Smithy Posted November 14, 2018 Share Posted November 14, 2018 Hi all, Here is my 1/72 Airfix Spitfire Ia which I've converted to a IIa using the 3D-Kits conversion set. Markings are for 485(NZ) Sqn in the summer 1941 and this was the usual mount of Battle of Britain veteran Athol Gordon MacIntyre. This was a great fun build and one of the best Airfix models I've made, a real delight. There's photographic and anecdotal evidence to suggest that 485s Spit IIs and Vs may have carried white spinners so that was the choice for me and it made for a slightly different appearance from the norm which I really like. Two things, it needs the IFF antennae but I can't find the smoke coloured invisible thread. Once I do I'll add them. The photos have also shown that the starboard stabiliser needs a little extra matt varnish as it's picking up the light a little too much. Paints are Humbrol enamels, gloss coat is Pledge, matt varnish Humbrol, decals are a mix of kit, 3D-Kits, Carpena and Xtradecal. The lighting is not the best so I'll endeavour to take so better lit ones tomorrow but I was just so chuffed to finish I thought I'd share some quick snaps. Build thread is here: https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235044844-airfix-172-spitfire-iia-485nz-sqn/ It's by no means perfect and there's a few things which in hindsight I could have done better but then, that's what the next model is for! Anyway I hope you enjoy the pics. 23 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Masters Posted November 14, 2018 Share Posted November 14, 2018 9 minutes ago, Smithy said: Once I do I'll add them I am not sure that the Mk.II had a wire...check here.. http://spitfiresite.com/2010/04/spitfire-masts-and-aerials.html/2 Nice work indeed! Good job on the weathering. A well-loved aircraft for sure. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J Sherratt Posted November 14, 2018 Share Posted November 14, 2018 It looks very good - nice work. John 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corsairfoxfouruncle Posted November 14, 2018 Share Posted November 14, 2018 Good job on your spitfire 👍 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitchen Modeller Posted November 14, 2018 Share Posted November 14, 2018 Came out great Smithy - I love your paint chipping and weathering - It's such a great colour scheme - makes me want to do a spitfire next..! Well done mate 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smithy Posted November 14, 2018 Author Share Posted November 14, 2018 (edited) Thanks for the kind words and the likes chaps, it's much appreciated. One other thing I've just noticed, in my haste I've forgotten the wing tip navigation lights! And KM, thanks and I reckon you must be due a Spit about now. The weathering is a sludge wash, brown and black chalk pastels and an artists silver pencil for the paint chipping. I used to use silver/aluminium paint but a fellow I know put me onto the artists pencil thing and I really like it, plus it's a jolly sight easier than faffing around with paint Edited November 14, 2018 by Smithy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanC Posted November 14, 2018 Share Posted November 14, 2018 38 minutes ago, Smithy said: I used to use silver/aluminium paint but a fellow I know put me onto the artists pencil thing and I really like it, plus it's a jolly sight easier than faffing around with paint And makes for a much more subtle and realistic effect too. Lovely Spit Smithy. You've got a nice grubby but understated look to the paintwork. Ian 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hairtrigger Posted November 14, 2018 Share Posted November 14, 2018 Great result... I use the same techniques myself... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevej60 Posted November 14, 2018 Share Posted November 14, 2018 Great little Spitfire Smithy,good job with the weathering! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitchen Modeller Posted November 15, 2018 Share Posted November 15, 2018 5 hours ago, Smithy said: And KM, thanks and I reckon you must be due a Spit about now. The weathering is a sludge wash, brown and black chalk pastels and an artists silver pencil for the paint chipping. I used to use silver/aluminium paint but a fellow I know put me onto the artists pencil thing and I really like it, plus it's a jolly sight easier than faffing around with paint The silver pencil is great - you get so much better control and the results are nicer I think - also you can rub out any mistakes with a pencil eraser - which I nearly always have to do:) I did build a spit earlier this year (was model #2) which didn't come out that great - I was still learning the ropes of modelling. I've since ordered an Eduard Spitfire (Mk IXe) so there will definitely be one appearing in WIP in the not too distant future... this is what happens when you browse the Hannents website after a few beers:) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smithy Posted November 15, 2018 Author Share Posted November 15, 2018 Thanks Ian, Hairtrigger and Steve, much appreciated fellas! And KM, I've warned you about the beer and Hannants combination - an enjoyable but ultimately dangerous mix I thought I'd also add this link, some rather good Pathe wartime footage of 485 from summer 1941. Spit action from 0:43 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Newsome Posted November 15, 2018 Share Posted November 15, 2018 Very nice Smithy and you've got the same philosophy as me in that every model is practice for the next one. ☺ 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
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 accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now