Biggus Spittus Airfixii

1
January 24, 2021
I know I’ll be wrestling with these moulds right from get-go. I’ll build largely o.o.t.b.**Update** many after markets will be added as I’ve succumbed to modelling mission creep!….
2
March 29, 2021
The moulds disappoint when you start working with them. Cursed ejector pins and sunk holes abound. But, the overall impression is still good for nearly 50 years!
3
March 29, 2021
Looks like a Merlin?!
4
March 29, 2021
Some
Drilling and sanding to reduce the chunky appearance. Have decided to use seat harnesses and leave the pilot out
5
March 29, 2021
Delicate cage structure, again reduced a bit and holes drilled. The other side’s looks warped on dry fitting, so anticipating some persuasive tactics.
6
March 29, 2021
Will add some extra scratch built detail too as am planning an open cockpit approach
7
April 10, 2021
Rivet inspectors please look away now! I have added some parts to the Merlin III to enhance its looks - some of it may not be entirely accurate
8
April 10, 2021
Rivet inspectors please look away now! I have added some parts to the Merlin III to enhance its looks - some of it may not be entirely accurate - other side
9
April 10, 2021
It’s well known the wheel wells are a detail disgrace- so a little scratch building is required as the after market kits aren’t around anymore.
10
April 10, 2021
Prop, however isn’t too bad
11
April 10, 2021
Sort’a looks like this.....
12
April 20, 2021
Definitely needs a wash, but the fantasy-styled Merlin III looks better for my busy scratch build approach
13
April 20, 2021
Definitely needs a wash, but the fantasy-styled Merlin III looks better for my busy scratch build approach
14
April 20, 2021
It’s nowhere near accurate- but hey, I like it!!
15
April 21, 2021
I’ve dry fitted the engine and the guitar strings have helped to keep it roughly in situ. Apart from one last piece of plumbing I’m calling this part of the build “done”
16
April 21, 2021
The port side. I will fashion the silver thing that went underneath the sump between engine and forward ventral fuselage
17
April 21, 2021
Starting the interior next. Amazing that there were so many minor changes to the cockpit walls over the I,Ia,II, and V variants- so I’m going to opt for artistic licence again!
18
April 28, 2021
The airscale instrument panel is a tour de force, this is the Mk1a, there is a Mk V option. I’ve got to add the gyro mid-centre decal. The decals are very thin but beautifully registered. I negated to use the clear film preferring Clear Set and some Future for the glass on the dials
19
April 28, 2021
Plenty of scratch building going off behind the seat too.
20
April 28, 2021
Some more detailing courtesy of more Spitfire cockpit shots seen without the seat in situ
21
April 28, 2021
I’ll tidy up the interior green, give a coat of Future, then add Airscale placards here and there, then a subtle wash and flat varnish it all. Voila!
22
May 2, 2021
I’m declaring the panel done, only the gunsight to add here- later....
23
May 2, 2021
A bit of a closer view....the gyro decal is supplied within the Airscale instrument panel decals. Pops out some detail too.
24
May 2, 2021
Control column and rudder pedals in situ
25
May 2, 2021
Scratch built the ‘fire’ button and the pedal position flanges
26
May 2, 2021
The base of the cockpit will be extended to the area behind the seat etc.
27
May 3, 2021
Starboard side now the instrument panel and bulkhead are fixed. A bit more plumbing and a subtle wash next....
28
May 3, 2021
Port side, with numerous (some fictional) placards courtesy of Airscale WWII Allied Aircraft
29
May 6, 2021
The sides' assembly began from the rotor hub, backwards. There's much warping and poor fitting especially of the oil cooler/wing root area. This necessitated a pin to go through the area to hold the engine and it's tubes/hoses in place. Ultimately a compromise for fit, but there or there about...
30
May 6, 2021
Port side, a bit of a trim for the aluminium band and some further washes would benefit.
31
May 6, 2021
starting work on the various control wires, and there will be some plumbing on the cockpit floor to attend to, too. Just to he extreme right of picture: the pin I used to hold the engine level in it's compartment.
32
May 6, 2021
Sutton harness will be added, it in itself will be quite a task to construct. I am adding the steel hawsers that took the harness's mountings to the rear of the plane. More pictures to follow....
33
May 6, 2021
I'm not sure how accurate the 'fix gun sight was in the kit, so again will modify and scratch build a new reflector.
34
May 6, 2021
the curse'd gape in the ventral fuselage ahead of the wings. I'm hoping some may be hidden by the oil cooler intake.
35
May 9, 2021
A change of plan....decided to commence fuselage togetherness starting from the aft section, as I know the fore section will be ‘pants’ to bring together
36
May 9, 2021
Somehow I have to remedy this, especially the ventral engine bay
37
May 9, 2021
Pleased with the ‘busy-ness’ of the cockpit. I will add some pieces to the flooring (working on the wing section).
38
May 9, 2021
I tried some fine wire to simulate the rudder and aileron control wires to no avail, so plan B was Uschi rigging, I like it’s ability to be stretched, and a little Vallejo steel to make it pop
39
May 9, 2021
Uschi rigging to simulate the control wires
40
May 9, 2021
The port side challenge, writ large!
41
May 9, 2021
A subtle dry brush of steel. Next a better gunsight and the Sutton Harness....I’ve added the steel hawser connector ready to accept the back of the harness
42
May 9, 2021
The radio set was totally in wrong place which has damaged some of the scratch building work behind the seat, so it’s relocated, and broken levers need to be replaced. Moans....
43
January 18, 2022
That’s 3 hours of my life I won’t get back. Anyways that’s what the Sutton harness is like, all 50 pieces of it!!
44
January 18, 2022
Started to add harness to the seat.
45
January 19, 2022
A little wash over the belts and some dilute PVA to soften and then harden into place
46
January 19, 2022
I have to say, this is a slow build. You fight every inch of these mouldings-but with the efforts comes my personal reward. I hope you enjoy it too.
47
January 24, 2022
scratch-built, semi-accurate gunsight
48
January 24, 2022
looks OK in the cockpit, a bit of a dry-brush and then I'll work to put the windshield on.
49
January 29, 2022
Made the unconventional move to paint the uppers and lowers separately. I used Eau de Nile/Duck Egg Green as this was apparently applied more widespread than Sky Type B in early BoB Spits. Maketer's Type B roundels easy to apply, unlike the Type A1's on fuselage!.... I have also used the airbrush to detail the black walkways. [Trying to use Airfix's decals by exception].
50
January 29, 2022
Used Vallejo’s grey and black primer to add some preshading.
Just allowing it to cure a little while longer before I apply the camo. Note Maketar’s masks on fuselage and tail fin.... hoping these will give a better effect than decals at this scale.
51
January 29, 2022
Closer detail of masks, the quad-circles of the roundels were tricky to get straight. The unveiling will be the ultimate judge of whether it’s gone well!
52
February 2, 2022
Gloss varnish by Humbrol Clear. Decals are clear and thin. I’m only using the kit’s stencils.
53
February 2, 2022
I’m going to exploit the mouldings’ shortcomings by suggesting that no Spitfire with some flying hours on it would be completely smooth. In fact I think it adds to the authenticity at this scale. Naturally I’m going to subtly weather and add a Matt varnish
54
February 14, 2022
ouch!, going to need to touch this up....
55
February 14, 2022
the fore-underside after some sanding/preshading and 'eau de nile"
56
February 18, 2022
Maketar masks have performed well.
57
February 18, 2022
Masks have not caused any bleeding of colours, however I need to be more generous with my spraying of the blue, so a little catch-up here and there.
58
February 19, 2022
Took the risky step to add the undercarriage at this stage. The kit allows a crude retraction option which belies the lack of details needed in the wells. So glued it is.
59
February 19, 2022
….and just for good measure- Milliput strength encasing 2 copper pins - please don’t report me to the Ministry for Rivet Inspection ??
60
February 19, 2022
A small touch up on the roundels with a little signal blue.
61
February 19, 2022
To add insult to injury and further twist my melons, I dropped the prop and managed to snap the very end off- I can’t find it too, so some grafting work may remedy this?
62
February 20, 2022
The kit’s exhausts are woeful, poorly detailed, and incorrect. I have plagiarised another build on here and created the correct orange-type one, as well as adding some plasticard to replicate the 4 fish tail ones.
63
July 5, 2022
I have been busy of late on all builds. The Spit now has legs and had to have them strengthened using steel rods. All decals (apart from stencils and registration number are painted. I've shaded off the raised rivets to give a worn impression. Hope with a bit more weathering it'll look good.
64
July 5, 2022
I have a dilemma, which I need to resolve. The wings-to-fuselage do not dry fit well. Probably because the fuselage is warped. I plan to glue from wing-tips back towards the fuselage and make the necessary amends where the upper wing roots join the fuselage. It's now becoming a big thing to manoeuvre - will look into a larger jig to reduce the handling.
65
July 5, 2022
still think the cockpit looks great with that harness.
66
July 5, 2022
she's got legs....
67
July 5, 2022
....she knows how to use them!
68
July 5, 2022
this will be a long project. I have their 1/24th Spitfire IX on order too...
69
July 6, 2022
as stated earlier, I built the wings from the tips backwards to aid the "lesser of evils" remedial work which I knew I'd need to do. The ailerons look really good, they are not cemented allowing some limited movement.
70
July 6, 2022
much blending on the leading edges and a little gouging of the gun ports to give a more rounded appearance. I will work out what to do with the wing tip lights later.
71
July 6, 2022
the horizontal stabilisers needed some fettling to get into position, once done not too much work (a little putty) required.
72
July 6, 2022
the front end where the wing roots and scoop all meet will need some serious building up and blending. "Milliput" to the rescue I believe!
73
July 7, 2022
Milliput's levelling up of the gaps - will throw a bit of primer on this and re-shade in eau de nil
74
July 7, 2022
all top-side joints filled similarly with Milliput. A lot less involved than I imagined.
75
July 8, 2022
I’ve lost the gunsight from earlier scratch build. So here’s Mk.II - again totally fictitious- I will add the reflector - by the way the bit in the middle will be an orange bulb.
76
July 9, 2022
I had a “flash” of inspiration (see what I did there?)….to replace the basic navigation lights, I spotted a surplus Eduard Bf110 canopy with clear bits that could represent those lights. So a drilling I went….
77
July 9, 2022
Nice. Always keep your old bits and pieces, you never know when a small piece can help a build!
78
July 9, 2022
The results of the semi scratch built exhaust stacks with a bit of treatment- more to follow….
79
July 9, 2022
At this scale we can even hollow-out the pitot tube.
80
July 9, 2022
Sadly the engine panels suffer from the warped front and the position of the Merlin. So, I will display her in maintenance mode.
81
July 9, 2022
This will muster as the gun site reflector- not accurate, but better than the kits- shame I lost in the belly of the fuselage, stuck under the seat...so will re-fashion another...BOOO!
82
July 26, 2022
Top side has been weathered with oils and enamels.
83
July 26, 2022
port side in the sun, love the cockpit...the hours I've put in have been rewarded.
84
July 26, 2022
starboard - very tricky to get the 'smokes' right. I've used Tamiya's smoke through the H&S, but happier with the oils that have gone over the top of it.
85
July 26, 2022
it's always good to see the build in natural light, it can cast a better objective of where you're at with the final washes etc. Me, I'm pretty happy here.
86
July 26, 2022
Ushi rigging has added the dimension of realism to the model.
87
July 26, 2022
final shot inside the "le Studio", it's one final coat of matt varnish, and we're ready for another "SCRAMBLE"
88
July 26, 2022
An old work colleague of mine donated her late-husband’s painting and a car that she thought would look good against the kit. So here they are.
89
July 28, 2022
Dedicated to P.O. (Edward) Jack Coleman , No.54 Squadron, Hornchurch, Essex, U.K. July 7th 1940.
Additionally, to the thousands who fought for our island that summer and stemmed the tide of aggression allowing us our freedom today.
Lest We Forget.
90
July 28, 2022
Last shots taken on EOS 5D-4 with 135mm f2.0L at f11.0
91
July 28, 2022
92
July 28, 2022
93
July 28, 2022
94
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95
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96
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97
July 28, 2022

Komentarzy

97 24 January 2021, 14:11

David Taylor
I'm in.

24 January 2021, 14:34

Andy Ball Autor
Cheers David, I fear this may be a while....

24 January 2021, 21:14

David Taylor
I have yet to build a Spit believe it or not.Thinking about a 1/16 rc conversion of a MAN sx44 army truck.

24 January 2021, 22:21

Patryk S.
Following!

24 February 2021, 12:08

István Szücs
As I see, challenge accepted.

24 February 2021, 12:58

Gordon Sørensen
Looking forward to watching your progress, Andy.

24 February 2021, 14:01

Munkyslut
Ahh yeah I'm on this one!!!! This is gonna be good!👍

24 February 2021, 16:29

Slavo Hazucha
Nice project, will surely watch! Is it actually bigger than the Fiddler? 🙂

24 February 2021, 16:47

playtime 222
Oh I recognise that box art. *sits.

24 February 2021, 16:49

Andy Ball Autor
Thank you all. Now the outside studio has warmed up, the mojo has returned. So notice is served - back on the polystyrene!

29 March 2021, 16:42

Andy Ball Autor
@Slavo, yes this will take the behemoth crown from Fiddler! (Assume I complete it!)

29 March 2021, 16:45

Augie
Ohh may god have mercy on you.. I remember this kit well.. Its... sporty

29 March 2021, 16:55

Andy Ball Autor
@Augie: "suit-up for the game"...you need your melons twisting every once in a while....

29 March 2021, 17:19

Augie
Words to that effect.. 🙂

29 March 2021, 18:54

Guy Rump
Can't wait for the chocks away on this one, following 👍

11 April 2021, 08:01

Andy Ball Autor
Oh cheers Guy!! The chocks won't be pulled away for quite some time! I've removed an equal weight of the flash to that of the kit!!

11 April 2021, 19:56

Spanjaard
really curious about it. i will peak a bit 🙂

11 April 2021, 21:45

Andy Ball Autor
Thanks Spanjaard, I'll update some progress soon. It isn't going to be a walk in the park this one!

12 April 2021, 07:26

Spanjaard
sure about that! but satisfaction will be bigger at the end😉

12 April 2021, 08:16

Andy Ball Autor
I admire the optimism Spanjaard!

12 April 2021, 09:46

David Taylor
Starting to come together Andy,looking good.

21 April 2021, 18:26

Andy Ball Autor
Thanks David, appreciate the encouragement....I'm now beginning to try and throw most things at this - just to make the silk purse out of this styrene sow ear

21 April 2021, 18:48

Munkyslut
That Merlin is beautiful Andy, the plumbing & extra detailing are perfect, engine paint is spot on 👍

21 April 2021, 19:20

Andy Ball Autor
Bless ya Munkyslut....it's pure fantasy/artist's impression. So long as it looks like a Merlin surrounded by spaghetti, I'm happy!

21 April 2021, 19:40

Maciej Bellos
Following this big Spit!

21 April 2021, 19:48

David Taylor
Are you putting the pilot in Andy.

21 April 2021, 20:02

Andy Ball Autor
@David: I've heard it's tricky getting Flt Lt Farquharson-Smyth into his seat and positioned so, no. It'll be open cockpit. Got the Sutton harness to try out

21 April 2021, 20:19

Andy Ball Autor
@ Maciej thanks for popping by! How's the F-117s? ?

21 April 2021, 20:38

Peppy
This is one of those kits from my youth,
that I didn't think I'd ever own, but have one in
the stash and watching you build yours Andy.
Of course I'm all in. Watching and learning from
a trailblazer. I have heard it was quite the bugger.

21 April 2021, 23:50

Jim J
Looking good so far.

22 April 2021, 02:31

Andy Ball Autor
@Peppy: you're not far wrong!, although there is a paradox insofar as the actual coming together of the parts (on dry fit) isn't too bad. The shape, well it looks 'Spitfire' to me too. It's just those tired, of-their-time moulds that means you need to spend so much time on, and the details that are missing.

22 April 2021, 07:58

Andy Ball Autor
@Jim J, thanks for the comment!

22 April 2021, 07:59

Maciej Bellos
Hi Andy, about the F-117s I am focused right now on the Su-57 prototype and the Mirage 2000 prototype, but I have plans to at least reset on old Italeri kit with some added details in the armament bay taken from an Academy kit.

22 April 2021, 15:07

Patryk S.
Looking very good so far!

22 April 2021, 19:07

Andy Ball Autor
Appreciate that Patryk!

22 April 2021, 20:24

Munkyslut
After some fiddling I got the pilot to fit with the left arm arm removed, so I sunk a small magnet in the the shoulder socket & a steel pin in to the arm.
I think I had to heat up & bend the right arm in towards the stick which is no bad thing anyway.
It's a bit floppy but it fits, I still like it better without him in it tho! 😉

23 April 2021, 09:50

Andy Ball Autor
I've popped by Monkyslut and had a look at your 'Vb - it looks great for having Symington-Fanshawe in the office, I too am going to paint Biggles in this kit and donate it to my mate's young lad.

23 April 2021, 13:15

Munkyslut
You didn't look too hard did ya???? 😄 😄 😄

23 April 2021, 14:33

Andy Ball Autor
Ha ha Munkyslut! Don't be too hard on yourself! It's a complicated kit to get right!

23 April 2021, 16:35

Gordon Sørensen
Like the engine detail, Andy! The guitar strings look the part for the hoses and pipes.

23 April 2021, 17:10

Andy Ball Autor
@Gordon: it's "Air on a G-string" - seriously guitar strings have some uses for those pipes we often see in cockpits and u/carriages

23 April 2021, 19:10

Alexander Grivonev
You are stepping up your detailing game, Andy. Great work!

28 April 2021, 12:24

Andy Ball Autor
Cheers Alexander! There are some on here whose work inspires us onto making those improvements! 😉

28 April 2021, 20:16

wilky
Nice work

29 April 2021, 09:14

David Januska
Nice job so far👍. Tak8ng a seat with great interest.

29 April 2021, 09:38

Daniel Klink
Looking very promising and still seats free?
I surely want one to follow this👍

29 April 2021, 10:08

Andy Ball Autor
Thank David, as ever, I appreciate you in the audience!

29 April 2021, 12:28

Slavo Hazucha
Big bird - lot´s of things to do 🙂 Lovely playground & it´s quite obvious you´re having your share of fun - great looking details & big parts! 👍

29 April 2021, 16:01

Alex Rodionov
Superb detalisation. Look nice.

29 April 2021, 19:16

David Taylor
Detail coming together in the hole Andy.

29 April 2021, 20:09

Andy Ball Autor
@Slavo: thanks for popping by, appreciate this and you're right, a larger scale means you can try more opportunities- the 'fix kit is of its time - poor by modern standards - but that still makes it all the more challenging. Aspiring to have a different Mark of Spitfire in all the major scales....

2 May 2021, 15:31

Andy Ball Autor
@Alex: I've done too much on the 'pit....and hope it will all "pop" when it comes together. Not totally accurate, but that's the attraction of modelling sometimes!

2 May 2021, 15:34

Andy Ball Autor
@David: thanks for the comment- I'm channelling 1970s Morpeth Model Shop - I even though of only using Humbrol enamels to paint it with, but I'm going to make it easy on myself !

2 May 2021, 15:39

Patryk S.
Impressive detailing troughout the kit! Looking really nice.

9 May 2021, 16:06

Andy Ball Autor
Thanks for calling in on me Patryk!, it's becoming a bit of a slog at the moment so appreciate those words!

9 May 2021, 16:20

Guy Rump
It's looking good Andy, notice you mentioned Morpeth Model shop in the 1970s, mine was Crisps in Ashington (in the 70s) 🙂

9 May 2021, 16:30

Aleš Štika
Great job 🙂

9 May 2021, 16:40

Gary Kitchen
Keep going Andy. Looks like you've got your hands full there. 👍

9 May 2021, 16:41

Villiers de Vos
Impressive detail

9 May 2021, 17:30

Andy Ball Autor
@Guy, I guess there was something in the Northumbrian water in the 70s that makes you keep coming back to the hobby! I never knew Ashington had a m/shop, there's a guy in Widdrington that has a great online shop too.

10 May 2021, 13:43

Andy Ball Autor
@Aleš appreciate you popping over with encouragement!

10 May 2021, 13:44

Andy Ball Autor
@Gary: it's a testing build, but I think all model makers need to tackle these 'bête noires'!

10 May 2021, 13:46

Andy Ball Autor
@Villiers: thank you for the comment, some of it is a flight of fantasy- but looks better than the Airfix's offering

10 May 2021, 13:47

David Taylor
Guy and Andy.Theres another model shop popped up in Morpeth JJ Models in the last couple of Years.The model shop in the arcade in Morpeth was always stuffed to the gunnels with kits.

10 May 2021, 13:50

Andy Ball Autor
@David: I remember the smell in the Sanderson Arcade so well, my mum knew the lady who worked there as she worked pretty much opposite the store. The new m/shop is long overdue for the town!

10 May 2021, 13:52

Charlie Spitfire
how did you do that my mind is blowen right out of the cockpit i happen to love the spit more than other aircraft and the detail in that thing is definitly on my top 10 detailed spitfire i love the flight control wireing

26 November 2021, 01:29

Munkyslut
I loved looking at this again, it's just beautiful work 👍

26 November 2021, 15:11

Guillaume Blanchet
Wow that a fantastic build!! Great attention to details. I like the wiring.

26 November 2021, 22:25

Lochsa River
Great stuff....one question....how did you get that shadow effect on the walls? Is that with paint or was it done with a wash or a combination. It looks so realistic.

26 November 2021, 23:40

Andy Ball Autor
@Lochsa- apologies for the late reply. I undercoat with black, then you can apply the interior green-grey spraying in one certain direction which means you leave the black to dominate (like a shadow) then a bit of panel washing (I mix a little red into black) and finally a bit of a dry brush to highlight any raised surfaces to add depth. I'm sure others do it differently, but they all have a similar result.

13 January 2022, 23:00

Andy Ball Autor
@Guillaume @Monkyslut @charlie: apologies for the late acknowledgment- I don't know how I've missed these posts. I appreciate the kind words, I'm resting this just for now, (and, psst…..Airfix have just announced the new tool Mk.IXc so I'll be spending some pocket money on that one)!

13 January 2022, 23:19

Munkyslut
Yeah looks interesting! For want of a better phrase, I'm looking forward to seeing the new tool too 😄

16 January 2022, 15:33

Andy Ball Autor
@Munkyslut fnaaar fnaaar...

17 January 2022, 09:55

Munkyslut
😄 😄 😄

17 January 2022, 10:39

Charlie Spitfire
looking foward to the new spit dont think i will ever get it so if you make it i will definitly follow the build

27 January 2022, 07:58

Andy Ball Autor
@Charlie: I'm pushing this mould/build to it's limits, and I think if I get it right, we may end up with a pretty decent subject. Save your pennies for the IXc, I'm sure it'll be superb!

27 January 2022, 09:51

Guy Rump
I really like the harnesses Andy, they look very realistic. 👍

27 January 2022, 15:53

Charlie Spitfire
what did you use did you buy them or did you use bits of marsking tape like i have seen some modelers of YouTube use i am talking about the harnesses

27 January 2022, 17:45

Andy Ball Autor
Cheers Guy, I've done a lot to it over the last couple of days, tried my hand with painting decals/roundels-throwing all limited skills at this one!!

27 January 2022, 18:18

Andy Ball Autor
@charlie- if you look at the project there's the Sutton Harness from RB Productions- the issue, for me, was no harnesses provided in the kit (unless you had the pilot sitting). At this scale you really need the details of buckles/grommets/quick release accompanying the harness itself. Apparently they were used on many RAF types, so buying a few sets will help if you were to make a Hurricane or Mosquito in this scale !!

27 January 2022, 18:21

Gareth Windsor
Sorry I'm late to the party Andy. Looking great so far. That cockpit really pops with the extras.

2 February 2022, 13:45

Andy Ball Autor
Thanks for popping by Gareth. Can't wait to see you tackle the 24th Hellcat?….

2 February 2022, 23:01

Gareth Windsor
I'm a little nervous, it's quite the kit. I need to finish my Little one and my phantom first.

3 February 2022, 02:16

Andy Ball Autor
@Gareth: talking of nerves, I'm hoping the masked decals work on this, and that I can sort the mating of the wings to the slight-warped fuselage.....

3 February 2022, 11:35

Gareth Windsor
I've read about the warping and fit issues with the old Spit and Hurricane. Not a regular fill and rub job at the wing for this scale as you want to prevent cracking after the fact. I make my own filler with liquid glue and chopped up sprue then slowly build it up.

3 February 2022, 15:53

Charlie Spitfire
have you put the decals on and marsked them up

3 February 2022, 18:02

David Taylor
Might have to purchase a MK1 now Andy,which will make two for all my years modelling.LOL

3 February 2022, 18:58

Andy Ball Autor
Hiya @charlie: all masked and painted (roundels and the fin flashes plus the black-lined walkways)…the rest will be the decals - I'm not that good!!!😂

3 February 2022, 20:11

Andy Ball Autor
@David: or wait for the IX? although I have to say I'm enjoying the brutal experience of 1971 and this mould!!!, geometrically it's pretty impressive

3 February 2022, 20:13

David Taylor
Just in 48 for me I'm afraid.

3 February 2022, 21:52

Andy Ball Autor
@David. Wise

3 February 2022, 22:17

David H
OMG Thankyou for this build , I have a vb in the loft which, if I admit, I'm scared to start 😬 , lovely job.

9 February 2022, 18:31

Munkyslut
@David H …….. I did a VB couple years back, it's on here. Wasn't even in the same league as Andy's efforts but really enjoyable despite its ancient tooling & appalling fit!

10 February 2022, 12:17

Andy Ball Autor
@David H thanks for popping by. I'm so determined to sweat this for what it's worth!, I think if you tried your Vb it would bizarrely reward you!…jump in!…

10 February 2022, 13:30

Andy Ball Autor
@Munkyslut a great Vb sir, borrowing from aspects of it!! Roll on IXc ?…

10 February 2022, 13:35

Munkyslut
That's praise indeed Andy! ……. new tool IXc is on order 👍

10 February 2022, 23:01

Andy Ball Autor
@Munkyslut- mine too….for a build in the next decade!

11 February 2022, 09:45

David H
You know.. I might just open that box !😵

12 February 2022, 14:58

Andy Ball Autor
@David H….you know you want to!…..😉

13 February 2022, 22:27

Charlie Spitfire
at last it is starting to take a spitfire shape

28 February 2022, 00:03

David H
Looking good, mine has made it out of the loft .!!!

5 July 2022, 18:43

Andy Ball Autor
Probably wise, David!

5 July 2022, 19:16

David Taylor
Looks good.

5 July 2022, 21:43

Villiers de Vos
Full steam ahead Andy.

6 July 2022, 05:31

Andy Ball Autor
Thanks David and Villiers, I'm sorry about the narration...I wanted this catharsis to warn anyone of trying out this kit....but you know...everyone should have their skills stretched once in a while!

6 July 2022, 11:17

Spanjaard
i only have one suggestion... change the teaser from picture one to one of the last ones 😉

6 July 2022, 11:41

Robin (WhiteGlint)
Beautiful work so far, Andy 👍
Because of the album's name at first I thought you are building a Spitfire with markings of the Roman Empire. 😄

6 July 2022, 11:53

Guy Rump
Looking impressive 👍

6 July 2022, 12:10

Andy Ball Autor
@Spanjaard....done!, and thanks...

6 July 2022, 15:25

Munkyslut
That's looking so bloody good! Camo is perfecto……. the soft edge & pattern are just bang on! 👍

6 July 2022, 15:30

Andy Ball Autor
Thanks Robin for taking a look- now there's a thought!?....
😉

6 July 2022, 15:47

Andy Ball Autor
Thanks again Guy, real 'care in the community' from you!

6 July 2022, 15:47

Andy Ball Autor
Cheers Munkyslut, I'll attack the camo some more once I'm satisfied with the fitting of it all.

6 July 2022, 15:48

David H
So much useful info here .. that wing root /scoop join looks … um.. interesting.

6 July 2022, 18:16

Andy Ball Autor
Well if it ever descends from your attic…?….

6 July 2022, 18:26

David H
Nope, it's on the bench…😵😵

6 July 2022, 20:54

Николай Романов
Красиво покрашен👍

7 July 2022, 10:57

Andy Ball Autor
thanks NIK, (not sure of the translation of the second word!)

7 July 2022, 11:51

Guy Rump
Beautifully decorated (or painted) translation of NIK666 message.

7 July 2022, 14:31

Peter de Bruin
Spectaculair job Andy!

7 July 2022, 14:37

Andy Ball Autor
Thanks Guy for the explanation! And thanks Peter for viewing both the projects - I have a lot going on at present!!

7 July 2022, 15:54

Maciej Bellos
Looks really good Andy! Looking forward for the end result!

7 July 2022, 17:26

Andy Ball Autor
Maciej, I'm hoping it will be in this century at least! But over the last few days I've got over that mental block of the grind and lack of reward- it's beginning to look better than I thought!

7 July 2022, 20:23

Gary Victory
Really nice progress on your Spit Andy. Keep up the good work. Hopefully you will finish quicker than the end of the century..!!?

8 July 2022, 06:19

Sergej I
1:24...
[img1]

8 July 2022, 07:09

Andy Ball Autor
@Gary: I didn't specify which century!… but I'm aiming for Battle of Britain Day- 11th September -seems apt!

10 July 2022, 05:56

Andy Ball Autor
@Sergej I've seen that image before, "Honey, you'll never guess what I bid on and won on eBay?…" hilarious!!

10 July 2022, 05:58

Wouter Roerdink
Looks nice! But it really is an old model. Can't wait for the new one! I built all the 1/24 kits so far.

15 July 2022, 13:58

Andy Ball Autor
@Wouter, my dad never managed to finish this kit for me in the 1970s, now I understand why. That said it looks impressive in this size. Yep, sucker that I am I have the IX on order too. I've built the 24th Harrier and Hurricane in my time too- alas they are in a land-fill somewhere in the UK….

16 July 2022, 06:49

Robert Podkoński
That's quite a journey, Andy. I admire your perseverance and dedication. Keep it up!

16 July 2022, 07:16

Andy Ball Autor
Thanks Robert, "just keep on keepin' on"… (I reckon another 5-10 hours and I'll be home)

16 July 2022, 07:39

Andy Ball Autor
I'm all done!! Well ahead of Battle of Britain Day. I will go outside and take some decent photos with my Canon 5D-4, soon.

26 July 2022, 17:28

Patryk S.
Congratulations! Great paintjob on this one!

26 July 2022, 17:58

David H
Gr8 news . Can't wait for the photos 👍🏻

26 July 2022, 18:11

Spanjaard
congrats, very nice job

26 July 2022, 18:13

David Taylor
Looks smart Andy.

26 July 2022, 19:47

Guy Rump
Very impressive job Andy. 👍

26 July 2022, 20:06

Maciej Bellos
Excellent result Andy! I would certainly be proud of such a result. Congrats!

26 July 2022, 21:22

Munkyslut
You know when we were kids at skool & someone pulled off something so impressive we used to say "ahh….. you jammy git!"? …… that's what you just done 👍

26 July 2022, 23:42

Robert Podkoński
Absolutely fantastic work, Andy! Chapeau bas!

27 July 2022, 04:03

Neuling
Excellent result indeed!

27 July 2022, 07:02

Andy Ball Autor
@Patryk, Spanjaard, David T, Guy, Maciej, Robert and Neuling: many thanks for the compliments!

27 July 2022, 12:59

Andy Ball Autor
@David H: I'm going to practice my photography skills on this one, it deserves a good lens.

27 July 2022, 13:01

Andy Ball Autor
@Munkyslut: I think that was the same in our school! Thanks for your support throughout and at on landing….

27 July 2022, 13:01

Andy Ball Autor
OK, finals. Complete with EOS 5D-4 and 135mm lens.

28 July 2022, 14:45

Robin (WhiteGlint)
She looks great, Andy! 👍

29 July 2022, 07:28

Andy Ball Autor
Thanks Robin, she's pretty Spitfire-like!

29 July 2022, 12:35

Andy Ball Autor
thanks @toberg for the 'like'

29 July 2022, 12:36

Andy Ball Autor
Thanks Pietro -et al, for taking a look!

20 January 2023, 07:25

Andy Ball Autor
Appreciate the look-like Shar

27 February 2023, 17:53

Andy Ball Autor
Thank-you Michael S, it's still a prominent kit for its time and scale.

27 July 2023, 13:18

Andy Ball Autor
Thanks Alex K too!!

27 July 2023, 23:01

Bozzer
Nice work, Andy mate! I walked into this kit, like a virgin, straight from heaven.
Needless to say, it bit me in the ass!
I found the Hurricane, less of a challenge, but the 109, I made work, with me? I'd still love to do the Mustang, however, as a true Brit, I long for the 1/24 Lancaster 100%

28 July 2023, 00:29

Gary Kitchen
Great finish Andy. 👍

28 July 2023, 06:50

Andy Ball Autor
@Bozzer: thanks for looking in. It's a real challenge of a kit- no wonder my dad abandoned it in 1974 feeling he'd let his kid down! I've done the 24-HH in 1978, can't remember having any issues with it. I'd love to try the '109. Depending on how much life I have left, I wouldn't mind the 24-Mossie...but so many competing projects in my mind....

28 July 2023, 07:32

Andy Ball Autor
Thanks Gary, its easier in bigger scales to play with the finishes, I noted that in my 32nd Bird Dog currently.
Noël: appreciate the visit.

28 July 2023, 07:33

Bozzer
The 109, I put in the wheel wells. The hurricane, you have to build wheels up, or down. Kinda left me feeling deflated? The Mossie, my brother is building. Looks bloody fantastic, r kid 👍

28 July 2023, 20:01

Munkyslut
Bozman have you seen the fresh tooling of the big Airfix Spit? It's proper good, I got one for the stash but I'm gonna leave a lot of time free to tackle that.
My version of this pales next to Andy's masterpiece 😜

28 July 2023, 22:26

Bozzer
Munky mate! How's it going, old chap?
Unfortunately, I've not had chance to see the new spit? Being my old man's favourite, no doubt I'll end up, with one? I do fancy a dabble. I did have the Hellcat, but I sold it to my brother, to keep his mind occupied. I was actually thinking about building it for a trailer load? I'm now searching for a 1/25 Sherman, but they're not popular. However, there's a Takom 1/16 version, that's caught my eye? At £155 though, I'm waiting for a lottery win 🙂

29 July 2023, 18:55

Andy Ball Autor
@Monkeyslut, thank-you for the comment- I've not seen yours, but anyone who manages it has my admiration!!
@Cortex- thanks for the visit!

29 July 2023, 21:16

Andy Ball Autor
Thanks Henry Ch

30 July 2023, 07:40

Andy Ball Autor
Thanks Edward!!!

8 October 2023, 20:34

Andy Ball Autor
Thank-you Lukas and others for taking a look!

9 October 2023, 11:32

Andy Ball Autor
Stéphane and others...again thanks for the look/like

11 October 2023, 15:09