somewhere. It's not a complete disaster as I still have the Aeroclub parts but it's stil a PITA. Must keep looking.

Working on the undercarriage. All pretty straightforward really, Humbrol 27001 Metal Cote with a black/brown wash then a little dry brushing with the 27001 after. Hmm, might need a bit more work on those wheels.

No, it's just the weight of all those rockets! Seriously, though, this is an excellent looking model of one of my favourite Spitfire variants. We are waiting for the full, step-by-step breakdown of how you did it.

Managed to get some colour on this morning. I'm pretty happy with the result although the photos make it look a little dark. It might need another light coat, we'll see.

Typical of the fit of most parts in this kit; close but needing work. However, the instructions aren't entirely clear on this point and in the kit's defence, I decided these might be the wrong way up and turned them round. Still didn't help much with the fit and I ended up cutting off one tab completely. The blades needed a bit of cleaning up. The wings seemed to be too thick in the middle which left a large gap all around the edge of the wingtips. This required a lot of careful scraping and sanding before the edges met. Considering how the rest of it had gone together I was expecting lots of trouble attaching the wings to the fuselage but it went together pretty well with only a little trimming needed. Quite a bit of filling was needed where the wings met the bottom of the fuselage. The wing root could probably be better but there comes a point where you are only going to make things worse by continuing so I decided that just a little sanding and shaping with a round file would be enough. Primed with Halfords grey plastic primer which went on a treat and my attempt at pre-shading. Not bad for my first real attempt but I'm concerned I might have over done it a little. We shall see. So this is where she is at present, going to see if I can't get a few coats of Humbrol 90 Sky on her today.

Fitting the fuselage together was an interesting experience. No locating pins so again loads of testing and dry fitting required. The fit overall was close but needed a fair bit of trimming in places, especially here Here's the culprit, this needed some serious trimming before the fuselage would close. Getting there. Finally together.

The cockpit and engine fitted into the fuselage. There is virtually no detail on the engine but it is almost completely hidden by the spinner. Fitting is largely by guesswork, especially the engine, so lots and lots of dry fitting and double checking went on. At the back, the piece which holds the rear wheel is held temporarily in place with blu-tak. We'll be coming back to this bit later. Paint is a random little pot of black acrylic, probably Airfix.

The cockpit is a simple resin tub with everything moulded in one piece except for the stick and IP. Apart from the seat belts everything is black and details were drybrushed with a little silver. Not much is visible with the canopy in place so I haven't done anything fancy in here. The wheel wells are also resin and have been painted silver although I might paint them in something resembling zinc chromate primer.

Inspired by the display at the Cosford show this year, I decided to have a go at this Sea Fury. When an FAA group build was being suggested I thought that I would give it a go. The build will be OOB although I have the Aeroclub undercarriage which I may or may not use. Scheme will be Lt. Carmichael's famous "Mig killer" WJ 232 of 802 Sqn.

I have one of these and have been looking at the Brengun parts so I'll be watching this one. How on earth did you make that engine?

I was wondering that, too.

Nice job. The more I look at these low back Spits the more I like them.

Nice work, well done.

To be fair, I can't entirely blame the children, (although it is mostly their fault). I have also been building a Sea Fury for the FAA group build but seeing as these spitfires have taken so long I didn't want to start a WIP just to have it go nowhere. It's coming on, though, so I might have to post something shortly.

Just in case anyone is still paying attention after all this time... After what seemed like weeks trying to fix a leak in the airbrush I have finally managed to get some preshading on the upper surfaces. Now, the sharp eyed amongst you will have noticed that there is a bit missing. That's because as I was doing it I noticed a small area of crazing which needed sanding. That has been done so now expecting to get the camo on. Should be finished in the next few months.

There are other manufacturers?

Love the Seafire FR47, will enjoy watching this one come together.

These are great little kits, I have a couple of them on the go.

Not only am I seriously impressed with your work but there is a heap of useful tips and tricks here and I'm having them all! What is 4" in 1/48, BTW?