Matto Posted April 29, 2020 Share Posted April 29, 2020 Hi all, I have a choice of Spitfire kits to build, most of these have been in the stash for a few years waiting for their turn! I chose the Airfix one. I've read multiple build threads and know it's not the easiest of kits to build so I'm prepared! Work started, as normal, in the cockpit. I agree with all the comments that have been made regarding the over-engineering of this kit. The rudder pedal section alone comprises of 4 parts, with the pedals themselves having vague fit at best. I persevered however and replaced the overly thick seat armour and also thinned down the headrest armour while I was at it. I also added some "representations" of the belts - admittedly not totally accurate, but I really dislike the flatness of etched parts. Once painted and weathered, everything's looks pretty decent, in particular the kit IP. By far the most time has been spent trying to get the upper cowling to fit well. I was prepared for this, as many people have pointed it out but despite my very best efforts, and lots of scraping and sanding, I just could not get the correct cowling to fit at all well. I tried the alternative part, and the fit was much better so I surrendered and will be using it for an easy life! In these pics, only the nose section has been glued, the rest of the fuselage is taped. While there's still a clearly visible join, I'm confident this will disappear once glued. Thanks for looking! Matt Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Whiskey Posted April 29, 2020 Share Posted April 29, 2020 I like how you gave the belts a more leathery look. Not sure if it's accurate but I like it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Matto Posted April 29, 2020 Author Share Posted April 29, 2020 (edited) 12 minutes ago, Whiskey said: I like how you gave the belts a more leathery look. Not sure if it's accurate but I like it. Thanks! Not my intention for them to represent leather because they're painted a canvas colour to match the reference photos I've seen! Edited April 29, 2020 by Matto Quote Link to post Share on other sites
The Underdog Posted April 29, 2020 Share Posted April 29, 2020 (edited) Matto, I don't know if you picked the most difficult kit from the 4 to build, but so far you're doing a very nice job with it. The seat looks much better with the upgraded Belts, and the nicely painted instrument panel and the goodies in the cockpit are looking phabulous. B-looking forward to seeing how this one turns-out... much success! Edited April 29, 2020 by The Underdog Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Matto Posted April 29, 2020 Author Share Posted April 29, 2020 Thanks for the positive comment. All was going swimmingly until I noticed this moulding defect in the lower wing. It corresponds with an ejector pin mark on the inner surface so can only assume it was damaged when being removed from the mould. Not insurmountable, but annoying and frustrating to say the least. Matt Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Matto Posted May 5, 2020 Author Share Posted May 5, 2020 Hi all, Plodding on and nearly at the painting stage. The cannons fit reasonably well, but not well enough that they don't need filling and sanding. I also drilled out the barrels. Note I've only fitted one here. Should be ready for the Azure Blue tonight with a bit of luck. Matt Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Matto Posted May 10, 2020 Author Share Posted May 10, 2020 Undersides now painted. I used Vallejo Model Air for the first time and it was a mixed experience. Still need to do some tidying up and I forgot to paint some of the smaller bits like the tail wheel, gear doors and wheel hubs. Matt Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mr.Happy Posted May 13, 2020 Share Posted May 13, 2020 Looking good. Keep up the build and progress shots 📸 Cheers, 🍺 Mr. Happy Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Matto Posted May 14, 2020 Author Share Posted May 14, 2020 21 hours ago, Mr.Happy said: Looking good. Keep up the build and progress shots 📸 Cheers, 🍺 Mr. Happy Thanks for your interest. I managed to get started on the upper camo last night, slow but steady progress which hopefully can continue tonight. Matt Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mr.Happy Posted May 14, 2020 Share Posted May 14, 2020 Matto, Sweet paint job👍 Please let us know how well the main landing gear fits when you reach that stage of your build. I’m currently working of the old 1993 Tamiya Spitfire Mk.I and after that I hope to dig up an Mk.V. Your work hear has inspired me to work on more Spitfires 😎 Cheers, Mr. Happy Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Matto Posted May 14, 2020 Author Share Posted May 14, 2020 7 minutes ago, Mr.Happy said: Matto, Sweet paint job👍 Please let us know how well the main landing gear fits when you reach that stage of your build. I’m currently working of the old 1993 Tamiya Spitfire Mk.I and after that I hope to dig up an Mk.V. Your work hear has inspired me to work on more Spitfires 😎 Cheers, Mr. Happy I've adapted the landing gear to allow me to attach it using wire which should provide additional strength. At least that's the theory. One thing is for certain, it was never going to work easily in the way its intended out of the box. I have a Tamiya Spitfire Vb in my stash - I'm looking forward to building it because I know it'll be a breeze in comparison. Matt Quote Link to post Share on other sites
The Underdog Posted May 14, 2020 Share Posted May 14, 2020 On 5/10/2020 at 7:07 AM, Matto said: Undersides now painted. I used Vallejo Model Air for the first time and it was a mixed experience. Matt Matt, Using VMA for the first time, what did you Like and Not Like about it? Just asking for curiosity's sake. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Matto Posted May 14, 2020 Author Share Posted May 14, 2020 9 minutes ago, The Underdog said: Matt, Using VMA for the first time, what did you Like and Not Like about it? Just asking for curiosity's sake. I liked the colour and the coverage was good. I didn't like the issues I experienced when airbrushing - I thinned it down as per all paints I use but had endless issues with paint drying on the airbrush tip. Like every few seconds. I spent more time cleaning the tip than spraying. Lots of people suggested using flow improver but, as I only used this because Mr Hobby Aqueous don't do Azure Blue, I didn't think it worthwhile. If I was going to use these paints more often, I would certainly give it a go. The Middle Stone above is done using Mr Hobby Aqueous and I had no issues at all. HTH Matt Quote Link to post Share on other sites
The Underdog Posted May 14, 2020 Share Posted May 14, 2020 3 minutes ago, Matto said: I liked the colour and the coverage was good. I didn't like the issues I experienced when airbrushing - I thinned it down as per all paints I use but had endless issues with paint drying on the airbrush tip. Like every few seconds. I spent more time cleaning the tip than spraying. Lots of people suggested using flow improver but, as I only used this because Mr Hobby Aqueous don't do Azure Blue, I didn't think it worthwhile. If I was going to use these paints more often, I would certainly give it a go. The Middle Stone above is done using Mr Hobby Aqueous and I had no issues at all. HTH Matt Matt, Thanks for the detailed explanation, it really helps because you're the one using the paints and its your experience. I've heard the same things about VMA paints, I much prefer using Tamiya and MRP, also Mr. Hobby Aqueous have a good track-record but I haven't used those before. I like the way the model is progressing, you're doing a nice job with it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Matto Posted May 14, 2020 Author Share Posted May 14, 2020 Thanks. I only used VMA because Mr Hobby don't do this colour in the Aqueous range and I lack the time or inclination to mix it myself! My preference is for Mr Hobby Aqueous or Tamiya Acrylics every time. Failing that I use Ammo. Matt Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Matto Posted June 12, 2020 Author Share Posted June 12, 2020 Morning all, Glacial progress but I've finally managed to finish the painting apart from a few annoying corrections on the underside where the paint has lifted when the masking was removed. Next is a gloss coat to prepare for decals. Thanks for looking Matt Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ST0RM Posted June 12, 2020 Share Posted June 12, 2020 Love the work you've put into your Trop. The fade and weathering looks great. -Jeff Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tato Posted June 12, 2020 Share Posted June 12, 2020 Woow!! Love the paint and fading! Keep up the good work! Cheers Tato Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Matto Posted June 13, 2020 Author Share Posted June 13, 2020 Thank you both for your comments. I'll hopefully do a bit of post shading before I apply the decals but I need to tidy up some of the boundaries between the colours first. Matt Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Matto Posted August 9, 2020 Author Share Posted August 9, 2020 Hi all, Been ages since I've done any modelling, so finally kicked myself back into action yesterday. Here's where I'm up to with decalling. Thanks for looking Matt Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ChernayaAkula Posted August 12, 2020 Share Posted August 12, 2020 Nice work on the camouflage colours! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Matto Posted August 16, 2020 Author Share Posted August 16, 2020 (edited) Thanks for the comment, much appreciated! An empty house this weekend should have resulted in more progress, but good weather yesterday meant DIY and gardening had to take priority. I managed to spend a bit of time at the bench last night and the majority of the decals are now applied. Can I just say again how good these DK Decals are...super thin and conform beautifully. My only criticism is the cost and the very limited number of roundels and tail flashes provided meaning to get proper value from the set, you'd need to buy these separately (or use kit provided ones of course!). The other markings are those supplied by Airfix in the kit and to be honest, I'm not convinced. They look too heavy to my inexpert eye. Matt Edited August 16, 2020 by Matto Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mr.Happy Posted August 16, 2020 Share Posted August 16, 2020 Matto, Looking good 👍😎 Cheers, Mr.Happy Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Matto Posted August 17, 2020 Author Share Posted August 17, 2020 Thanks Mr Happy! Decals mostly done, and starting to look like a Spitfire now, even with an unpainted spinner. My attempt to overcome the problematic stepped undercarriage join provided by Airfix is to cut them flush, then drill and pin them. Time will tell if it works, but I'm hoping it'll provide a stronger join. Matt Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mr.Happy Posted August 18, 2020 Share Posted August 18, 2020 Matto, It looks like your on your way. I hope your idea 💡 for the landing gear works out for your build. 👍 I like it and I’m certain you’ll meet the challenge and have yourself a great looking Mk.V😎 Cheers, Mr. Happy Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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