Airfix Supermarine Spitfire Mk1a (A01071A)

[GarethCrossland]

Ok, so at long last I've finished the Airfix Spitfire. I'm not as prolific as some of you guys. Even these simple kits take me quite a while. You probably know how it is, life getting in the way etc.

So what have I learned this time? I've learned that I don't like using Klear or whatever-the-hell-it's-called. It always seems to react with Micro Set/Sol and dries a bit rough. It might be my technique, I dunno. I'm gonna give Alclad Clear a go next time. I like the way the cockpit turned out. I used a wash and a pencil for the wear marks on the edges of the seat and rear frame. It may be a bit heavy handed, I do tend to go a bit far. You can't really see that much of it through the canopy anyway. I didn't do any pre-shading or anything, maybe I'll try it on the next one. I used the Ultimate Dark Dirt for the panel line wash which I think looks good. I also used Tamiya Mud weathering powder all over the airframe and for the gun and exhaust stains, although I went over them with Tamiya Smoke too. I used the Eduard canopy and camoflage mask sets which saved me making a bloody mess of the canopy and camo. No paint chipping on this one, still working on my technique for that. Maybe 1/72 is a bit small for someone so kak handed.

Anyhoo have a look and see what you think. I'm fairly satisfied with the way it turned out, but there's always room for improvement. Onwards and upwards. The bench is clear, ready for the next one. As always comments and constructive critisism is always greatly recieved.

Thanks for reading,

Gareth.

[arilo76]

Nice work Gareth,you did really a nice work, well done.
Alcalde Alc-600 aqua gloss is the one to go or there is another technique using tamiya X-22 and using Mr hobby Leveling thinner ( 50% X-22 and 50% Mr hobby leveling thinner) and when you finished with a very light, misted coat of straight leveling thinner.

hope it helps
Full article
https://doogsmodels.com/2016/01/01/figh ... #more-3740

[SteveW]

You have done a nice job there Gareth. I'm the same I don't like the pledge stuff. I usually use Alclad now. If I may suggest that it looks like you have attached the undercarriage legs on the wrong way? I think they need to be swapped over.

[GarethCrossland]

If I may suggest that it looks like you have attached the undercarriage legs on the wrong way? I think they need to be swapped over.

I told you I was kak handed! Too late now, it's gone to it's new home. I made it for my father-in-law as a surprise pressie. Thanks for all the advice. I'm going to try Alclad next time.

[strawnobi]

I like your build. You've done a great job. Might I suggest using a 50/50 mixture of Mr. color leveling thinner and Tamiya clear. I've used it on the last couple of builds including the salmson and it works great. You have to build up several layers. I later flat it with aqueous flat after decals and another coat of clear. I learned the mixture from one of Paul's videos awhile back. I like it much better than future. It self levels obviously. Future is great for flooring though.

[ElCapitan]

Looks great, makes me want to get my own spitfire finished!

[Avgas]

Great build. Don't worry about the undercarriage doors, we've all done stuff like that!

[Kevthemodeller]

Lovely build mate