SPITFIRE GROUP BUILD 2007-2008

I am sorry !!! Maybe this kit is screaming for Polish markings Always find a good side of a disaster like that .

I never had any problem with masking using tamiya tape and that masking reusable putty. Always worke d fine for me, even if I kept it for more than few days. One thing though, I always wait at least three days prior to masking enamel paints.

I decided to safe this one even tha paint if not perfect. With a close up view it shows, but even from a foot away its hard to be seen. So, let it be  

 The horizontal stabilizer will be done tonight. I painted just two colors and put on a kit for the picutre not glued yet.

I still have to resolve the brake lines on the U/C 

A question to Spitfire experts:

 After my literature digging I came to the conclusion that brake lines were located on the inside, back edge of the landing gear cover however there was also a "line" going on the front of the landing gear - a locking rod.

Is it correct ? 

Thank you Greg, I appreciate the kind words.  The only way we learn and get better is to really push ourselves, right?  Sometimes things just don't quite go as planned.

On your SPitfire brake line question, I do not have any good photos or references for this, and do not know much so I will wait for the experts to answer.  I can't wait to see a good photo of the LG too!

Yup, thats right Frank. I hope you will rebuild this one and it will be a first prize !!!!

In the meantime I resolved the issue with a "locking rod" and "brake lines" on Spitfire landing gear. The most commonly shown docuemntation may not be correct. I found one book calling the "locking rod" a brake line. .

THe brake line was located on the rear side of strut on the edge of wheel cover coming to a flexible hose loop (partial) (black). The locking rod was streight or going down with some siral way. I saw both ways.

Thank you Greg, that means a lot to me!

Good info on those brake lines, amazing isn't it how difficult it can be to find a detailed photo of that on such a famous aircraft?  I am going to look through some of my SPitfire references to see if I can find a photo of one.

Here is the latest

few more details but I may not finshe them until next Weekend 

Greg,

beautifully built and painted! I have to say I like your choice of markings too! Superb work my friend!

Thanks Gentlemen!

Here is a better view of the landing gear. I drilled few holes and added locking bar and brake line. The rest is hasegawa. a very nicely done landing gear indeed by Hasegawa

gzt, Looks awesome! Now put some flat black in that engine intake

thanks.

all pictures I have show the intake the bottom color. The intake "flap/door" was painted with the same. 

I did a little work on my Mk.I last night, sanding down the offending paint/tape stuff to a smooth finish.  It has a really worn look to it, a technique I will have to remember for a later build...

Here she is, awaiting masking the top colors and a new coat of paint on the bottom.  We'll see how it goes!  Hopefully, I will be able to save it without having to strip the entire kit and start over.

this is a Spitfire Mk IXc I made for the "African Campaign GB"

Spitfire Mk IXc "ZX-6" of Polish Fighting Team known as "Skalski's Circus" attached to the 145th RAF Squadron. A dozen of Polish Fighter pilots established a small unit with a highest score level  within RAF and US squadrons in Africa during this time. They flew 6 aircrafts Mk IXc while the rest of 145 use Vb. Their role was to cover other activities from German fighters. After this campaing Skalski became Squadron Leader of 601 and took action in Malta and later in Italy.

This is a Hasegawa 1/48with some modifications including:

- cawling changes

- small air inlet

- cannon buldges

- wing root buldges

Greg-

This is amazing work!  Outstanding paintwork, colors look spot-on.  Like the faded look to the colors- perfect to my eyes.  You've produced another stunner Greg!

Thanks for the inspiration to keep going on mine.

Learn something everyday. I didn't know there was a door in there.

Daywalker wrote:

Frank, I hope you will be able to save this one ! It is a very nice paint job !!!! 

Thanks Greg!  If it turns out half as nice as yours, I would be very happy.   I masked and sprayed the bottom yesterday, and it turned out OK.  I had to use more paint than I usually do due to the different surfaces/colors present.  All of the effects of the pre-shade were lost, and the heavier coat of paint left a little bit of a ridege in a couple of places.  I am hoping to be able to sand them down a tad in a week or so when the paint has cured.  We'll know then if all is well!

Frank,

just comparing this one to the picture above, it seems this one is bold but you can not fix it with a nice panel lines and a bit of wash. Preshading on the bottom is ... hmm ... always ... questionable anyway  

gzt wrote:

Frank, just comparing this one to the picture above, it seems this one is bold but you can not fix it with a nice panel lines and a bit of wash. Preshading on the bottom is ... hmm ... always ... questionable anyway

Frank,

I meant ".... YOU CAN FIX IT ..."  Sorry for it

gzt wrote:

Frank, I meant ".... YOU CAN FIX IT ..."  Sorry for it

No worries Greg!  I figured that's what you meant.

Sorry, I haven't been around again.  I am moving and right now homeless.  I am staying with a good friend untill I can move in my new place.

Greg your Spit looks amazing, truly amazing.  I hope mine is half as good.  I did do the preshading but that is as far as I have gotten because of the move.  I can't get over how lifelike it looks.  You must really be proud.

Frank, sorry about your Spit but if anyone can fix it and make it better it is you.

Katie

Haligan wrote:

Frank, sorry about your Spit but if anyone can fix it and make it better it is you.

Thanks Katie!  

Frank,

you have the technology to rebuild it...............

Hello Chaps!

I've just posted this over on the FAW GB, but as it qualifies here as well I thought you may like to see it.......

This is my 1/32 Seafire Mk.Ib, flown by Lt.Cmr. Duncan Hamilton, Fleet Air Arm.

Nice diorama Darren ! The details on the cockpit is so nice ... the seat looks like you made it from a thin shee of aluminum ! Stunning.

Just curious about those rivets. I thought Spit had rivets flat with a skin, heasn't it? 

Thanks Greg,

you are right about those rivets, its the way the kit ws moulded-I think its a nice detail though its not strictly correct.

Just one question, is it black or a deep dark blue?

Thanks chaps!

Roy, its a very deep dark blue.............my own paint mix.