1/48 Spitfire FR XIVe “Bubbletop”, 402 Squadron, RCAF, March, 1945
I've finished my Airfix 1/48 Spitfire FR XIVe, completed as a 402 Squadron (RCAF) machine, March, 1945. As I understand it, 402 was one of two Squadron's to operate the "bubbletop" before the end of the war in Europe. I found the Airfix kit to be good, but required careful assembly and a fair amount of shimming.
I used Ultracast's Spitfire seat with late harness and access door. I also used Quickboost's Gyro gunsight.
I've used kit decals, Xtradecals X023-48 Squadron codes, Aviaeology A0D48C05 Serial No.s, andA0D48009m Stencils.
Paints used were Tamiya acrylics XF81 Dark green, XF82 Ocean grey and XF83 Medium sea grey, weathering with Humbrol enamels and pastels.
Thanks for looking, hope you like,
And a Merry Christmas to all,
Colin
11 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Great job! I love the subtle but effective weathering.
Thanks! Sometimes I find it hard not to overdo the weathering, but every plane is different - some need a lot, some it would just detract from the looks of the subject. Glad you liked the weathering on this one. 402 only had them for a couple of months, so they shouldn't have been too battered up!
Merry Christmas to you too ! Your Spitfire is a beautiful plane... very nice work with everything. The photo of the original plane and the model posed in the same stance are virtually indistinguishable. If you didn't look at the fuselage codes and serial numbers, you would think it was the same plane !
Thanks for sharing it with us.
"liked"
Thank you, It really is a great kit, just needing a little patience to build!
Great work, Colin. I see in the cockpit shot that you discovered the main "secret" to successful assembly, that "backing" for the gas tank. If you check my review here, I came up with a few other tricks, that can lead to a completely stress-free build (you know you're going to do more than one).
I like this one a lot. Beautiful paint work.
Thank you, I got the idea for the backing from one of your builds. The other thing I did was cement the leading edge of the tank cover to a .010" piece of plasticard, then sand it flush when dry. This gave nice tight seams front and back, requiring no filler. It's a shame that on a new release, so much shimming was required, but at least Airfix gave us a Mk XIV !
That's an interesting idea. I have one left and will toss that one into the Big Bag O' Modeling Tricks for future reference. Thanks!
Your Fr XIV has personality, a sober but meticulous paint work a subtle weathering. But the best part for me is the cockpit. Seasons greetings to you Colin
Thanks, and Seasons Greetings to you.
I agree, Airfix gave us a great cockpit, requiring little more than a replacement seat!
Very nice. Very nice indeed.
Great work, Colin! Your paintwork is top notch. I’m glad we’re all building multiples of this kit.
Very nice work. Those clipped wing Spit’s are really growing on me.
The ultimate Spit! Great job!
Fantastic job ?
Very nice!