Airfix 1/48 Seafire Mk F.XVII build

[Gav0909]

Hey guys,

So I started this kit a while ago now. I decided to model the wings folded as something a bit different (and to save shelf space). But as I started painting the basecoats I encountered some issues. Mainly rubbish masking tape at the time, which meant I had paint seepage, and where I touched this up with a brush it didn't match the airbrushed coat etc etc. So this led me to sticking the thing on the shelf for a few months.

So here is where I got up to with this build..

[youtube]6wIVTds9L9Q[/youtube]

Please excuse the sombre tone at the start of this video, I do go on to talk about the Seafire, but I started with a quick mention of the loss of a close friend close to the time of making that video in tragic circumstances. So just to beware of that.

So here is where I am at as of today. I got the plane off the shelf and ripped the wings off.....I then contacted Airfix for some replacement parts that I was unable to salvage, and I am proceeding to make a deployed wing version instead. I shall model it on a stand of some kind perhaps as well, and have it modelled as if the plane is coming in to land, so flaps, undercarriage and tail hook deployed. I think in time I could make a small base with a carrier deck pattern on it, with some arrestor cables on it as well, which would look cool.

Parts removed

Fuselage

New bottom wing


Have just bought Master turned barrels to replace the kit 20mm Hispano cannons. Used a set of these on my 1/72 Spit MkVb and they are gorgeous.

Comments and critiscm welcome.

[Gav0909]

I also decided to splash a bit more cash and get a few new paints last night.

So on the way soon I will have Tamiya Clear Orange and Green (for the under fuselage lights), and a few more Vallejo Model Air paints (few more RLM colours and an Extra Dark Sea Grey for this kit).

Will get a few more pics up later today as I got some primer down on the fuselage last night and got the undercarriage and new wings assembled bar the parts I need.

[Paul]

Hey gav

Sorry to hear the loss of your friends.

Look forward to seeing more of your progress

[Gav0909]

Cheers Paul, things are ok now. One day I intend to build a Royal Navy SAR Seaking and have it as my own small memorial to him, its just a shame that the current RN SAR model is crap! Airfix are releasing a new tool RAF SAR bird, but its a different model to the one the RN use.

[5Craven]

I believe Hasegawa released a RN SAR Seaking in 1/48. Not sure if it is on current release but I have seen them on ebay occasionally.

UPDATE Did a bit of Googling for you and here is a link to a review build of the kit http://www.scalemodellingnow.com/wp-con ... 8scale.pdf Hope that you find this useful/inspiring.

[Gav0909]

Cheers Dave, will check that out!

So I didn't do anything to the Seafire this evening bar add the under fuselage drop tank and the pitot tube and other wee odds on the wings out of some wire (never used the originals in the first place, they snapped coming off the sprue).

Fuselage only has had a coat of primer just to check all the seams, and as you can see its still separate from the wings for now.





Cheers

[Gav0909]

My replacement radiators and oil cooler intake arrived today, so I can get them mounted and get the rest of the model primed now. Although I still have some Master metal 20mm cannon barrels to arrive, so will get them installed when they arrive before I prime it.

I am also waiting on some new paints as well, so main painting will commence once they arrive.

[schweinhund227]

wow that's a lot of work my friend !!! my hat for pulling this off !

[Gav0909]

Haha thanks Norm. I do seem to be spending some time rescuing builds lately! I had to rescue my Mosquito, and thankfully its turned out better than it was before so hopefully this will go the same way!

I got my new paints in the post today, so after priming the last few bits in a minute and letting that dry I can carry on with painting this plane soon.

[Lee]

You have definitely put the time in on the Gav

[Gav0909]

Cheers Lee.

Well today I got alot done on the Seafire. She is now pretty much painted, bar perhaps a few details here and there. She has had a coat of Klear and then she will get a panel line wash then decals. Not going to weather it up much, weathering planes etc is still a dark art for me, so at the moment I would rather not risk spoiling my work. Need to build a small board to mount it on, anyone know anywhere good to print off carrier deck markings?

Fuselage as it stands before Klear.



Wings



Ooo colourful.....


Cheers for looking.

[Paul]

Nice work gav, she's getting there now

[Gav0909]

Yup, Klear on, wash on. Next I think I will stick the wings to the fuselage and start adding the decals. Then it will be final details touch ups, paint and add the canopy then a matt varnish to finish.

[Lee]

WOW - Good progress matey! Paint job looks good too

[Gav0909]

So here is the next update on this build.

[youtube]soj_3Blc-SE[/youtube]

Tonight I should get the cannon barrels glued in, and get a start made on the decals. Once they are done, I will add some light weathering in the form of some oil stains and gun smoke stains on the wings.

[Modelpro72]

You the man!!!!!


Lenny

[Gav0909]

Cheers Lenny.

Got most of the decalling done last night. Just the underside and one or two on the left wing to do then she will be getting some weathering (light oil stains in places and light chipping on the prop/wing edges etc) then a final matt coat.

[Gav0909]

So here are some pics of the Seafire, post-decalling, but pre-weathering and final varnish.






I had to cut the underwing serial numbers because the slipper fuel tanks are in the way! I also had to either cut a slit, or a small hole in each of the underwing roundels so that they would fit over the pitot tube, and aerials! But all turned out well.

I also have to do the yellow tips on the props still.

Cheers for looking.

[Paul]

Looking good gav, nice smooth paintwork

[Gav0909]

She is complete!

Finished pics can be found here

Youtube video will be up in about half an hour or so perhaps.

[Modelpro72]

Gav. That's the Dogs dingly dangly wibbly wobbly bits!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Lenny

[graham22]

Started something new while the paint drys on the Marauder
Seafire F.XVII

Assembled the cockpit

[Gav0909]

Looks good so far Graham. Were you meant to post it in this thread though? Just checking!