THREE SPITFIRES LOCKED DOWN

[null_null981707818191]

I did think of posting this in the pandemic special thread, but couldn’t find it. Anyway, Lockdown #3 gave me an opportunity to produce a trio of Spitfires!

Firstly, I made the Airfix 1/72 PR XIX. I decided to go for the Swedish version because it seemed an interesting variant. More or less standard, except I did indulge in a little bit of scratch-building by mocking up a ‘camera’ behind the clear hatch on the port side of the aircraft – which just about shows up from outside. Painted using Vallejo Model Air brushed on, then finally varnished with Humbrol Satin varnish – which was not as successful as I’d have liked – so I shan’t be using that again.

The second build was the Airtfix 1/72 F Mk 22. Again, built as supplied, and using the decals provided. I usually brush-paint (using Vallejo acrylics) but for this one I indulged in a rattle can of Humbrol Aluminium. Strangely, I had to use gloss varnish on top of the spray-painted finish to get the decals to stick properly – not a problem I’ve had to overcome using brush-painted Vallejo acrylics…. The whole thing was then sprayed with Satin finish varnish – this time that produced by Vallejo - to seal everything.

And finally, and for this one I had to differ from all things Airfix, because it was the SMER 1/72 HF Mk VI. Building it was vastly different compared to the previous two Airfix kits, and a lot more filler was required than perhaps I’ve got used to using. The extended wingtips and flaps were fiddly, but  it built up into a reasonably accurate model. I didn’t use the kit decals because I wanted it to be YQ-P BS111 of 616 squadron.

So three Spitfires completed – and a little bit different to the usual Mk I, Mk II and Mk V. All adds to the collection! Thanks for taking a look.

[Captain Triggers]

Lovely models, the VI is a strange bird...

[paul71]

the MKVI was a special high-altitude interceptor having a pressurized cabin and elongated wings giving it a ceiling of 39,000 feet a total of 97 were built

[AirportsEd]

Nice work. Hadn't seen the Mk VI kit before.

[Paulus66]

Very nicely done 👏👏👏