Back in the Saddle Posted June 4, 2020 Share Posted June 4, 2020 I finished my first entry in this GB a few weeks ago - the 1/48 Airfix Seafire F.XVII: Since then I have been getting a Lancaster and Buccaneer finished before starting a new kit - I’m getting more disciplined! 😂 Now they’re done I’m able to start my second model in this GB - the 1/48 Airfix Spitfire Vb: I’m looking forward to a more ‘classic’ Spitfire build this time. The folded wings on the Seafire model added a degree of interest (and as a bonus, requires less space to display!) but let’s be honest, the Seafire looks far better with the wings extended - the only option on a Spitfire! The Vb kit also has a much more detailed cockpit, so this one will be built with the cockpit door hinged open and the canopy slid back. Whilst not strictly accurate, I am contemplating building this model with the flaps extended but haven’t made the final decision yet...! I should be able to complete this within five weeks! 😁 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Back in the Saddle Posted June 7, 2020 Author Share Posted June 7, 2020 Busy weekend but I've made a start. The scheme I have chosen is this one - I like the fact that the colours are different from more usual dark green/dark earth. Apparently this aircraft was delivered to Malta in a dark earth/mid stone scheme, but the mid stone was then over-painted with a locally mixed dark grey colour: This is the same kit (and scheme) that @woody37 has built - if mine turns out to be anywhere close to his standard I will be a happy bunny! I have cut some bits out for the cockpit and will get these painted and assembled first: I'm not using any AM goodies, so will do my best with the Airfix offering! 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Back in the Saddle Posted June 9, 2020 Author Share Posted June 9, 2020 Some more progress on the cockpit: Nearly everything has had a coat of paint, but a few touch ups will be needed. I had a nightmare with the IP decal but after a lot of faffing around I think I've got it sorted! 😆 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Back in the Saddle Posted June 10, 2020 Author Share Posted June 10, 2020 The cockpit is coming together. This was the state of play yesterday, with most paint touch-ups completed, the rudder pedal sub-assembly is built, IP and oxygen bottles attached and everything has had a dirty wash: Tonight saw a the last few paint details getting applied (although they might be difficult to see once the tub is buttoned up, even with the canopy and side door both open...) The control column is attached at a jaunty angle (note to self - attach the ailerons with the correct deflections!) and the next job will be gluing all these sub-assemblies together: There is a pilot seat too, but somehow that missed the photoshoot - to be honest, it was clamped in my tweezers waiting for the glue to set and I forgot to include it in the photo...! 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Back in the Saddle Posted June 11, 2020 Author Share Posted June 11, 2020 I'm quite enjoying building this cockpit! Lots of detail included in the basic kit - certainly enough for me anyway! The sub-assemblies are now glued into place. Initially the control column and rudder pedals were fitted, followed by the huge lever on the left hand side: The other side of the cockpit tub was then attached and firmly clamped whilst the glue set. The frame with the seat assembly dropped into place and then the frame behind this followed suit. As noted by @woody37 in his build thread, the tolerances are extremely tight - any excess paint must be scrapped off for the parts to fit correctly: This entire unit is then glued into place against the fuselage side. I had my first attempt at making a harness from Tamiya tape too - it's by no means perfect, but adds something to the model: The fuselage should be buttoned up tomorrow and then work on the wings will begin. It goes together quickly! 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woody37 Posted June 11, 2020 Share Posted June 11, 2020 Nice progress, that's a fiddly interior! I want to build an Eduard kit next to see how it compares. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Back in the Saddle Posted June 15, 2020 Author Share Posted June 15, 2020 The two fuselage halves went together nicely enough, but when I attempted to fit the top fuselage there was a bit of a fit issue: I sanded some plastic off the top of the instrument panel and also some off the base of the top piece: After that, it fitted together perfectly! Not too sure why it needed so much fettling... Wings are next! 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Back in the Saddle Posted June 16, 2020 Author Share Posted June 16, 2020 Here's how it looked after the tape was removed: I've applied some filler along the joints and this section should be finished soon. So onto the wings... And one of the most convoluted methods I've ever encountered to attach the undercarriage. Not the best picture, but there are two small pieces of plastic attached to the front spar. The undercarriage struts are then glued onto these... It is very weak and very fiddly, but probably looks authentic when finished! I also had a couple of minor construction issues in this area. For some reason, the right hand wheel well wall swivelled around after I had applied glue. I'm not sure how this happened, but I had to cut a section out and apply plasticard to rectify it. Because of this swivel, the rear spar did not fit properly and needed some trimming: Once this was done the tops of the wings were fitted: A session of filling and sanding the joints awaits, then I can glue the wings to the fuselage. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray_W Posted June 17, 2020 Share Posted June 17, 2020 On 6/16/2020 at 6:42 AM, Back in the Saddle said: Not too sure why it needed so much fettling... Hi Matt, It is a requirement of this kit. I have not found a way around it yet. 13 hours ago, Back in the Saddle said: So onto the wings... And one of the most convoluted methods I've ever encountered to attach the undercarriage. Not the best picture, but there are two small pieces of plastic attached to the front spar. The undercarriage struts are then glued onto these... It is very weak and very fiddly, but probably looks authentic when finished! Many pin this by drilling out the undercarriage leg and the linkage in the wing to give it the strength needed. Once done I actually do not mind this joint at all. In my current build I have done the usual although in this case I am using the Eduard legs because it's a conversion. Principal is the same. I use brass rod. Some use wire. You'll note I have removed the step. Most leave it and pin. Ray 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Back in the Saddle Posted June 18, 2020 Author Share Posted June 18, 2020 Thanks Ray👍 I was considering using a pin to strengthen it in the way you described but will just leave it as per the kit design for now - hopefully it will be strong enough to sit on a shelf. If not, it will get some surgery! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ray_W Posted June 19, 2020 Share Posted June 19, 2020 9 hours ago, Back in the Saddle said: hopefully it will be strong enough to sit on a shelf. Matt, Should be fine. First one I did, I did that way and it's still good. Ray 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Back in the Saddle Posted June 19, 2020 Author Share Posted June 19, 2020 Sounds reassuring! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Back in the Saddle Posted June 19, 2020 Author Share Posted June 19, 2020 The wings and tailplane are now attached: Another session of filling and sanding awaits, then I will attach the control surfaces. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Back in the Saddle Posted June 23, 2020 Author Share Posted June 23, 2020 Rudder, elevator and tropical Vokes air filter are now all attached: Radiator, oil cooler, prop assembly and undercarriage legs are next! 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Spadgent Posted June 24, 2020 Share Posted June 24, 2020 Looking fabulous. Nice to see one that’s not finished. 🤩🤪 lovely stuff. John. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Back in the Saddle Posted June 24, 2020 Author Share Posted June 24, 2020 Thanks Johnny - it's an enjoyable and (mainly!) straightforward build. I also have a Lynx which is barely started and I suspect that kit will turn into a very nice model - the initial signs are very encouraging! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Back in the Saddle Posted June 26, 2020 Author Share Posted June 26, 2020 Things have been a bit quiet on the modelling front recently - it's been too hot! 😎 I did get the propellor assembled and have sprayed the tips: Fortunately the spinner on this one is black, so that makes masking easy for once! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Back in the Saddle Posted June 29, 2020 Author Share Posted June 29, 2020 A little more progress to report. The basic airframe is now complete and ready for priming: Priming will have to wait until the rain stops though, as I'll be using a rattle can in the garden! I had a bit of an issue with the transparencies... They looked quite good out of the box, but I thought I'd dip them in Future just to improve them as much as possible. When they had dried a slight residue was left on the plastic. I tried soaking them in Future again to try and remove it, but I am now wishing I had just left them alone - they looked better straight from the box! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Livingston Posted June 29, 2020 Share Posted June 29, 2020 Thi is looking exceptionally good... I have been following this and I love the little extras you are doing during the build... the additional little things in the wheel bays and so on. All adds up to a much better result. It is looking very nice indeed... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Back in the Saddle Posted June 30, 2020 Author Share Posted June 30, 2020 Thanks Bill! Just working on the cannon joints - another area with a poor fit. I might get the primer on tonight if I'm lucky... 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve 1602 Posted June 30, 2020 Share Posted June 30, 2020 2 hours ago, Back in the Saddle said: Thanks Bill! Just working on the cannon joints - another area with a poor fit. I might get the primer on tonight if I'm lucky... I found the same thing. These are nice kits, but there are a few head scratching moments! Your build is looking very nice and I think you’ve chosen a really distinctive scheme. 👍 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Back in the Saddle Posted June 30, 2020 Author Share Posted June 30, 2020 Thanks Steve. 👍 I’ve just broken my airbrush, so the challenge is now on to get this finished in time... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Spadgent Posted June 30, 2020 Share Posted June 30, 2020 18 minutes ago, Back in the Saddle said: Thanks Steve. 👍 I’ve just broken my airbrush, so the challenge is now on to get this finished in time... Oh no. 😔 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Back in the Saddle Posted July 3, 2020 Author Share Posted July 3, 2020 I have removed the broken nozzle from the airbrush and ordered a new part, so with luck I will be back in action shortly. In the meantime, I used a rattle can to prime the model: As soon as I have a working airbrush I will get the paint on! 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Back in the Saddle Posted July 8, 2020 Author Share Posted July 8, 2020 I have an airbrush again! I sprayed the underside first (sorry, no photos!) and then moved onto the upper surfaces. A coat of dark earth was applied, then I made some masks from self adhesive vinyl after scaling the painting diagram to 1:48 to use as a template. It was a bit laborious but it was definitely worth it to capture the demarcation lines correctly: I quite like the colour of the vinyl against the dark earth, but dark grey beckons as the final colour. That should look a bit different - dark earth and dark grey is a colour combination I've not seen before! 7 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