Messerspit

I've always been interested to see those what-if builds some build but have never had a go myself, until now. I guess this is not a true what-if, as the Messerspit was actually built, but for me it's close enough! Czech model maker Brengun created a Spitfire Mk Vb Messerspit kit back in 2013, but reviews I’ve seen of it have not been favourable, so I thought the recently released Spitfire Mk.V v Messerschmitt Bf109 Dogfight double would be the perfect donor kit! 

The first task was to remove the noses from the two aircraft. I worked out that the seams provided the perfect lines to cut down, ensuring I turned the blade when reaching the wings.  

The cutting seemed to go OK. 

Offering up the Messerschmitt Daimler Benz nose to the hole left by removal of the Spitfire's Merlin showed that the fit would be close enough, although (unseen in these photos) quite a bit of filler was required to the underside to fill the gaps between the engine and fuselage after removing the air intakes. One day I'm going to have to invest in some plastic card! . 

I also had to cut off the Spitfire's guns as these were removed from the original. I also don't think the Messerspit had the nose guns from the Bf109 but I'm leaving them in place 

As there will be a lot of yellow in the final colour scheme, I went for an initial covering of white primer, followed by another round filling the underside from where I removed the air intakes. I do hate filling! 

While I leave it alone for that second application of filler to dry, I've painted the Luftwaffe pilot and built the propeller. I love the way this Messerschmitt and the Spitfire spinners can be built and then fitted at the end of the build. 

This kit is basically the new Spitfire and Messerschmitt starter kits, very simple but nicely detailed with those great silhouette stands.  

I've completed 'Messerspit' half of the double mash-up. 

This is actually more of a 'What-if" than I had intended as I'm probably correctly informed that the 'Messerspit' was the combination of a Spitfire Mk.V and a Messerschmitt Bf 110 (engine and cowling). So my Mk.V and Bf 109 ‘Messerspit’ is thus unique!  

This is, as it happens, quite fortunate, as not having the correct letters for the original I’ve been able to use an intriguing set from my stash and add the ‘ace of spades’ emblem, seen on many an Airfix Bf 109, to the nose for added interest. 

What fun this has been!