Martin Wilson Posted February 3, 2021 Share Posted February 3, 2021 (edited) Well here are a Well here are a couple photos of my 1st attempt of modelling since I was a 10yr old.......the 1/24 Airfix Spitfire Mk Vb......don’t laugh to hard!! It’s been an absolute pig so far and as you can see on the top of the wing, the cutting out of the slot for the Canon ammo holder ended in disaster when it cracked, so I’ve attempted to fill it, but it still looks like a dogs dinner. A huge thanks for the advice and encouragement I’ve received from @Ant, @BigX and @Stevej Edited February 3, 2021 by Martin Wilson 15 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbadbadge Posted February 3, 2021 Share Posted February 3, 2021 Always love a Spitfire, looks good so far, welcome also. Chris 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Wilson Posted February 3, 2021 Author Share Posted February 3, 2021 1 hour ago, bigbadbadge said: Always love a Spitfire, looks good so far, welcome also. Chris Thank you Chris 😊 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GREG DESTEC Posted February 3, 2021 Share Posted February 3, 2021 Welcome back to the hobby Martin 👍 It looks like you are making good progress with your build. I hope you are enjoying it. I built this kit a while back and it's fair to say it wasn't the easiest of kits. I'm impressed you got the engine fitted as I didn't! I just buttoned it up. Keep up the good work, and have fun with it. Cheers Greg 🍺 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Wilson Posted February 3, 2021 Author Share Posted February 3, 2021 8 minutes ago, GREG DESTEC said: Welcome back to the hobby Martin 👍 It looks like you are making good progress with your build. I hope you are enjoying it. I built this kit a while back and it's fair to say it wasn't the easiest of kits. I'm impressed you got the engine fitted as I didn't! I just buttoned it up. Keep up the good work, and have fun with it. Cheers Greg 🍺 Thank you Greg 👍😊 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
(ex)Sgtrafman Posted February 3, 2021 Share Posted February 3, 2021 Hiya Welcome back to the hobby and congrats on what you’ve achieved so for, the Airfix Spit isn’t one that I’ve built before so I’m not to au fait with its pitfalls but I gotta say to seem to be licking her into shape. Remember, as others have already said enjoy the experience and try not to get too bogged down when things don’t go to plan, even the most experienced and talented modellers here have off days and never be afraid to ask for advice, they’re not a bad bunch here and somebody will always be able to help out and point you in the right direction. all the best Iain 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Antb Posted February 3, 2021 Share Posted February 3, 2021 To say you haven't done any modelling for 50 years, and to pick up this dog of a kit, I think you've done a sterling job so far. I know its frustrating but honestly you're doing a great job 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Wilson Posted February 3, 2021 Author Share Posted February 3, 2021 Thanks Ant, it’s been a very steep learning curve. Don’t remember it being this difficult as a kid!! 🥴🤷♂️ 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIG X Posted February 4, 2021 Share Posted February 4, 2021 10 hours ago, Martin Wilson said: Don’t remember it being this difficult as a kid!! 🥴🤷♂️ ... your fingers were smaller & your eyes were sharper back in the day - damn those kids Steve 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Wilson Posted February 4, 2021 Author Share Posted February 4, 2021 26 minutes ago, BIG X said: ... your fingers were smaller & your eyes were sharper back in the day - damn those kids Steve 🤣🤣🤣 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdrianMF Posted February 4, 2021 Share Posted February 4, 2021 And you've got higher standards now - damn those adults It looks like you are getting it all together nicely - the base Spitfire was Airfix's first "superkit" and it has a lot of issues because it was pretty much the first time for them at that size and level of detail, so I think we would all struggle! My main learning point as an adult modeller has been not to trust the kit to get it right! You look to be nearly at the painting stage. Looking forwards to seeing it with some paint on. Regards, Adrian 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Wilson Posted February 4, 2021 Author Share Posted February 4, 2021 14 hours ago, (ex)Sgtrafman said: Hiya Welcome back to the hobby and congrats on what you’ve achieved so for, the Airfix Spit isn’t one that I’ve built before so I’m not to au fait with its pitfalls but I gotta say to seem to be licking her into shape. Remember, as others have already said enjoy the experience and try not to get too bogged down when things don’t go to plan, even the most experienced and talented modellers here have off days and never be afraid to ask for advice, they’re not a bad bunch here and somebody will always be able to help out and point you in the right direction. all the best Iain Thank you Iain 👍😊 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Wilson Posted February 4, 2021 Author Share Posted February 4, 2021 2 hours ago, AdrianMF said: And you've got higher standards now - damn those adults It looks like you are getting it all together nicely - the base Spitfire was Airfix's first "superkit" and it has a lot of issues because it was pretty much the first time for them at that size and level of detail, so I think we would all struggle! My main learning point as an adult modeller has been not to trust the kit to get it right! You look to be nearly at the painting stage. Looking forwards to seeing it with some paint on. Regards, Adrian Thanks Adrian, I’ve got to be honest I’m dreading the painting of the Spitfire. What I seemed to have picked up on YouTube is to thin the paint slightly and apply 3 or 4 coats alternating coats from up and down to across. 🤞😱😊 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marklo Posted February 4, 2021 Share Posted February 4, 2021 (edited) Nice build. It’s a difficult first build. I attempted this as a kid, but can’t remember how far I got with it. Someday I plan to revisit the Airfix 1/24 kits and actually complete one. I’m assuming you’re using acrylics. If you’re brush painting then use a synthetic brush preferably a wide one (Lidl/Aldi do good sets every few months) even strokes, thinned paint and work in sections. It shouldn’t be that bad. Patience and thin even coats. I’d google brush painting models as there are lots of good guide videos out there. Edited February 4, 2021 by Marklo 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnT Posted February 4, 2021 Share Posted February 4, 2021 Welcome back to the fold. You have picked a tricky model to start back with. It’s on old mould and things like parts fit, warpage and other issues are all there to make life “interesting “ for the builder so well done for a first under the belt. The risk is having an iffy model to start back puts you off but the reward is you get way more experience doing the hard stuff and that makes the next one easier. The guys have all given good advice up above. Feel free to ask. After this challenge I suggest your next one should be an easier modern shake and bake mould that fits well, easy to build and get a good result even as a novice builder as you deserve it after the Spitfire. Ask the guys on here for suggestions and something will take your fancy. Eg a lot of Trumpeter kits get a poor press on accuracy but they all tend to have parts that fit and are well engineered to be easy to build. Some are even pretty accurate. Their 1/24 Hurricane is like that and would be a good stable mate for your Spitfire too as well as an interesting comparison for you to make on mould improvements over the years 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIG X Posted February 4, 2021 Share Posted February 4, 2021 On my attempt at the MK1 I masked the cockpit area accordingly & sprayed all over with halfords grey primer - which comes in a can. As this model has a very large area to cover I also used spray cans for the main painting. Firstly using masking tape to demarcate the upper & lower sides - then using blu-tak 'worms' to mask the camo areas - crude - but easy & quite effective. I was just getting back into the hobby at the time too. These 1/24 kits should come with a warning 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Wilson Posted February 4, 2021 Author Share Posted February 4, 2021 (edited) Update on the Spitfire today. It’s had its first coat of Ocean Grey......I’ve free handed it so it’s not exactly like the Jan Zumbach one, hope it looks ok. I’ve also given the Underneath it’s 1st coat of Satin Medium Sea Grey. Edited February 4, 2021 by Martin Wilson Picture 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Wilson Posted February 4, 2021 Author Share Posted February 4, 2021 1 hour ago, BIG X said: On my attempt at the MK1 I masked the cockpit area accordingly & sprayed all over with halfords grey primer - which comes in a can. As this model has a very large area to cover I also used spray cans for the main painting. Firstly using masking tape to demarcate the upper & lower sides - then using blu-tak 'worms' to mask the camo areas - crude - but easy & quite effective. I was just getting back into the hobby at the time too. These 1/24 kits should come with a warning Thanks Big X.....see the update I’ve just added.....hope I haven’t made a botch of it by freehanding it 😬 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Wilson Posted February 4, 2021 Author Share Posted February 4, 2021 2 hours ago, JohnT said: Welcome back to the fold. You have picked a tricky model to start back with. It’s on old mould and things like parts fit, warpage and other issues are all there to make life “interesting “ for the builder so well done for a first under the belt. The risk is having an iffy model to start back puts you off but the reward is you get way more experience doing the hard stuff and that makes the next one easier. The guys have all given good advice up above. Feel free to ask. After this challenge I suggest your next one should be an easier modern shake and bake mould that fits well, easy to build and get a good result even as a novice builder as you deserve it after the Spitfire. Ask the guys on here for suggestions and something will take your fancy. Eg a lot of Trumpeter kits get a poor press on accuracy but they all tend to have parts that fit and are well engineered to be easy to build. Some are even pretty accurate. Their 1/24 Hurricane is like that and would be a good stable mate for your Spitfire too as well as an interesting comparison for you to make on mould improvements over the years Thanks you John, much appreciated 👍😊 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Wilson Posted February 4, 2021 Author Share Posted February 4, 2021 2 hours ago, Marklo said: Nice build. It’s a difficult first build. I attempted this as a kid, but can’t remember how far I got with it. Someday I plan to revisit the Airfix 1/24 kits and actually complete one. I’m assuming you’re using acrylics. If you’re brush painting then use a synthetic brush preferably a wide one (Lidl/Aldi do good sets every few months) even strokes, thinned paint and work in sections. It shouldn’t be that bad. Patience and thin even coats. I’d google brush painting models as there are lots of good guide videos out there. Thanks Marklo, see the update I’ve just posted. I’m using Humbrol enamels thinned down to allow for a smother finish. I’m using a Humbrol wide flat brush which came in a pack of different sizes....seems to be working well. 😊👍 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shalako Posted February 4, 2021 Share Posted February 4, 2021 One of the two kits that I want to build at some point in the near future in 1/24 is definitely Airfix's Spitfire!!! The other is of course the Typhoon!!! Good job so far Martin!!👍 Cheers, Bill 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr. Quack Posted February 4, 2021 Share Posted February 4, 2021 Looking good. Your painting is looking the biz - good idea to thin the paint slightly. I remember building the 1/24 Hurricane when a youngling, and loving it ............... and fully agree with the comments about sharper eyes, smaller fingers, no hand shake etc - if only we'd appreciated it at the time! Looking forward to further instalments. Q 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Wilson Posted February 4, 2021 Author Share Posted February 4, 2021 4 minutes ago, Dr. Quack said: Looking good. Your painting is looking the biz - good idea to thin the paint slightly. I remember building the 1/24 Hurricane when a youngling, and loving it ............... and fully agree with the comments about sharper eyes, smaller fingers, no hand shake etc - if only we'd appreciated it at the time! Looking forward to further instalments. Q Thank you Dr Quack.....the 1/24 Hurricane is my next project.....it’s already been ordered 👍😊 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Wilson Posted February 4, 2021 Author Share Posted February 4, 2021 19 minutes ago, Shalako said: One of the two kits that I want to build at some point in the near future in 1/24 is definitely Airfix's Spitfire!!! The other is of course the Typhoon!!! Good job so far Martin!!👍 Cheers, Bill Thank you Bill. I looked at the 1/24 Typhoon as my next project, but watched a video on YouTube and thought it was way out of my league. I’ve ordered the 1/24 Hurricane as my next project 😊👍 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigbadbadge Posted February 4, 2021 Share Posted February 4, 2021 The Hurricane is very nice, you will enjoy that, your painting does look good . Chris 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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