Seafire FR.47: Airfix 1/48
My attempt at the 90's Airfix Seafire, built from its original boxing. This represents VP 461, flying with 800 Naval Air Squadron, based initially in Hong Kong before its deployment to the Korean War aboard HMS Triumph.
I can see why this was a landmark kit for Airfix; fit and detail are generally excellent. Only the thick, ancient decals were an obstacle - I can see why they were abandoned in later boxings. Partly because of this - and partly to retain as much of the nice surface detail as possible - I opted to paint the invasion stripes and roundels, plus the larger codes, using Montex masks.
The only other additions were a Falcon canopy, Eduard PE harness (and some stencils), plus some scratch detailing in the cockpit and a couple of rudimentary oblique cameras.
I tried to conjure an airframe pushed hard in action, but maintained to withstand life on a carrier. I'm sure no exposed metal would've been permitted, although the wear of constant use must've built up over time. Of those planes that survived the conflict, only a few were airworthy; many others were scrapped upon their return, driven to the end of their functional lives.
This final iteration of the Spitfire is such a striking, muscular end to the line. Although piston engine fighters were pretty much obsolete by the time the FR.47 entered service, the Seafire is a mighty last gasp.
Thanks for looking.
That’s just gorgeous, Tim T, the weathered finish is just sublime. I love to see well built Airfix kits, and this is one of the best I’ve seen here on iModeler.
Thanks, George! That's high praise indeed. Airfix get a lot of flack, it seems, but my string of recent kits have all been good experiences.
Looks really nice! I thought for sure that it was the new-tool kit, I had to read twice to make sure that I saw correctly it was the old one! Well done
Thanks, David. The 90's kit was really excellent, although when it was reboxed those terrible decals were replaced with Cartograph, which was a distinct upgrade.
High marks for a fine build, weathered well.
Thanks, Bob. It was a good experience all round - both building and painting.
Excellent build Tim
Thank for looking, Rafi! I appreciate the support.
All those bulges make me think of a muscle-builder on steroids! You really captured her look well. Excellent build - I HAVE to add one of these to my stash...
Yes - my thoughts exactly. Compared to the Mk. I, the FR.47 looks incredibly beefy. I'd recommend the kit if you haven't tried one before.
What a stunner! A Spitfire on steroids.
My compliments.
Your Seafire is fantastic. Great paint job.
Very nice weathering
Fabulous result on this old Airfix Seafire, Tim @timtozer231
The weathering on it looks amazing.
Amazing result, Tim! Excellent painting and weathering and very nice write-up!
Congratulations!
Nicely done, all around, Tim!
Really excellent work Tim, and a very accurate representation of what these airplanes looked like after their participation in the first 100 days of the Korean War.
One thing historically: 800 Squadron went aboard Triumph in Britiain for a tour in the Far Eastern Fleet, where they flew strikes against the communists in Malaya. Then they went up to Hong Kong for a final visit before returning to Britain, only to find the day after they arrived that there was a new war on. Triumph made the Pyongyang strikes with Valley Forge over the July 4 weekend that convinced Stalin not to commit the Red Air Force to direct support of the Norks and their invasion.
Thanks, Tom. I used your entry on the Seafire as a reference, so apologies if I misrepresented it in my summary. Your articles are usually part of my research.
Glad you think the paintwork is a decent reflection of what these planes went through. Often, I've seen the FR.47 build almost spotlessly clean.
That’s particularly awesome work!
This is excellent. I have one on the bench now. I am going to use yours as a reference for my finish.
Absolutely beautiful in this scheme!
Superb, Tim; in every respect. The Falcon canopy certainly makes a worthwhile difference.
I'm lucky to have one in the stash, which soon be on the 'to build ' list.