Airfix 1:72 Spitfire Mk 1a

[robemcdonald]

I think it looks pretty good.
As others have said you could make your life easier for a few quid, but you have to do what works for you.
I’m quite new to model making myself. I realised a while ago that the only person you need to satisfy is yourself.
I think it’s great to have some new posters in this section.

[dr_gn]

Ayahuasca said:

Quite like the gloss look! Everyone suggesting Vallejo paints and airbrushes etc - yes but I am building this in darkest Central America and the nearest model shop is thousands of miles away. Gotta make do with what I have. Don’t have any decal solution but I read that its principle ingredient is white vinagar so used that. Not sure it worked. Next task: see if masking tape coloured with felt tip will work as the gun covers.

It’s looking very good with the decals on - every inch a Spitfire. I didn’t realise you had limited access to materials - obviously that makes things tricky!

I think that a matt coat would definitely reduce the look of any imperfections in the paint - gloss tends to -literally - highlight any issues there.

[danllama]

I'm new to modelling too, just finished building my 1/72 Typhoon and almost finished on a 1/72 Spitfire XIX. I decided to try a clear coat too, apparently essential for the type of weathering i want to try. Like you I was really pleased with how it came out! Just need to get the decals on, add the weathering and then a final coat of clear.

Your model is looking really good, hardly any noticeable brush strokes in photos. I've found the trick to be thinning the paint (I used acrylic and water), as big a brush as is practical, and many thin layers.

[Ayahuasca]

Spitfire over the Panama !

[Ayahuasca]

To do:

Fit canopy properly. May need filling under the front, but that will be a challenge.

RT wire. Melted spue?

Pitot tube

Re-do gun patches (masking tape works, but I can make them neater).

Undercarriage.

Toning wash

[Ayahuasca]

[robemcdonald]

Nice one. That’s turned out really well.

[dr_gn]

I agree, it looks nice; a classic “1:72 Airfix Spitfire”. I’d matt coat it, but I’d test the varnish first on scrap paint - it’s notoriously fickle stuff in terms of drying properly. I’ve settled in Windsor & Newton Galeria matt, but there seems little chance of you getting that locally.

BTW if you wanted some modelling stuff sending over, I wonder if it would be possible in terms of getting things like paint etc. through customs? I’d be happy to do that if it’s feasible.

[ottovonskidmark]

Great first effort. Well done for posting your progress. I wouldn’t have the balls.

[Ayahuasca]

Given up with the main RT wire - it breaks too easily when whirling the Spit around going ‘dagga dagga dagga’.

Dr - thanks for the kind offer - I do get back to the UK a few times a year so can pick up more stuff then.