Airfix Supermarine Spitfire Mk. Vb 1/48
Having just completed the Mk.1 Spitfire by Airfix, i decided to do another one. This is the Airfix Supermarine Spitfire Vb in 1/48th scale. It represents a plane of No. 133 squadron in Biggin Hill in 1942. Decals are from the kit.
I painted it with AK interactive and Ammo Mig acrylics and used a some enamels for weathering and the obligatory panel line wash. In the end a light grey acrylic filter by Ammo Mig and a Vallejo matte varnish. Again, the filter really helped blending in the colors and the decals.
Having just finished the fantastic Airfix Mk. 1, i expected to be in a treat yet again. Unfortunately, the fit was inadequate in my opinion. There was a lot of sanding and filling gaps! This startled me a bit considering this kit was released after the Mk. 1 edition. Nonetheless, a good kit with lots of detail and in the end it's all up to us modellers how much we want to invest, right?
I thought of adding antenna wire, but i currently cannot find rigging for a reasonable price online. So that will have to wait.
Anyway, i have a few more Spits in the stash (which sane modeller does not?) and i do look forward to building them all.
Happy modelling!
Really nice looking Spitfire, Felix @fxrob
The weathering and worn colors do give it a very realistic look.
To be honest, I don't have a Spitfire in my stash currently, yes, a shame. Looking at yours, it is clear that I definitely need to have one.
Dear John @johnb, thanks a lot! Ha, it's never too late to get a Spit!
Well done. I use Uschi van der Rosten Super-fine Rigging Thread for antennae. $15.62CAN for 150ft
https://www.uschivdr.com/shopping-categories/shop-rigging-and-various/
Dear George @blackadder57, thanks a lot! Also the link is much appreciated - is the Uschi rigging flat like the Ammo Mig? Difficult to handle? I have a Walrus and a Gladiator in the pipeline 🙂
Its just like normal thread and very stretchy. It sticks to a drop of CA almost instantly. The super-fine is like holding a spider web, sometimes I don't know if I'm holding it or not
Well done, Felix!
EZ-Line is another nice product to use and it's stretchiness is very forgiving. Maybe try some railroad online shops. I believe they use it for telephone pole wire.
Dear Gary @gwskat, thanks a lot for your kind words! I have looked up EZ-Line and i will definitely go and hit a modell shop in town.
Superb job and excellent result, Felix!
Kalimera Spiros @fiveten, thanks a lot! Much appreciated!
Very nicely done Felix (@fxrob). The paintwork looks great and even with the fit problems, you nailed it.
Thanks, Carl @clipper! Maybe i overreacted, the kit is not as bad as i described it.
Well done, Felix (@fxrob). The camo and markings really look great. I am building an Eduard Mk. Vb right now, and I am starting to wish I had build this one instead.
Dear George @gblair, thank you for your compliments! Yes, i have seen your build thread and enjoy reading it very much - don't give up on that Eduard kit. Looking forward to seeing yours!
Nice looking Spitfire. The Airfix Spits (recent ones) are pretty nice to build.
Thank you, Dan @dbdlee! Yes, i think they offer a good amount of details whilst not being overly complicated. And if you want more, there is always the aftermarkets sets.
A looker Felix! Nicely done.
Hi Greg @gkittinger, thank you very much!