Spitfire MK XVI ‘SL 549’ 17th RAF Squadron
Hi everybody,
I would like to present you the Spitfire MK XVI.
Built 2-3 years ago, here is the model. As usual every parts are coming from the box and no extra added, the build is the 1/48 Eduard Profipack.
The kit was, as usual, not a surprise, well-detailed and well-fitting kit. The major problem I could find were on the upper and lower engine cowl. Those needs to be glued together and to avoid that any seem could be seen. For the rest not much difficulty encountered. I just lost the seat belts while handling the model, which have been replaced by P-51 seat belts. I hope this is not too obvious.
Unfortunately I could not find a lot of information about the SL 549. I just know that she was commissioned in Oct 1947 and operating with the 12th communication group and finished her operating life in Farnborough from ‘49 to ’51.
Hope you enjoy and don’t hesitate to leave comment and recommendation.
10 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Spiros Pendedekas said on April 23, 2021
That’s a really nice spit, Yann, in lovely post war markings.
Well done!
Yann Bertholet said on April 23, 2021
Tks a lot Spiros, it’s been a while that I was not following Imodeler, but yesterday was a shinny day so I decided to take a model to take few shots. How are your progress with the F-16? Last time the undercarriage were in position what a nice build!!!
Spiros Pendedekas said on April 23, 2021
Thanks my friend @yann!
Here she is today, ready for weathering and final coat:
Hopefully I will sneak some time this afternoon to work on her, as my two little monkeys (errr, sorry, my young boys…..) are all over me!
Yann Bertholet said on April 23, 2021
Well she looks marvelous , waiting for weathering and canopy. Don’t worry for the monkey, I have one my self!!!…. He is 6 yo and started modeling few weeks ago (with help from daddy!). BTW today and yesterday was flying day (living near EBFS airbase) just enjoying to see them flying.
George Williams said on April 23, 2021
Lovely outdoor photographs, @Yann, which paint did you use to get that finish? Definitely liked.
Yann Bertholet said on April 23, 2021
Tks a lot for the comment George. Regarding the paint I can not remember exactly but for sure it was a Revell Enamel paint either 90 or 99 (maybe a mix???) . Sorry for the fuzzy answer.
Greg Kittinger said on April 23, 2021
Nice clean spit!
Yann Bertholet said on April 24, 2021
Thank you very much for the comment Greg
George Schembri said on April 23, 2021
We ended yesterday with a great teardrop Spitfire and we started the day with another great teardrop Spit! Nicely done.
The only recommendation I can think of Yann is ‘more photos’.
Yann Bertholet said on April 24, 2021
Thanks a lot George. I will remember for the next model to take more pictures from the build
John Healy said on April 23, 2021
Nice work, Yann. Spitfires look great in silver.
Yann Bertholet said on April 24, 2021
Tks John. the paint scheme change a little bit from the usual RAF camo.
John vd Biggelaar said on April 23, 2021
Beautiful build, Yann,
Shining like a star in the sun.
Great paintwork and detailing on the interior.
Yann Bertholet said on April 24, 2021
Many thanks John for the nice comment!
Robert Royes said on April 23, 2021
Nicely done, a real beauty!
Yann Bertholet said on April 24, 2021
Thank you very much Robert.
George Henderson said on April 23, 2021
Looks great. I’m building the Weekend version of this kit at this very moment, the one with the “5s”. Getting ready to glue the fuselage together in 5 minutes
Yann Bertholet said on April 24, 2021
Thanks George. Enjoy your build and good luck with engine cowls… Those gave me a lot of trouble!!!
Jeff Bailey said on April 23, 2021
Wow! Spitfires galore! All that and yard monkeys to boot!
Yann, great work on this beautiful aircraft. Bravo!!!
Yann Bertholet said on April 24, 2021
Thanks a lot Jeff. More to come !!! But I first need to clean them and make some minor repairs on them.
Eric Berg said on April 24, 2021
Very, very nice Yann! This is a great kit and you did it justice. Thanks for including those reference photos.
Yann Bertholet said on April 24, 2021
Thanks a lot Eric. I like to make some research on the model I’m building. But I unfortunately don’t succeed to always find info on the plane nor pilots.
Colin Gomez said on April 25, 2021
Very nice finish and decal work, Yann. We don’t see so many builds of late mark Spitfires. The all metal finish really brings out the sleek lines of the bubble top Spitfire.
Yann Bertholet said on April 27, 2021
Many thanks Colin for the comment.