1/48 Spitfire Mk XIVe , 402 Squadron, RCAF
1/48 Spitfire Mk XIVe 'Highback", 402 Squadron, March, 1945
I've finished a Spitfire XIVe highback by converting the Airfix 1/48 Spit XIX without kitbashing. I realize there were easier ways to get there, but I purchased the kit and parts when these were the only options, so I may as well use them.
I used the Airfix 1/48 Mk XIX, Barracudacast 4 spoke wheels, and cylinder head covers (to correct the short kit covers), Ultracast's Spitfire seat with late harness, access door, and Mk XIVe cannon barrels. I also used Quickboost's Gyro gunsight and Mike Grant instrument decals,
I filled the unwanted panel lines and blisters/intakes and camera ports with Zap glue and talc, Millput, or scrap plastic. I shortened the ailerons, scribed the appropriate panel lines, and added the blisters from stretched sprue, reprofiled Eduard FW-190 bombs, and cannon bases from aluminum tubing.
For the vacuform canopy, I added inner framework from strip, guide rails for the sliding section (it actually slides open and closed on the tracks) and the emergency canopy release's from brass wire, blobs of 5 minute epoxy, and strip.
I scratch built the inner fuselage lower section to cover the wing root cavities, drilled out the lightening holes in the cockpit frames, opened up the rear bulkhead, opened the access door, built up the aft fixed canopy sill, replaced the cylinder head covers with the Barracudacast parts, and drilled out the exhaust, torque links and tie down point.
Paints used are Tamiya acrylics, and weathered with Humbrol enamels, and pastel chalks. Decals I've used are Xtradecals 48130 Spit Mks XIV-XVIII, Aviaeology A0D48C05 Serial No.s, andA0D48009m Stencils.
Thanks for looking, hope you like.
Link to build log -
Great looking Spit Colin. I think I'll wait till Airfix does this version as the older I get easier is better!
Thanks, I do hope Airfix does release a 'highback' at some point
That's a really handsome Spit! Well done.
Thanks! The Mk XIV has always seemed the most elegant of the Spit line to me.
Nice result to all that hard work.
Thank you for your service. Your effort will be rewarded with the release of a high-back F.XIV in 2020 by Airfix. 🙂
Thanks!
I have no doubt that is what will happen! That is exactly what has occurred so many times before.
Glad to be of service!
Beautiful model Colin
Thank you!
Great job Colin! It gets my vote for model of the month. And yes, I’m hoping Airfix releases one next year.
Thanks, Airfix does give you a great basis to work with, I do hope for more from them.
that is a work of art. I just finished a 1:32 Spit, and have a new appreciation for the plane. Also, anyone who can pull off this level of detail in 1:48. Nice work.
Thanks, So many Spits, so little time!
your typical splendid work
Thank you, I wish it was typical, but, alas, I know better!
You have a serious set of model building skills Colin! Your Spit is magnificent.
Thank you, I’m afraid it not skill, but the time to re-do mistakes over and over again! (and there are far to many of them!)
Thanks everyone, and a Happy Holidays to all!