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I
didn't have my “most popular fighter” yet in my model collection... So this
is it : my Spitfire! I chose the HF VIII version, which is a Mk VII without
pressurized cockpit. This “Spit” was mainly used as a fighter-bomber from
June 1943 on Mediterranean & far Eastern theatres of operation.
Click on
images below to see larger images
I
chose to depict an early Mk VIII (round tail) from 145 squadron in Italy,
December 1943 numbered JF565 (ZX-A), decals from the box.
The
other version you can build is the « famous » JF502 (QJ-F or QJ-4
depending on service time) from 92 Sq. piloted by ace pilot Flt Lt James
« Eddie » Edwards.
The
kit was enhanced using the Eduard photo-etched set. This set is very complete to
detail the cockpit, the radiators and landing gear. Anyway, beware of proposed
PE torque links which can be mounted but in fact are missing on the real
aircraft as well as the extrados' bump careenage above the wheel wells which
must be sanded as it's only existing on later versions of the Spitfire. Also you
can represent lowered landing flaps, but you must know that these are lowered only
during landing, so representing it lowered when parking is inaccurate.
I also used the
Squadron vacuform canopy which needs a fix to fit the Hasegawa kit. The kit's
propeller was replaced by a resin Airwaves four blades prop which is more
accurate.
Other
added details are the wing's leading edges fuel tanks rescribed because the
panel lines are absent
from the kit's engraving. I also scratched the bars keeping the control stick
straight, not to have the control surfaces cut (how courageous I am !).
For
the camo I used Humbrol 84 (middle stone), Tamiya XF-52 (dark earth) and
Aircraft Colors 6116 (azure).
This kit was a pleasure to build
and I'd like to thanks Jean ROBERT at www.master194.com
who is a living Spitfire encyclopaedia. He was very helpful to correct the
little mistakes I could have done here.
PS
Click on
images below to see larger images
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