Now to start as usual in first airbrushing Interior Grey/Green for the cockpit, components and the fuselage halves. Also to note that Tamiya molded this kit in a Desert Tan color, and also added the Volks and Aboukir sand filters. Also the pilot is molded in a tropical uniform in flying shorts. Next up airbrushing the landing gear and silver/natural metal components then we start building. More to follow.
Chuck
Fly Navy

2 attached images. Click to enlarge.

Hi Martin, thanks for the comment, yes they do go together well. No though those markings are nice and colorful but done many times over, I decided to go with markings you don't see to often. Yellow T L, in the MTO scheme. A clipped wing Spit with an Aboukir sand filter.

Good luck sir, these Tamiya kits are shake and bake but beware of their decals, can be c**p.
Look forward to seeing some more.

Thanks for the tips on the decals, will only be using the stencils but but will be wary in how they perform when I get to that stage of the build. On the Tam Mk.I build last year I used only the roundels and stencils and they worked out ok, being that I have had all three Spits for over 10 years in the stash so imagine the age of the decals as well and how long they were sitting in storage prior to me taking possession of them. So they are even older.

Today we start in the cockpit as usual, first the rear bulkhead and floor are test fitted. And really the fit is excellent, I leave it loose so when installed it will align correctly into the fuselage then will be cemented in place. The main cockpit components are painted with Aeromaster War Color Acrylic, Interior Grey/Green, I used IJN Red Brown for the seat back and headrest. And a silver Pencil for the worn edges. A wash of dirty thinner will be used once everything is assembled.

Next I take the seat and insert into the floor and paint the rear seat back IJN Red Brown. Put it aside and dry, in the meantime I will remove the LH side cockpit flip down door as this will be displayed open.

5 attached images. Click to enlarge.

Clicked on the wrong button, I wasn't ready to post my reply yet, sheesh. Anyway to continue on. Next is to install the seatbelts to seat before installing it to the floor. It is two sets of the upper harness and the lap belts to attach. Using white glue and Cyno to install each bit. Carefully feeding the harness through the small slot above the seat right below the headrest. Just hold your breath and feed. Then carefully pushing the buckles into the lower seat pan to give it some character. Next the lap belts are attached. The regulator is also installed behind the seat as well as the seat adjust lever on the RH side of the seat. The regulator is painted Gloss Black. Next the pedals and control yoke are installed. The top portion again painted Gloss Black. A little wash and some silver pencil used to highlight the wear areas of the floor and pedals. Next to take the forward bulkhead and remover the instrument details to prepare for the PE replacement IP and gauges. It's a 3 step process that really enhances the cockpit. In all honesty I can still paint the details with a brush. Highlight the rings and buttons. But this looks so much better and quicker. With these zoom sets. Thats it for now, next I will attach the PE bits on each inner panels and install the cockpit into the fuselage. Thanks for viewing.

Chuck

Fly Navy

15 attached images. Click to enlarge.

After a long hiatus, it is time to get back into the Spit. Last we had assembled the cockpit, seat and instrument panel. Next we address the inner fuselage walls and details and finally get them together and get it all together. After removing the door on the LH fuselage, next we add the PE bits, on both sides. On the port side we add the oxygen tanks, radio and some other bits. On the starboard side the control lever and PE cables are installed. These details really enhance the cockpit. Next a test fit of the fuselage halves to make sure everything is clear and aligned. Once everything looks, good time to button her up. Next we actually start to assemble the stabs and wings.

8 attached images. Click to enlarge.