1/72 - Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vc by Airfix - released

[MACALAIN]

11 hours ago, rob85 said:

To be fair, I’ve used HU89 as an option for azure blue (probably closer than anything I e tried to mix) and it’s turned out ok, I have an old enamel tin. Still a better call out than their new Azure blue.

 

very much looking forward to this coming out, should be a fun little kit. Also have the Beaufort on pre order.

 

Rob

Humbroll 157 was not a good color for Azur Blue, it look more Dark Mediteranean Blue. HU 89 is not really a good idea

Trie something else than Humbroll.

 

Alain

[keithjs]

If you're spraying I would recommend Xtracolor X26 or even RC291 in the AK Real Color range, which is a little paler than the Xtracolor one. I assume they could both be brushed too but I've never tried.

[TEMPESTMK5]

Good morning

 Does anyone know when it will be available ? because I had the project to build this kit for the MTO Gb but now I think that when it comes out I would be too busy with the Heller Gb ..

 

Patrice

[Dave Fleming]

2 hours ago, TEMPESTMK5 said:

Good morning

 Does anyone know when it will be available ? because I had the project to build this kit for the MTO Gb but now I think that when it comes out I would be too busy with the Heller Gb ..

 

Patrice

 

 

Currently scheduled for January 2021

 

https://hornby.hornbynews.com/2TFV-12VET-36182E6AA27ABFD35EV04Q9995D43842BE5E17/cr.aspx?fbclid=IwAR3uWpXNdJZEJUD019LFVKEQ4sYKvhoDlVAbKiLTH5-0yJbXjAE-74ocY0M

[stevehnz]

On 9/19/2020 at 9:25 AM, rob85 said:

Still a better call out than their new Azure blue.

 

On 9/19/2020 at 9:02 PM, MACALAIN said:

Humbroll 157 was not a good color for Azur Blue,

The most recent iteration of Hu 157 was an excellent match for MAP Azure Blue, the pity was that Humbrol didn't renumber it to save confusion with the earlier version, & then discontinued it apparently, a decision I find quite incomprehensible. Good alternatives are to be found in Sovereign Hobbies range as well as Phoenix Precision paints. In the lengthy thread several years ago on Azure Blue, very few other ranges were found to have an accurate match. That may have improved with some newer lines of paints. Hu89 is not a good match at all, too intense & too greenish. Quite lacking the slightly violet hue that the real thing had.

Steve.

[Olmec Head]

Having looked at the made up kit photos of the Spitfire Vc at today's Airfix Homepage, the open canopy is still obviously oversize unfortunately.

[Graham Boak]

18 minutes ago, Olmec Head said:

 the open canopy is still obviously oversize unfortunately.

There's nothing new on today where I look, just the older photo.  However, it is impossible to get an open canopy to look good on an injected plastic model Spitfire because of the thickness of the material.  That's why vacform canopies are preferred if you really want to do this.  The other approach would be to take liberties with the shape of the rear fuselage.

 

Personally, I'd rather they didn't bother and saved the cost of drawing and tooling up for it.

[Homebee]

Source: https://www.airfix.com/uk-en/news/workbench/smiley-spitfire-on-parade-and-a-clash-of-armour

 

Quote

air of ‘fair weather’ Spitfires

Having designed the new 1/72nd scale Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vc kit for Airfix, Paramjit Sembhi had the honour of being the first person in the world to fully build and finish one

 

Making a pleasant departure from the more usual Spitfire model kit fare, the launch of the current 2020 Airfix range back in January marked the announcement of a new Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vc in 1/72nd scale, a new kit which continues the enduring link between Airfix and Britain’s most famous fighting aeroplane. Having charted its development journey throughout the year, readers will also be aware that this kit was the first aeroplane project undertaken by product designer Paramjit Sembhi, a young man who has already made quite a mark in his relatively short time with the company. Now with several new tooling projects to his name, it will still no doubt be a special moment when this first aircraft kit project hits model stores and will be built by thousands of modellers all over the world. That memorable occasion moves one step closer, as we now reveal a series of images featuring the latest kit frame samples which have been fully finished in the two scheme options which will accompany the initial release of this new kit.

 

With Paramjit already having experienced the thrill of opening the first box of test frame components delivered to the Airfix office from his newly designed Spitfire and completed the first test build of the parts, the next major stage in the development of this new kit was to take the latest test frames and build the model as a complete project. This also involves finishing the kit in one, or in this case both of the scheme options which will be included with the model on first release. A representation of two Spitfire’s which would see service in warmer climates than those plying their trade from bases in the UK, the desert colours applied to these two aircraft are an attractive deviation from the more common Spitfire presentation and prove that this beautiful aeroplane would have looked good in whatever colours you decided to paint it in.

 

 

The Supermarine Spitfire Mk.V variant has been described as perhaps the most effective ‘stop-gap’ aircraft type ever introduced by the Royal Air Force and one which proved to be more than a match for any Luftwaffe fighter flying at that time. The constant search for additional speed saw the original Mk.I/II airframe (plus a number of design improvements which had already been developed for the proposed future Mk.III) married with the greater power output of the Rolls Royce Merlin 45 engine, producing a fighter which gave the RAF a combat edge at a vital stage in the war. With the new Castle Bromwich shadow production factory able to turn out new Spitfires at an astonishing rate, the Mk.V variant would become the most produced version of this famous fighter, with almost 6,500 aircraft manufactured. Going on to see service in every theatre of war the Allies contested, Spitfire Mk.Vs could be seen in the skies above the green fields of Britain, over the deserts of North Africa and over the jungles of the Far East.

 

This variant of Spitfire also saw the introduction of the fighter’s ‘C’ or ‘Universal Wing’, which proved to be something of an engineering triumph. Not only did this provide the fighter with a wing capable of supporting several different weapons configurations, it also cut down on labour and manufacturing time. Importantly for squadron pilots, the new wing also strengthened the relatively narrow undercarriage, angling the main gear slightly further forward and making the notoriously challenging ground handling of the Spitfire just a little more manageable. A thoroughbred fighting aeroplane, even the addition of an engine protecting Vokes Air Filter under the front cowling of the Spitfire could not alter its aesthetic appeal, even though it may have reduced its performance by around 20 mph.

 

Scheme A – Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vc, 307th Fighter Squadron, Twelfth Air Force, USAAF, La Sénia, Algeria, November/December 1942

 

When the pilots of the 307th Fighter Squadron of the USAAF arrived in Britain in June 1942, the Bell P-39 Airacobra fighters they had been assigned to fly in combat had not yet arrived, so they began training on British Spitfire Vb fighters provided by the RAF at Atcham, in Shropshire. Fortunately for them, the time difference between them arriving in Britain and their assigned aircraft arriving by sea, allowed military officials the time to lobby the unsuitability of the P-39 for combat operations over Europe and the 307th would end up keeping their Spitfires. Following completion of their training and type conversion, the squadron were moved to RAF Biggin Hill in preparation for action, with their first mission being a Circus raid 17th August.

 

Seeing plenty of action over the next few weeks, which included operations in support of the Dieppe Raid, the 307th would be declared non-operational in the middle of October in preparation for their shipping out to North Africa with the rest of the US 31st Fighter Group, which was now part of the 12th Air Force. Operation Torch, the Allied invasion of North Africa, began on 8th November and the Spitfires of the US 31st Fighter Group would be heavily involved in the fighting. They had initially flown their aircraft from Gibraltar, landing at new bases in Algeria on 9th in preparation for what they expected would be a hectic period of operations. After pounding French positions the following day, it was not long before the French surrendered and the expected heavy fighting would descend into weeks of flying relatively uneventful patrols.

The 307th Fighter Squadron arrived at the Algerian airfield at La Sénia on 12th November and although they didn’t know it at the time, the next five weeks or so would be spent flying relatively uneventful patrols and escort missions, where the only real perils they faced were the possibility of suffering technical issues whilst flying over vast expanses of desert. It is presumably during this relatively quiet period that Spitfire Vc ER180 (MX-P) was to receive a rather unique piece of additional artwork on its front cowling, something which must have made it one of the most distinctive aircraft in theatre.

 

Surely, the idea behind applying shark mouth artwork to an aircraft was to make it look more sinister during combat engagements, a high profile warning to your adversaries that you were coming to get them and you were confident of success. If that was the intention when this type of marking was applied to tropical Spitfire ER180, it sort of fell a little wide of the mark – it looks more happy than angry!

 

The application of shark mouth type markings were first seen on a handful of aircraft during the First World War, although some of these artworks had a decidedly more macabre appearance than a menacing one. More widespread adoption of the markings occurred during the Second World War, appearing first on early variants of the Messerschmitt Bf 109 and more famously on the twin engined Bf 110 Destroyers during 1939/40, but then famously on the Curtiss P-40 Tomahawks of RAF No.112 Squadron. It appears that pilots in this squadron had encountered shark mouthed Messerschmitt Bf 110s in combat over Crete and were so impressed with the markings that they decided to adopt the artwork on their own aircraft. With regard to the application of the markings, some aircraft served as a much more suitable canvas than others and in the case of the P-40, it was absolutely made for shark mouths.

Starting with the early Allison engined variants of the fighter, the shark-like appearance of the aircraft encouraged RAF No.112 Squadron to widely adopt shark mouth markings during their time with the Desert Air Force, applying them to the radiator air inlet housing, beneath the propeller and at the front of the engine. When combined with the desert camouflage colours the fighters wore, these Tomahawks would become some of the most photographed aircraft of the Second World War and their appearance in a British magazine would lead to another famous unit adopting similar markings. The P-40 Warhawks of the American Volunteer Group would become known as ‘The Flying Tigers’, with their fearsome looking fighters earning the respect of their Japanese adversaries and the admiration of the American nation.

 

The shark mouth markings on all of these aircraft were intended to strike fear into the hearts of the enemy and inspire fellow pilots heading into combat, so what was the idea behind the markings applied to this Spitfire Mk.Vc (ER180) from the USAAF 307th Fighter Squadron? It is clear that the deep Vokes air filter was just crying out to have a fearsome tooth laden mouth applied, but this particular interpretation is a little light on the aggression, seemingly favouring a much more mellow attitude. Whether viewing the magnificent box artwork produced for this release, or looking at the actual aircraft as pictured by members of the 307th Fighter Squadron during WWII, you are obviously left admiring this beautiful scheme, but can’t help smiling at how happy this Spitfire appears to be – it almost looks to be smiling.

 

Scheme B – Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vc, No.2 Squadron, South African Air Force, Gioia del Colle, Italy, October 1943

 

One of five SAAF squadrons assigned to support the invasion of Sicily, No.2 Squadron SAAF ‘The Flying Cheetahs’ re-equipped with Spitfire Mk.Vc fighters in July 1943 and were tasked with providing fighter bomber support to ground troops involved in driving Wehrmacht troops from their positions. Often loitering in the vicinity of offensive ground operations, the Spitfires were called in to dislodge areas of stubborn resistance by highly trained forward air controllers installed with ground units. Following the success of these operations, the Spitfires of the ‘Flying Cheetahs’ moved to bases on the island and prepared to play their part in the next big offensive, Operation Avalanche and the invasion of the Italian Mainland. This time, the Spitfires were tasked with flying bomber escort missions, protecting SAAF bombers against stubborn, if diminishing Luftwaffe opposition.

 

As Allied forces slowly began to push Wehrmacht forces back towards their homeland, No.2 Squadron were on the move once more, this time taking up residence at Gioia del Colle, in the heel of Italy. Although they would continue flying the Spitfire until the end of the war, they would not trade their Mk.Vc aircraft for the more capable Mk.IX variant until March 1944.

‘The Flying Cheetahs’ received their first Spitfire Mk.Vc fighters in July 1943, with JL115 DB-V being amongst the first batch to arrive. With the North African campaign turning in favour of the Allies, it was not long before the squadron re-located to Sicily and with the diminishing Luftwaffe threat in the skies above Italy, they turned their hand to providing fighter bomber support to troops fighting on the ground. The mark V variant of the Spitfire saw the introduction of the aircraft’s ‘C’ or ‘Universal’ wing, something which proved to be quite a technical innovation. The wing would allow the aircraft to be offensively configured in several different ways, including the ability to install four powerful 20mm cannon and to carry two 250lb bombs, one under each wing. This offensive upgrade was exploited to the full by the pilots of No.2 Squadron SAAF, as they engaged in their ground support fighter bomber missions.

 

New Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vc A02108 helps the tell the fascinating wartime story of this famous British aircraft and how it not only flew in combat all over the world, but also in the colours of several different air forces. As our latest Spitfire new tooling release, this will be an incredibly accurate and extremely attractive representation of this most heavily produced variant of arguably the world’s most famous aeroplane. This fabulous new kit is scheduled for a winter 2020/21 release.

Work hard, play rough

 

V.P.

Edited October 16, 2020 by Homebee

[MACALAIN]

5 hours ago, Homebee said:

Source: https://www.airfix.com/uk-en/news/workbench/smiley-spitfire-on-parade-and-a-clash-of-armour

 

 

V.P.

Still nor happy with the spinners and lack of fuel intake

 

Alain 

[Graham Boak]

Has anyone ever seen any Spitfires with dark black lines running the whole length of the fuselage?  Isn't this taking faddishness too far?  It spoils the entire appearance of what seems to be a nicely made and painted model.

[Giorgio N]

2 hours ago, Graham Boak said:

Has anyone ever seen any Spitfires with dark black lines running the whole length of the fuselage?  Isn't this taking faddishness too far?  It spoils the entire appearance of what seems to be a nicely made and painted model.

 

Agree, it was one of the first things I noticed. The modeller who built these kits took the idea of a wash in the panel lines a bit too far... and this comes from a modeller who routinely uses this technique ! IMHO a wash can be very effective but must be subtle... and black is forbidden except for control surfaces and a few other exceptions.

It's here not only a matter of "taste", using a black wash can suggest the presence of very coarse panel lines, something for which Airfix has been criticised in the past. Not the best way to promote the product IMHO.

 

P.S. I see that the wheel well covers are flat in the production kit too... oh well, I should have enough Eduard spare parts for these...

Edited October 16, 2020 by Giorgio N

[Rabbit Leader]

Agree on the panel line wash issue, these 'new tool' 1/72 Spits really don't need a panel line wash at all. I was hoping that this latest Vc would have been somewhat restrained in comparison to their earlier Mk.1 kit, however there's nothing in those images to suggest this is the case. The Blog also mentions the Vc's angled undercarriage rake. Can anyone tell from those images if this kit has this feature included? 

Cheers.. Dave 

[alt-92]

And the tailwheel is a bit thiccc

 

I should also point out however that this is after all a tenner kit, from Airfix. Adjust your expectations to that and it's a canvas to take further.

[Max Headroom]

Personally I can’t wait. As @alt-92 says it’s a sub tenner kit. I’ve had more of their recent MK.I kit than anything else I’ve ever built. I see several of these newbies in my future. I can live with the panel lines, but have an idea about running thinned down PVA into to see if that helps.

 

 

And just for laughs here is an Airfix MK.I I cobbled into a Vc a few years ago.

 

Trevor

[Torbjorn]

10 hours ago, Rabbit Leader said:

Agree on the panel line wash issue, these 'new tool' 1/72 Spits really don't need a panel line wash at all. I was hoping that this latest Vc would have been somewhat restrained in comparison to their earlier Mk.1 kit, however there's nothing in those images to suggest this is the case. The Blog also mentions the Vc's angled undercarriage rake. Can anyone tell from those images if this kit has this feature included? 

Cheers.. Dave 

In my opinion the new tool kits goes together nicely but the panel lines are so overscale they need filling rather than a wash to pronounce them. 

[MACALAIN]

If you can wait a few years (3 to 5), Eduard will produce a brand new range of Spitfire Mk I to V, first in 1/48 and in 1/72 afther... 

 

ALAIN

[madcop]

21 hours ago, Graham Boak said:

There's nothing new on today where I look, just the older photo.  However, it is impossible to get an open canopy to look good on an injected plastic model Spitfire because of the thickness of the material.  That's why vacform canopies are preferred if you really want to do this.  The other approach would be to take liberties with the shape of the rear fuselage.

 

Personally, I'd rather they didn't bother and saved the cost of drawing and tooling up for it.

 Sorry Graham, but I do not agree with you on 1 point. As you say the vac canopy is the best solution for model in 1/72.  But nowadays an injected plastic canopy is perfectly feasible. For example that of the new model of Hurricane Mk.IIb / c from Arma Hobby.
I think that the smoothness of a canopy depends mainly on the will of the manufacturer. And, when we know the means of Airfix, we can only speak of “I don't care.” When AF-HORNBY makes such a product for, supposedly children, it only distorts their perception of reality. I guess we don't educate our kids by willfully telling them bullshit ...but , yes, history has proven the contrary. I know children who believe that fish live in flat, square boxes at the bottom of a Supermarket large refrigerator and die once they are taken out! 

Madcop 😉

[Graham Boak]

Disagree away.  However, even the Arma Hobby canopy is not thin enough to appear convincing.  The problem is not one of lazy manufacturers but the physical properties of the material.  Polystyrene cannot be made thin enough for injection moulding and retain its strength.

 

The Hurricane is a special case anyway, because it alters its shape as it opens.  It widens and lowers because it moves on divergent tracks, so the open canopy is a different shape to the closed one.  This isn't the case with the Spitfire.

[alt-92]

IMO one shouldn't complain too much these days about thickness of canopies

Not when you have had to deal with this:

[Max Headroom]

5 hours ago, MACALAIN said:

If you can wait a few years (3 to 5), Eduard will produce a brand new range of Spitfire Mk I to V, first in 1/48 and in 1/72 afther... 

 

ALAIN

And I’ll buy those too, but until then....

Trevor

[IanC]

6 hours ago, Torbjorn said:

In my opinion the new tool kits goes together nicely but the panel lines are so overscale they need filling rather than a wash to pronounce them. 

 

Perhaps, but I have just had a look at my Airfix Spits. On the first one I gave it a panel line wash (not sure why now..) and on the other three I didn't. They almost look like different kits. Without the wash the effect is far more refined - at least from a normal viewing distance.  On a dark, autumnal afternoon...

 

For me anyway, it's not too bad.

 

 

[MACALAIN]

2 hours ago, Max Headroom said:

And I’ll buy those too, but until then....

Trevor

Perhaps Arma Hobby will produce something before.....

 

Alain

[Max Headroom]

21 minutes ago, MACALAIN said:

Perhaps Arma Hobby will produce something before.....

 

Alain

but until then🤣

 

Trevor

[alt-92]

Life's too short to wait for the perfect kit

 

[gioca]

2 hours ago, MACALAIN said:

Perhaps Arma Hobby will produce something before.....

 

Alain

strongly I hope so