Airfix Spitfire Mk1a 1/72

[Phil1503]

I've recently decided to start modelling again, after a gap of about 15 years since my last models as a teenager...

I went to my local hobby shops, and decided to try an Airfix Spitfire; I bought the starter set, a new tool kit with the small pots of acrylic paint, a brush and cement:

I wanted to practice, and try some of the tips I had read on various model forums. So I completed it with the supplied acrylic paint, and I bought a few more pots of Humbrol Acrylic paint, such as yellow, silver, gunmetal and Cockpit Green, to make the end result more interesting. I also bought a range of brushes to make detailed work and larger surfaces easier to paint.

I also bought some Tamiya masking tape, and used it for the canopy, the line between the blue underside and green/brown camoflage and also for the blue fuselage band (there is a decal supplied for this, but I decided to paint it).

I also bought a tube of Humbrol Model Filler, which was applied to the wing roots, and places along the fuselage seam.

So, I am fairly pleased with the end result; brush painted using the supplied pots of acrylic...not too bad for my first model in 15 years! I put the decals straight onto the painted surface, so there was a bit of silvering. Lots to improve and try for my next build.

Here are the pics, enjoy!

Edited April 17, 2013 by Phil1503

[j_jza80]

Great looking Spit It's a cracking starter kit, and you've definately done it justice.

I did the same as you last year, with the same kit. I found to my dismay that the acrylic paint was too think out of the tub. I've found a superior finish can be found by first priming the model (Halfors primer in a can is cheap and good enough), flat it back with some fine 'wet&dry', then water down the paint before you apply it. A few light, watered down coats gives a much better finish.

[Work In Progress]

Yes, great result for a 'welcome back' build. And hello, and welcome to the forum.

As the previous poster says, thinning the paint with water and making up the colour layer with extra coats will definitely help your brushwork. And try a spot of artists acrylic flow agent / retarder (ask at any high street art shop).

Glossing up for the decals before a final flat coat will kill the silvering. Actually I think you have done remarkably well with the decals considering they are over a flat paint - that's a lot less silvering that you might have suffered.

No nit-picking intended though - for something built using only what's in the box, that's a really nice model.

Edited April 16, 2013 by Work In Progress

[king daddy]

I've only just got back into it my self after about a 30yr break..well say break..i was a a teenager like you when I last did any kit building....the bvug suddenly hits you again...a trip down memory lane so to speak...

[Max Headroom]

First build in 15 years?! That is a nice build in anyone's book.

I look forward to more of your builds.

Trevor

[Val]

What a cracking little spitfire, great work!

[Alpha Delta 210]

A great first effort, straight from the box. If you stick around here, you will pick up lots of hints and tips from some truly outstanding model-makers. Keep it up!

[jimbuna]

A great return.

[Sidders]

A great return to modelling! Well done!

[Dazzio]

A great start to returnee (is that even a word?!) You've done well with her

Kind Regards,

Dazz