**** DONE: GB-39 1/72 Spitfire Mk.I – Battle for France to Battle of Britain

[parsifal]

Bit of a dilemma now...…..the colour match seems to be a bit off but not so bad as to be a total respray or do I retain it and finish as is. The surviving museum pieces seem to display a range of shades to the base colour …..that picture of "XTO" is probably even a shade or two darker, or at least less "red" than mine, im hoping that the clear coat might have the subtle toning down effect that im looking for. But is "XTO" even an accurate representation of the camo scheme? I do know that there is a wide variety in the hues available on the internet, and the colour mix ive applied for that brown followed the Tamiya painting instructions......XF-52:1 + XF64:1
Will need to think some more as other wise I think the painting has progressed fairly well

 

[N4521U]

 

[parsifal]

Hardcoat applied to the skin and exhausts painted up and attached. just standing around waiting for paint to dry.....

 

[Wurger]

 

[Donivanp]

Looking really nice but wait till Waynes 109's get done, nah so there!

 

[parsifal]

That would be like a case of hartmann up against some poor Russian Schmuck...…….

 

[Wayne Little]

Beware the Hun in the Sun......

Nice....

 

[fubar57]

Doing good

 

[parsifal]

had a few days sebatacle, but should kick back in this weekend. Decalling is next.

 

[Gnomey]

Lovely work so far!

 

[A4K]

Nice work Michael!

 

[parsifal]

MSo, the main decals are on, and generally okay, though by no means perfect...…..I will let the photos do the talking I think.....

I had to go back and use decal softener to try and get that enormous crinkle in the starboard side roundel. I think I have got it out now...…

More wrinkles above the W. I ve applied bucket loads of setting agent. I think its worked now, but will wait until morning

 

[fubar57]

Always one or two that act up

 

[Wurger]

Looking good.

 

[A4K]

Surprised about the decal problems Michael. Only used Tamiya decals once myself, but had no trouble (I used Gunze Mr.Softer as a setting agent). Hope they work out anyway mate!

 

[parsifal]

Pilot error most probably

 

[A4K]

Usually the cause of my troubles too Michael

 

[Airframes]

Hopefully they'll setle down OK. Most Tamiya decals from this period (late 1990s) tended to be rather thick, but do settle eventually.

Incidentally, for general information, I've been able to establish that armour plate, self-sealing tanks and the 'second generation' De Wilde ammunition started to be introduced in late March / early April, 1940., with the 'bullet proof' windscreens being fitted slightly earlier.

 

[N4521U]

In spite of the troubles with the deecals, it's looking rather nice!

 

[Crimea_River]

Agree with Bill.

BTW when I spoke with a couple if aircraft restorers, mention was made of the fact that various shades of Dark Earth show up on modern RAF flyers as the colour is quite hard to replicate.