282 - Spitfire XVI Enzo's Spitfire frenzy part 1

[Enzo the Magnificent]

Next year there will be the Spitfire 90th Anniversary GB so I think I need to get my hand in building Spitfires!   I'm already building half a dozen in 1/72 so I believe there is room for at least three more in this GB. 

 

First up (mainly because I ony have sprue photos for this one at the moment) is the Spitfire XVI, first released in 1979.

 

 

Sprue photos.

 

 

 

 

 

Originally I was intending to build this as Raymond Baxter's aircraft which he flew when attacking V-1 launch sites in the Netherlands.  However, further research is required for that as dfferent sources give different serials and codes for his aircraft.  I also considered building a 74 Sqn aircraft using Xtradecals.

 

The other two projects in my little Spitfire frenzy will be the Mk.I and Mk.Vb.  I had decided to build both of those in the box art schemes, with replacement modern decals so it only seems fair to do the same with this one.   This Classic GB is all about nostalgia after all.

 

The biggest problem with this kit are the radiator housings.  They are far too deep for a Merlin-powered XVI and look as though they are from a Griffon-powered XIV.  It would be a simple matter to slice 'em off and refit them.  The act of sliceage is probably all that is needed to reduce the depth satisfactorily.  However, in the aforementioned sense of nostalgia, I think I will leave them alone. 

[2996 Victor]

Nice one, Enzo, it's a cracking kit and one I'm looking forward to as well. I think you're right about leaving the rad housings as they are.

 

Cheers,

Mark

[Enzo the Magnificent]

5 minutes ago, 2996 Victor said:

I think you're right about leaving the rad housings as they are.

 

To be honest, there is another issue.  The cowling profile is that of a Rolls-Royce Merlin.  The Mk.XVI had a Packard Merlin which had a somewhat bulged profile.   It's an easy fix.  The cheap way is to use some plasticard and filler.  The other way is to use an aftermarket resin replacement intended for the Eduard kit.   Either option takes the build further away from the ethos of this GB.

 

Trivia alert!   The difference between the Spitfire IX and XVI was nothing to do with the cut down fuselage.  The Mk IX had a Rolls-Royce Merlin while the Mk.XVI had a Packard Merlin.  The two engines were not actually interchangeable hence the different mark number.  In order to prevent any logistics complications Mk IXs and Mk XVIs were never operated by the same unit.  The final batch of Mk.IXs had the cut down fuselage while the first batch of Mk.XVIs had the full fuselage.

 

I wish Edgar was still with us.  He could give us chapter and verse on this subject.

[2996 Victor]

Absolutely! I built this kit when I was a youngster, and even then felt it was the best Spitfire kit I'd built. But it's a thing of its time, and in my opinion is best built for enjoyment as it is meant to be; more accurate models are best made from more modern offerings.

 

The differences between RR and Packard Merlins are fascinating! I've been looking into the XVI recently with a view to building the Eduard 1/48 version with Ultracast's cowling top. 

[Graham Boak]

The cowling top change had nothing to do with the Packard.  It was a production simplification introduced by Castle  Bromwich despite the dislike of Supermarine test pilots who thought it destabilising.  It was adopted as standard on the Mk.IX and XVI.

[Wez]

Great choice Enzo, I always liked the post-war scheme the most.

 

Good luck.

[Enzo the Magnificent]

3 hours ago, Wez said:

Great choice Enzo, I always liked the post-war scheme the most.

It's not exactly going to be difficult to do...

[IanC]

One of Heller's best. I'm looking forward to following the build. 

[John]

At least yours isn't moulded in black, which the last couple of these I've had were. That makes things a bit easier. 

It's still a neat little kit though. 

John 

[2996 Victor]

59 minutes ago, Enzo the Magnificent said:

It's not exactly going to be difficult to do...

Ah, but what's your choice for "High Speed Silver"?  

[Enzo the Magnificent]

1 hour ago, 2996 Victor said:

Ah, but what's your choice for "High Speed Silver"?  

 

Autotek Aluminium from a rattle can. 

 

[Enzo the Magnificent]

First step is to build the cockpit.  To add a bit of visual interest I added a seat harness from narrow strips of Tamiya tape.

 

 

As mentioned earlier in this thread, the radiator housings are far too deep, being more suited to a Griffon-engined Mk.XIV.  However, as this is a nostalgia build, I did nothing about them.  I simply cemented the wing parts together as the instructions show.   Ready for main assembly.

 

[theplasticsurgeon]

On 1/4/2025 at 7:10 PM, Enzo the Magnificent said:

Originally I was intending to build this as Raymond Baxter's aircraft which he flew when attacking V-1 launch sites in the Netherlands.  However, further research is required for that as dfferent sources give different serials and codes for his aircraft.  I also considered building a 74 Sqn aircraft using Xtradecals.

I'm sure I read somewhere, that he was flying a highback aircraft - not a bubbletop.  That was for the mission where a V-2 launched in front of him.

[Enzo the Magnificent]

Main assembly complete. No filler needed!    

 

 

Primed with my usual technique of a coat of clear lacquer from a rattle can followed by grey plastic primer, also from a rattle can.

 

 

Intake and tailplanes fitted.

 

 

Windscreen fitted and in the process of being masked.

 

[2996 Victor]

Lovely progress, Enzo, great to see this one coming together so nicely!

[Enzo the Magnificent]

The colour scheme for this one is easy.   It's a coat of aluminium paint from a rattle can! 

 

 

As expected, the decals were mostly unusable so all the markings with the exception of the serial were taken from general sheets.

 

[TEMPESTMK5]

Hi Enzo

She looks great wit the decals on

Best reagards

Patrice