Subject: Re: Airfix Seafire
From: "Steve Bamford ARC" <[email-masked]>
To: "Pete Hudson" <[email-masked]>
Date: Wed, 21 Jul 2004 20:13:31 -0700

Hi Pete,
I just wanted to let you know your article went on ARC today.  Thanks for sending it in.   

Steve Bamford
Aircraft Resource Center
http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com
 
Live like there is no tomorrow;
Love like you've never been hurt.
Work like you don't need the money.
Dance like nobody's watching.
Sing like nobody's listening.
Live like it's Heaven on Earth.

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Pete Hudson 
  To: Steve Bamford ARC 
  Sent: Friday, June 25, 2004 6:48 AM
  Subject: Airfix Seafire

    
  "1/48 Airfix Seafire FR47" 

  by "Pete Hudson (Dr Fester)"
  --------------------

        Steve Bamford will insert full sized version of photo 01.jpg here 

  This particular Seafire was flown in the Korean Theatre during 1950 from HMS Triumph, and piloted by Garth Hanchard-Goodwin during September of that year.  The reason this aircraft is featured in kits is that a picture of it exists stripped down and being launched pilotless on steam catapult trials from HMS Perseus.  So it now sits unceremoniously on the sea bed. 

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        Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 03.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 03.jpg 

        Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 04.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 04.jpg 

  One reason for choosing this kit was for entry in the NAVAIR group build, details at http://hometown.aol.com/charlbrown2/index.html.  The main reason is I just love the shape of the Spitfire/Seafire and all its variants.

  So here is my Airfix Seafire which I intended to built OOB but eventually I took the plunge and added Eduard PE cockpit and flaps.  Its been a while since I've made an Airfix kit and was very impressed in the detail level and panel lines etc.  A few fit problems wing root especially but on the whole a good kit.  Unfortnately most of the cockpit detail is hidden under a layer of matt black, so if I made another I would probably not install any. I drilled out the exhausts and dropped the elevators but other than that its a straightforward build.  Tamiya paints used throughout and a 'little' weathering with pastels.

  Whilst researching this kit I have been helped by Clive Roper,  this man knows all there is to know about the Seafire.  He has helped me with colours and background for this aircraft, many thanks again Clive.

          
        Steve Bamford will insert full sized version of photo 02.jpg here 

  A few words of warning when building this kit, the Airfix kit allows both FR46 and FR47 to built.  The FR47 has options for wings folded, which I didn't want, this is a weak joint for the wing.  I attempted to reinforce the join with spars made of sprue which is not ideal.  Also the kit canopy sits too high and I would recommend a Vac replacement.  Also the decals are a little transparent and roundels on stripes don't mix too well, so a layer of white under the decals should cure this.

  Conclusion:

  A pleasing kit to build and hats off to Airfix for the level of detail.  If you haven't one in your stash go get one now.

  Happy modelling

  Pete

        Click on images below to see larger images
       
        Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 05.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 05.jpg 

       Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 06.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 06.jpg 

       Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 07.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 07.jpg 

  Photos and text © 2004 by "Pete Hudson"