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Ahh, the Academy Mk.XIV kit, such a shame... Well moulded, fine surface detail, good fit; it almost has it all. But, unfortunately, the shape absolutely sucks. There's plenty of detailed commentary on Britmodeller and elsewhere on the how, why and where it falls down; in one thread I read a comment by @Troy Smith, and I quote, "the only accurate bit is the tail." Here's his comprehensive description of all that's wrong, and how to fix it. Troy's piece is comprehensive, inspirational and confidence building, and generated in me an unstoppable enthusiasm to attempt the fix(es) myself. Which lasted for about 30 seconds; unfortunately, that kind of surgery just isn't in my range of interest, much less my ability. So, why build it? I came by the kit when some months ago I saw a stash-clearing post on FB Marketplace and snapped up several of the offerings (incidentally, the Swordfish just completed was also part of that haul) which included an Academy 1/48 Spitfire FR Mk.XVIe. It also included KMC's resin correction set which purports to address the rudder, radiators, spinner, prop blades, exhausts and entire nose, as well as the shortcomings in the cockpit. How well the kit's failings in these areas are addressed by the KMC set I know not. However, they can't make it worse(?), and besides there's very little choice in 48th scale Mk.XIV's as the Airfix offering is apparently almost as flawed as the Academy. Further reason to build this one is nostalgic. I built a high-back version of this kit way back in the late 1990's when I [re]took up modelling to pass the time while recovering from a badly broken arm sustained in a touch football game. A small ironic aside; in a 10 year American Football career which included play at the highest level in UK and Canada I did not sustain an injury worse than bruised ribs, a torn ligament or mild concussion. I broke my arm however playing *touch* football in a city league. Anyway, back to my first go at this kit, I really enjoyed it and its relative quality absolutely blew me away as I was comparing it to my childhood memories of Airfix kits in a bag. So, this one has some sentimental attraction, probably why I bought it, actually. There's few things so anticipatory as a clean and clear bench with a new model sitting on it, ready to go. Nothing but potential, nothing yet screwed up. Despite what you see there, I haven't decided on what scheme my "Sweet Fourteen" will be - or even if it will be one of the options on either the Exito decal set or the Montex mask set. I'll decide nearer the time; I'm currently torn between a RCAF Germany occupation scheme on the Exito set and a Vietnam Jan 1946 RAF airframe. The latter is a fascinating story with all kinds on historical downstream consequences and has some interesting paint and weathering opportunities... I haven't begun anything my Spit yet so in lieu of some paint splashing or glue spilling pics, this is what is in the KMC Set. I had a few names in mind for this WIP which played on the inaccuracy of the kit parts but in the end it's a small plastic model which will be fun to build and will at least have a passing resemblance to an FR Mk.XIVe when finished. If I'm lucky, it will even look like a specific one, too. Cheers.

My dual Spitfire build continues, with the decaling done (at last) I've used Xtradecals 48130 Spit Mks XIV-XVIII, X023-48 Squadron codes, Aviaeology A0D48C05 Serial No.s, andA0D48009m Stencils. Flat coat, weathering, and final construction next ... Hope you like so far (link to build -) Colin

I'm working on a Spitfire XIVe highback by converting the Airfix 1/48 Spit XIX without kitbashing. I realize there are easier ways to get there, but I purchased the kit and parts when these were the only options, so I may as well use them. I'm also grateful for all the info I've been able to get from this website, many excellent modellers have gone down this road in various ways, and I value the knowledge they've been willing to share. Thank you, all. I'm using the Airfix 1/48 Mk XIX, Barracudacast 4 spoke wheels, and cylinder head covers (to correct the short kit covers), Ultracast's Sitfire seat with late harness, access door, and Mk XIVe cannon barrels. I'm also going to use Quickboost's Gyro gunsight. I've filled the unwanted panel lines and blisters/intakes and camera ports with Zap glue and talc, Millput, or scrap plastic. I shortened the ailerons, scribed the appropriate panel lines, and added the blisters from stretched sprue, reprofiled Eduard FW-190 bombs, and cannon bases from aluminum tubing. I've scratch built the inner fuselage lower section to cover the wing root cavities, drilled out the lightening holes in the cockpit frames, opened up the rear bulkhead, opened the access door, built up the aft fixed canopy sill, replaced the cylinder head covers with the Barracudacast parts, and drilled out the exhaust, torque links and tie down point. It's the long way to go, but, as I said, at the time it was the only option … … and the work continues.

Hi all, Well half term means a week off school, means a a week modelling. Anyway, I brought AZ Legato Spitfire XIV and Freightdogs XIV (same kit), but I thought I could do the same for half the price. So here's the basic concept... Airfix's 1/72 XIX; remove high back, replace with low back, fill d wing panel lines, scribe e wing panel lines, add e wing armament. I've ordered bubble canopies aswell so that'll complete it. Anyway, here's some pics. First line indicating where the low back spine should be, Lower line is where the cut will be, Wax spine made by taking a negative mold of my existing XIV before filling it with wax, Wax spine glued on and filler applied, It's not pretty, Updates should come every evening... Ben.

Hi all, Well I FINALLY finished my second XIVe after I managed to get hold of some matt varnish. Anyway, without further ado... For some reason EB-V is a few millimetres taller that JEJ at the nose, the U/C must have been too long. The colours changed slightly due to my silly humbrol paints, but other than that I'm happy Ben.

Hi all, Ah at last, half term (in other words a week building). So hot off the work bench is my Spitfire XIVe. Difficult kit. Lots and lots and lots of sanding, filling, filing, re-scribing, cutting, etc... Not to mention the canopy was horrifically translucent. All Humbrol acrylic paints; 163/164 for the upper surfaces, 165 for lower. (I know Spitfire's aren't shiny like this, the matt enamel hasn't yet dried) Ben.