Supermarine Seafang Mk.32 (Trumpeter 1/48)
First of all, I need to say that this is a "what if" build. There are two reasons for that: Trumpeter and Trumpeter. First reason is that model has a lot of issues with an accuracy, clearly visible if you're comparing with photos. Usually I don't care much about such things, and for me it's OK if a kit has some minor "historical" issues. But not in this case, it's just too much, and I gave up on fixing it. Second reason is that kit manufacturer made a mistake (or it was done intentionally – I don't know) and gave an incorrect number for a single existed prototype of a Mk.32. All other marking options are also "what if". So, taking into account all above, I've decided to build a non existing version of a Seafang Mk.32 of the Fleet Air Arm somewhere in between 1944 and 1946 years, with a Seafire-like camouflage scheme. And it should be heavily weathered, because... because it's a "what if".
The kit itself is of a good quality, and comes together nicely except the sliding part of a canopy – to thick and with defects, so I've made a replacement with a foil. Painted with Gunze acrylics, weathered primary with oils. Final and intermediate satin and gloss varnishes – lacquers by Hataka.
Looks great, no matter the kit's inaccuracies.
@roofrat Thanks, Robert!
I know what you're saying about this kit's deficiencies. The only really accurate 1/48 Spiteful/Seafang is the old Falcon vacuform (which is still available!). Nice work on this despite the deficiencies. Definitely a product of the Trumpy "D Team."
@tcinla Thank you, Tom. The question is – which team did a Westland Wyvern? Now I'm a little bit scared about what I'll find in a box 🙂
The Wyvern wasn't actually done by Trumpeter, but by a designer for another company that failed before they could release it. He took the design to Trumpeter and they ran with it. It is totally excellent.
Thanks for the information, Tom, I didn't know that. So, now it worth buying 🙂
Agree with Tom. I've built it and posted it here. The decals were a little sketchy but usable. I painted the Suez stripes. If you do the S.4 in the Suez conflict, no RATOs or rockets though the rails were still attached. I can't recall for sure but no plane numbers on the first raid
Kinda like when Junior Johnson build a 15/16 scale Chevelle to race at Daytona...looks like a Spit, feels like a Spit, but something’s wrong.
Still a great job on the finishing of the build.
@coondog Thanks, Matt! For me it's like Spit is morphing into Mustang 🙂
I saw that "Chevelle" car many years ago... at Smokey Yuniks shop in Daytona. (I'm a Daytona native).
Some say it was a 7/8 scale version but there's a lot of stuff said about the car stating otherwise, even by "Smokey" himself... 🙂
Another fine build, Dmitry...always a joy to see your work.
@craigindaytona Thank you, Craig!
Love it! I need one in 1/72... I like all your design choices, "what-if" or not! You finished it off beautifully.
@gkittinger Thanks, Greg! In 1/72 scale there is a kit from AZ – it contains both the existing prototype markings along with a several what-if's.
I think its a bad-a*s looking fighter-plane! Came out really nice. Love the weathering. Great job and very creative thinking.
@jjetmec thanks, Paul!
Nice job and thanks for the heads up about the quality. I really wanted one but will wait until hopefully someone makes an accurate kit
@blackadder57 Thanks, George!
Looks great regardless of accuracy. Love the finish and weathering. especially the underside. Well done.
@cchurch1117 thank you, Christopher!
This is an excellent looking plane Dmitry... I like it, and it doesn't matter to me if it isn't "accurate" .
It does remind me of a cross between a late model Spitfire and Mustang.
A "Spitstang" of sorts. 🙂 or a Mustfang...
@lgardner thank you, Louis!