Malta Blue! Spitfire Mk Vc (Trop) Airfix 1/72

[Archelaos]

Hi! 

After some months in box in half built state, I finally got time to return to this project. 

 

I plan to build her as BR323 "S" from 249Sq flown supposedly by Sgt Beurling in July 1942. 

Plane was delivered during operation Salient (8-10 June) along with other 31 Spitfires on board HMS Eagle. 

AFAIK there are no known photos of this plane, yet it is quite common on various decal sheets. I got it on Xtradecal set where it is portrayed like this:

 

In topic here [spitfire-mkvc-br323-s-malta] I got info that Salient spitfires should most probably be painted with Dark Mediteranean Blue upper and Sky Blue underside, and so I did. DMB is revell 36156 while sky blue is vallejo 70961 (isn't it too saturated? what do you think?)

I am considering  adding patches of lighter color in some places to show original camo visible through repaint though I have to admit it look very nice (and very different) in just DMB so it may stay that way. As mentioned, it is undocumented scheme so I have more freedom with little details . 

Photos shown me some imperfections that need polishing including some I was sure were already dealt with. As always... 

 

 

 

Edited February 23 by Archelaos

[Archelaos]

A bit of progress - few parts added, more putty, underside repainted with a lighter colour (mix of Vallejo Sky Blue and Pale Greyblue)

How should wheel wells painted? I painted outer parts as well as covers and legs with my mix for Azure Blue (supposedly original underside for this plane) and inner with metallic.

What color should spinner be? Dark blue? Red? Black?

 

 

I got stl files for MkV - DH Hydromatic propeller+spinner and wheels, legs and covers. Files were designed for 1/48 so I wasn't sure it will print well for 1/72 but it worked fine and they look great. 

[Archelaos]

Getting closer to finish! General painting finished as well as decals. I also painted weathered paint and scratches, though I will add some more.

I assume hastily repainted plane would not have stencils applied?

I have seen two options for spinner and decided to paint it black. Or maybe should it be blue? And if blue, what blue?

 

Which exhaust should I use? 

 

Edited March 6 by Archelaos

[2996 Victor]

Looking great! The colours of these Spits is very contentious, but with an undocumented aircraft no-one can say it's wrong! I like the DMB you've chosen, it fits well with my own perception of the colour. You've done far better with this kit than I did - believe it or not I had all sorts of problems, mostly of my own making, of course!

 

Cheers,

Mark

[Archelaos]

On 06/03/2024 at 11:04, 2996 Victor said:

Looking great! The colours of these Spits is very contentious, but with an undocumented aircraft no-one can say it's wrong! I like the DMB you've chosen, it fits well with my own perception of the colour. You've done far better with this kit than I did - believe it or not I had all sorts of problems, mostly of my own making, of course!

 

Cheers,

Mark

Thanks for kind words! 

For DMB I used Revel Aqua 36156 as suggested HERE: