**** DONE: GB-55 1:48 Supermarine Spitfire Mk.VIII - MTO lll

[N4521U]

Attaboy!

 

[Vic Balshaw]

You jumped to the challenge Geo and did well, if it wasn't white now, who would know.

 

[Crimea_River]

Just as good Geo.

 

[Wurger]

 

[Wayne Little]

Nothing wrong with that Geo, good stuff.

 

[fubar57]

Thanks all. Everything I attempt to do has been learned from you guys and given me confidence to at least try. Finally got to spraying the innards. First up, Tamiya Flat Aluminum. Lots of discussion about what colour was behind the seat. I've seen both Aluminum and Cockpit Green. The late Edgar Brooks says the change over to C.G. was midway through the Mk.IX run but Mk.VIIIs destined for overseas duties "probably" had C.G. to combat corrosion from shipping. I found a photo of an Aussie Mk.VIII recovered from the jungle with a higher serial number than the aircraft I'm doing and you can clearly see Aluminum or NMF behind the seat so that's the way I went

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I decided to open the top lightning holes on the seat frame as well as the frame behind it.

 

[Vic Balshaw]

Fine bit of work Geo. I like that you take time out to drill a few holes to give the model some authentication.

 

[Jock Tamson]

Looking good

 

[Wurger]

 

[Crimea_River]

Those little holes are tricky and you did well not breaking that part. Good stuff.

 

[N4521U]

Eggggggcellllent

 

[fubar57]

Thanks guys. Main colours on, detail painting to start. Seat and cylinders posing for posterity

 

[le_steph40]

Very nice

 

[Vic Balshaw]

This is going to be good, the seat looks great.

 

[fubar57]

Thanks Steph and Vic. Weathering done. Gloss coated with Future, washed with Citadel Gryphonne Sepia, and flat coated with Vallejo Flat. This is the flattest flat I have.

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I started chipping with a quilters silver pencil and then thought I would try something different. I used a mechanical pencil on the armoured plates and I really prefer the effect over the silver.

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I wanted to use the I.P. decal over the flat panel. As soon as the decal hit the flat surface it stuck tight, a little cock-eyed and everything I tried wouldn't make it budge. I even left it in hot water for over 10 minutes and it held tight. I painted the other panel Tamiya Nato Black and dry-brushed with Sky Grey. For the "glass", I used Tamiya Clear; that's all I ever use it for now

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And now for something completely different. You'd think Eduard would include something as significant as the hand brake on the spade grip. I believe every other kit maker does. This was absent on my other Eduard Spitfire as well. Grip still needs to be painted before I glue it in place and then I can get ready to button it up

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[Vic Balshaw]

A fine days work sir.

 

[Wurger]

 

[Jock Tamson]

That's looking good George. Lots of nice details on show

 

[Crimea_River]

Agree with all.

 

[Wayne Little]

Some great work there George....!