Spitfire Mk.IXc - ML296, 312 Sqdn, North Weald, flown by Otto Smik, Aug 1944 ++FINISHED++

[nimrod54]

I have had this in the stash for a little while waiting for an opportunity to build it, so I thought that this would be a chance to try and complete it and to honour Edgar at the same time.

Because of the scale, I am hoping that it will be a fairly quick build, but the last time I tackled one of these I had a struggle with the etch set. Hopefully I can do better this time around, so with just, over a week to go before the end, lets see how I get on.

[Hockeyboy76]

Another 144 build John. Looking forward to this. These kits are supposed to be good.

[John_W]

I build the Eduard kits a few years back. Lovely kits and a nice range of markings. The pre-cut masks were a godsend.

[nimrod54]

Another 144 build John. Looking forward to this. These kits are supposed to be good.

I build the Eduard kits a few years back. Lovely kits and a nice range of markings. The pre-cut masks were a godsend.

Cheers chaps. Here is my previous effort.

Just contemplating using the etch flaps on this build. Good idea or not?

[John_W]

Etch in 1/144. My eyes wouldn't be up to it.

[nimrod54]

Well decided to add the etch flaps and made a start by thinning down one side of the moulded flap. I did this using a scalpel and micro chisel to create a slight step, then removed the rough edges by brushing the area with some Tamiya Green Liquid Poly. This was followed by a test fit of one flap, temporarily held in place with Blu Tack.

​I will probably make hinges using some fine wire before I fix them into place at the end. Need to crack on wi' t'other side now.

[Cookenbacher]

Glad you've joined this one John, and of course you are super detailing a 1/144 kit!

[Giorgio N]

Glad to see you join with a kit for this STGB ! A 1/144 Spitfire was missing, so this is even more welcome.

I've never see one of these kits with my eyes, from the pictures you posted this looks like a very good product, looking forward to watching your progress

[gingerbob]

Well I was going to advise against the flaps, but I see I'm too late! Glad to see a new scale here!

bob

[nimrod54]

Having completed the prep work for adding the etch flaps to the wings, I have made a start on the cockpit tub. As per my last attemppt, I had the same problem bending the seat to shape, I think that I need to invest in some etch bending pliers for small parts like this, instead of relying on the steel rule/scalpel blade technique that I currently use. I had to repaint the seat because most of the pre-colour coating flaked off during the bending process, I seem to remember reading that if pre-coloured etch is coated with some clear varnish prior to shaping then this flaking can be reduced, not sure if this works but it maybe something to try on future builds.

Anyway this is where things are at the moment, I still have to add the control column and the belts to the seat before I can test fit the tub into the fuselage halves.

[Hockeyboy76]

So after one completed & one half built, would you recommend this kit?

You know how I like a 144 challenge!

[nimrod54]

So after one completed & one half built, would you recommend this kit?

You know how I like a 144 challenge!

Yes, I would, but there is no cockpit detail, so if you are going down the etch route I would look to getting some etch bending pliers, especially for the seat - tricky little blighter. If you don't fancy that though, then you could always choose the RetrokiT resin cockpit for this kit and they do a two seat conversion for something different. The latest copy of SAMI also shows that Master have started to manufacture turned brass replacement cannon barrels.

I think it is time to get some more.

[Hockeyboy76]

Righty oh then,

Mrs H won't be happy when it arrives!

I don't think " but John says it's good" will help.

[nimrod54]

Righty oh then,

Mrs H won't be happy when it arrives!

I don't think " but John says it's good" will help.

I should have said that the etch set is a separate item, so some additional spend is necessary if you want to add an interior. I guess if you are looking for more of a project you could scratch build the tub. ​

It's a smallish box, so you should be able to sneak it past security.

[nimrod54]

I spent some time this afternoon completing the cockpit tub, then fixing this into one half of the fuselage before the two halves were glued together. The one piece wing received a coat of grey-green on the undercarriage bays and flap areas before this was joined to the fuselage assembly for a near perfect fit.

I'm not sure if this will be finished for the weekend but it shouldn't be too far away, so I will be able wrap it up soon after that.

[Cookenbacher]

Wow, that cockpit looks fantastic in 1/144. How the heck did you get those tiny belts on the seat John?

[nimrod54]

Wow, that cockpit looks fantastic in 1/144. How the heck did you get those tiny belts on the seat John?

Thanks Cookie, it's all thanks to the etch set and some careful assembly.

If you look in the background of some of the previous photos you can see my homemade glue applicator, This was made from a cut down bamboo BBQ skewer that has had the end drilled out, and a short length of 0.2mm brass wire glued in place. I use this to apply small amounts of superglue and gently hold the pre shaped parts in position with the other end until everything has firmly set before attempting any final adjustments.

[Hockeyboy76]

She's looking good John.

[nimrod54]

It's time to make a choice on scheme for my tiny Spit and the remaining kit options are

1. MJ586 flown by Pierre Clostermann, No 602 Squadron, Longues-sur-Mer airfield, July 7, 1944.

2. ML296 flown by Otto Smik, No 312 Squadron, North Weald, Late August, 1944

and two options for the same aircraft

3 ML135 flown by Jerry Billing, No 401 Squadron, Tangmere, June 7, 1944

4 ML135 flown by Jerry Billing, No 401 Squadron, France, July 1, 1944

I am having difficulty verifying the accuracy of the tail numbers on the first two, so the best option would probably be one of ML135's schemes - a pity really because Otto Smik's bird does include a number of kill markings.

[Giorgio N]

ML296 DU-N was the aircraft in which Smik was shot down over Holland in September 1944, a number of sources mention this.

I'm impressed by the level of detail and finesse of this model, I know some 1/72 kits that would not be this good

[nimrod54]

ML296 DU-N was the aircraft in which Smik was shot down over Holland in September 1944, a number of sources mention this.

I'm impressed by the level of detail and finesse of this model, I know some 1/72 kits that would not be this good

It's a nice little kit, Giorgio, it's just a shame that once the canopy is fitted not a lot of the cockpit detail will be seen. Who knows, maybe one day I will be brave enough to attempt plunge moulding a replacement.

Thanks for the info re ML296, a further search of the internet turned up a useful site that lists production data for Spitfires (see link below) and sure enough ML296 was reported as missing on 3-9-1944 whilst flying escort for Halifaxes to Soesterberg, so that ties in nicely with your info.

Spitfire Production

[nimrod54]

I have made a start on the painting and I got some yellow on the leading edges earlier today. This was then masked off and the Dark Green has now been added, so just some Ocean Grey for the camouflage and Medium Sea Grey to the underside then I can start the decaling process. The more observant reader will have noticed the missing radio mast, some clown knocked it off whilst masking up the leading edges.

[Cookenbacher]

That's funny, some clown knocked the cannons off mine.

Looking good John.

[dadgaddad]

I've just finished one of these today and I didn't knock off the mast or the cannon. I did mess up one of the decals though and I don't have a replacement! Still had loads of fun making it.

Edited June 4, 2016 by dadgaddad

[nimrod54]

dadgaddad,

My previous build of this kit came through without any structural damage, but in an attempt to try and complete this one I probably took less care than usual and the mast went AWOL for a short time. I found it later, after the steam had stopped coming out of my ears, Nimrod54 1 - Carpet Monster 0, well on this build at least.

Cookie,

I hope that you have been able to repair the cannon barrel.

Anyway, because I have accepted that there is little chance of this being finished today, things have returned to a more leisurely pace and I have made a start on drawing out the camouflage areas ready for the Ocean Grey. Once that has been completed I can add the few remaining kit decals, no stencilling for this model because Eduard only provide enough for one aircraft in the kit. I should finish this over the next week and will post the finished photos in the Gallery after that.