Masked and painted the exhausts Tamiya Hull Red and then rubbed on some graphite. Added a bit of blue from a coloured pencil but I'm not sure I'm liking that.
Getting close to the finish. Canopy, nav light, radio antenna, and entry door installed. Tamiya uses a nice method to simulate the thin sliding hood by providing a recessed section of fuselage into which it is inserted. It makes for a convincing representation of the open hood by not making it look so bulky as would be the case for most other kits.
So, the question now is: should I be installing the "cheesecutter" IFF aerials? Pics of N3200 on the beach do not show them, though they are hard to see in even the best pictures. The modern restoration of N3200 did not include them, perhaps for safety reasons, but the Tamiya instructions do show them. The real N3200 was on strength with No 19 Squadron for only about a month before being shot down on May 26, 1940. Any constructive input would be appreciated.
Nice work Andy.
Not 100% sure, but I don't think the IFF wires were present at that period. Without checking my references, I think the wires were much later - from early August rings a bell.
EDIT: The Spitfire Site confirms the IFF cheesecutter aerials were introduced late September/early October 1940. So that's one less item on the "to do" list and shame on Tamiya!
Nice work Andy. That open canopy looks the bees knees!
Definitely going to use this kit as a base for an attempt at making K5054, even though it will require more than a few "adjustments" in this area alone (just need to get the skills up to scratch first!).
All done. I kept the weathering very restrained so there's just a bit of chipping in the wing roots and service points in addition to the exhaust stains and a bit of gun smoke.
I'd like to thank all those who helped with their knowledge, especially Darryl for his cockpit expertise. Also thanks to all who have pooped in for a look and who provided comments.