1/48 Airfix Spitfire Mk1 & MkVb

Gallery Article by Richard Spreckley on Dec 23 2015

 

      

When Airfix released the new mould MkI Spitfire I knew I had to have a go, I already had the Vb in my stash and wanted to build the Malta fighter version as the colours made this one of the stand out schemes from WWII.

Having opened both kits, the detail in the MK1 was outstanding; I only had to add a fabric harness to bring it up to scratch. The Vb was nearly as good but I took the plunge and bought the Eduard PE radio and armament set just to make the subject a bit more interesting, the cockpit was replaced with a resin one and also got a fabric harness.

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There was only one scheme for the Mk1:- LO G from my local WWII airbase; According to Spitfire Mark I/II Aces, this aircraft was flown by 11 kill ace Pilot Officer Hanbury, using it to destroy a Bf 110 near Beachy Head on 15 September 1940, half a Ju 88 over Tangmere on 21 September and a 2nd Ju 88 on 30 September near Selsey-Bembridge. In December, the aircraft was passed to No 610 Squadron for a few months before becoming an OTU aircraft. It was struck off charge in January 1945.

GN H the Mk Vb was flown by Plt Of Peter Nash with 249Sqn RAF from Malta in 1942.

Both kits were sublime to put together with no fit issues at all. After a coat of Tamiya grey primer both were free hand airbrushed using Vallejo Air paints (This was my 1st go at free hand without masking!). I then added some post shading to add a bit of depth. The decals laid down beautifully with no issues, so after a coat of clear gloss varnish they were washed with a dark grey before being finally sealed with a satin varnish coat.

Richard Spreckley

Photos and text © by Richard Spreckley