This is my first submission to
ARC so I'm just a little nervous. I built this kit a while back after a 20yr hiatus
from the hobby. When I was surfing the internet I came across sites such as
ARC and was impressed with the standard of work and how the techniques had
improved. So inspired I decided to return to the fold. When I first started
modelling in the 60's and 70's the only kits available to my meager pocket money
were Matchbox, Revell and Airfix. So I never really got a chance to build the
Japanese wonder kits. I remember my excitement at the release of Airfix's 1/24th
Spitfire and my Dad said he would buy it for me if I saved up the first quid! I
think it only cost about £4.00p back then!! Anyway I have always liked the big
superkits and in the mid seventies I built this big monster........and they
don't come much bigger. Naturally as a means of re-living my childhood and
trying my hand at a few of the new painting techniques I began with what I
believe to be one of Airfix's best ever kits.
Click on
images below to see larger images
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Basically I built it
straight out of the box and decided to concentrate on painting and weathering techniques.
The fit of the kit is still good even by todays standards, except for the engine
cowls which I left off. The cockpit and engine detail are the highlight of this
model even OOB. I pre-shaded the panel lines with Acrylic matt
black after priming with car undercoat....the advantage of large kits is you can
use car paints without obliterating the detail. I then used Tamiya Black Green
and NATO Green for the splinter pattern and Tamiya Light Blue for the underside.
The pictures above show the pre shading quite nicely aswell as the black oil
wash applied to the panel lines. After painting I sealed the model with Car
laquer....... again big kits can take it and it gives a really smooth finish for
weathering and decal application. I used a dry brush technique to highlight the
rivets and used Tamiya Metallic Grey for the scratches. Sorry about the grainy
effect on one of the photos (looks authentic WW2 though) but you can still
make out the excellent detail in the cockpit. The only aftermarket pieces I
added to the kit were seatbelts from eduard. Finally I gave it a Matt coat of
Humbroll varnish added the canopy and posed it on a flag that gives a nice
concrete apron effect being serviced (even down to the life like weeds; I
mean bushes....) I hope you enjoy this kit as much as I have enjoyed reading
your articles. Keep up the good work and thanks for the inspiration.
James
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