I can see the finishing tape now!
I've applied a bit of a wash,not too heavy as I don't think this machine would have been very dirty. I've then toned down the gloss coat and
decals by spraying an unscientifically mixed coat of Klear/Matt varnish with a few drops of grey acrylic paint (actually Xtracrylix RLM02). I don't want it to be a matt finish and the
decals and stripes were too white
I've also made the missing cannon barrel from some sprue and re-attached it.
Fingers crossed for canopy mask removal.
I'll do a little bit of chipping on the walkways etc.
Exhaust stains? My only reference for Griffon Spitfires is a late war aces book,obviously not Mk24s,but there is little evidence of any staining. I'm cogitating on this one.
I've even managed not to lose the pitot tube!!
Cheers
Steve