Airfix 1:72 Spitfire IX

[flyjoe180]

Here is the result of my first build in about 18 years. I've enjoyed getting back into the hobby, and this was the first time I have used a lot of putty filler, gloss varnishes, decal solutions, weathering, and matt coats. The result, for a poor-fitting old kit which lacks a lot of detail, is okay for a first attempt I reckon. I will get braver later with washes and more weathering on future kits, and learn to use the airbrush.

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The kit is a real old version, one of many of the WW2 aces series I have laying about from when I was younger. Shocking kit, I had no end of problems with the wing fits, landing gear alignment, and prop blades falling off. I hope Airfix's later versions of this fine aeroplane are better made. I was, however, happy with the decal sheet, although one of the serial numbers got a bit screwed up. But that was my fault, not the kit.

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Simple yet deceptively difficult to get to a good standard.

I added a pitot tube made from spare sprue to the port wing underside, it was one little external extra which I felt could enhance an otherwise poorly detailed kit.

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Overall I enjoyed this first build. My previous first attempt was an Airfix IL2 which ended up in the bin, so it was good to complete this one.

I finished the kit with Vallejo gloss, Humbrol Decalfix, and used Tamiya Matt Spray for the dull coat. I had an issue with the Tamiya product, when it dried it was quite patchy. I think I may have sprayed it too close, so I will learn from that.

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[mobear]

s.w.e.e.t spitfire in 1/72, i did one once kind of flunked as its too small and gluey finger prints all over lol

really good mate

mobear

 

[Vajled]

nice spit... well doned

Roman

 

[flyjoe180]

Thanks to your great build threads Roman I have learned much, and you have fuelled my desire to try to complete my builds to a higher standard than I otherwise could have achieved. Onwards and upwards, next projects are already in the pipeline. I'm looking forward to building something that actually fits together well and has recessed panel lines!

 

[aaron]

Joe thats a fantastic job bro it looks like a snap together (compliment)

Id love to see your work on a well fitting kit

Way to kick the pants off my 1/48 attempt, Very nice.

 

[Vajled]

Thanks to your great build threads Roman I have learned much, and you have fuelled my desire to try to complete my builds to a higher standard than I otherwise could have achieved. Onwards and upwards, next projects are already in the pipeline. I'm looking forward to building something that actually fits together well and has recessed panel lines!

thank you Joe for a such nice coment...

Anything I can help dont hesitate to ask

Keep au a great work...

Roman

 

[HAWKERHUNTER]

Hi Joe. Nice work on the Spitfire. Taking into account the size of the model and the fact that it is handpainted youve achieved a really neat and presentable build. Well done.

Steve

 

[TonyBv9]

Good job with the Spit. My first two attempts are languishing in the "not fit for public consumption box". What paints did you use?

Tony

 

[Dave W]

Thats a very good build of an ancient kit.As for the matt coat i'd recommend using Vallejo matt clear.Ive had great results with it and wont use anything else now.

 

[David 317]

Very nice result! What's next?

 

[InFlames]

Very good looking model for a returnee into this wonderful hobby! I can't wait to see more of your models in the future as you've certainly got talent!

 

[flyjoe180]

Good job with the Spit. My first two attempts are languishing in the "not fit for public consumption box". What paints did you use?Tony

Hi there. They were humble good old Humbrol enamels.

 

[flyjoe180]

Thats a very good build of an ancient kit.As for the matt coat i'd recommend using Vallejo matt clear.Ive had great results with it and wont use anything else now.

Thanks Dave, I was very happy with the Vallejo gloss varnish. I couldn't find any Vallejo matt varnish but I will try to find some. The Tamiya stuff was a little disappointing.

 

[flyjoe180]

Very nice result! What's next?

A Mitsubishi Zero (another old Airfix kit) and a restoration of the 1:72 Hurricane I stripped in another thread.

 

[T. van Vuuren]

That's nice! Certainly looks good to my.

I built the new tool AIrfix 1/72 Spit 9 and it really is a nice little plane, much easier than your build it seems.

Theuns

 

[flyjoe180]

Good to hear Theuns, I don't think they could have made it any worse to be honest. I think Airfix must have got more than their money's worth out of those older moulds.

 

[colin m]

A 1:72 Spitfire, I bet most of us started here ! ahh well yes, my first build on returning to the hobby was actually a Hurricane - which was so bad, no one has ever seen it !!

You've done a nice job here, well done.

Colin M..

 

[MORIARTY1177]

'twas the very same kit that I first returned to the plastic with. But be warned what for me was meant to be a one off trip down memory lane has turned into a real obsession for me. I also confess (with envy) that your first is so much better than mine. I also regret not still having mine to look back on so keep it safe.

Kind regards

Chris

 

[flyjoe180]

Thanks Chris, it is displayed along with some of my older, more respectable builds. It's too late re the bug, I am addicted again.

 

[papa 695]

A very nice build Joe a job well done