Airfix Model World – July 2018

BASIC BUILD

SPITFIRE F.22

BASIC BUILD

SPITFIRE F.22

44 Airfi x Model World

blendable pencils were used on the
seat and worked with a cocktail
stick to produce a worn, scuffed
effect on the Bakelite. Initially, it
was decided to use the kit tear-
drop hood, but it wouldn’t sit
correctly in the open position, and
although it would fit closed, the
rear fuselage that sat underneath
it had to be reduced to minimise
gaps. However, after performing
the required sanding, a change of
heart took place, and so to pose
the canopy open, an excellent

vacuum-formed replacement from

Rob Taurus (RBT48043, available

from Hannants: http://www.hannants.

co.uk) was pressed into service.

Apart from the rear canopy,

the only other addition was the

replacement of the gun sight

glass with clear plastic card. The

propeller blades could have been

shaped more accurately,

but I was happy to live with

them, and as ever, aftermarket

replacements are available if

required; Barracuda Studios

offers a resin prop and spinner

(BCR48026, http://www.barracudacast.

com), and Quickboost provides

resin prop blades (48252, http://www.

quickboost.net).

Fuselage fusion

After removing paint from the

mating surfaces, a bead of Revell

Contacta Cement was run around

the join lines on both fuselage

halves, which were then secured

with tape. It was well worth trying

to get the glue to ‘splurge’ out of

the seams slightly, as once hard,

it provided a pre-filled seam,

which obviated the need for any

putty. This isn’t always possible,

but can work wonders when it is

and joyfully, the fit of the fuselage

halves was sheer perfection.

Seams look best when the glue

is left to harden for as long as

possible before sanding the joins,

and four days tends to be the

author’s self-imposed minimum.

However, if one can wait, longer

is better. With that in mind, the

fuselage was set to one side...

Meanwhile, as work proceeded on

the interior, the wings were tackled

simultaneously. The multi-coloured

lights transparency was secured

to the lower wing/fuselage with

Tamiya Extra Thin Cement, before

being painted with relevant clear

offers a resin prop and spinner

(BCR48026, http://www.barracudacast.

com), and Quickboost provides

resin prop blades (48252, http://www.

quickboost.net).

Fuselage fusion

After removing paint from the

mating surfaces, a bead of Revell

the seams slightly, as once hard,

it provided a pre-filled seam,

which obviated the need for any

putty. This isn’t always possible,

but can work wonders when it is

and joyfully, the fit of the fuselage

halves was sheer perfection.

Seams look best when the glue

is left to harden for as long as

possible before sanding the joins,

and four days tends to be the

author’s self-imposed minimum.

However, if one can wait, longer

is better. With that in mind, the

fuselage was set to one side...

Meanwhile, as work proceeded on

the interior, the wings were tackled

MODELSPEC

Supermarine Spitfire F.22/24

By: Airfix

Stock Code: A06101A

Scale: 1/48

Price: £24.99

Available from: http://www.airfix.com

 The kit canopy didn’t fit while open, and to ensure a better position when closed, the
highlighted areas needed to be reduced via sanding. To pose the canopy open, an excellent
vacform alternative from Rob Taurus was sourced.

The intake sat a

little low, so plastic

card was used later

to raise it. Another

small piece of plastic

was employed to

cover the internal

intake seam.

 The instrument panel decals were cut out and applied individually,

while the home-made seatbelt didn’t look too shabby either.

Colour on aeroplanes is always good in my opinion, and

the eye-catching red Cooper Air Race band would

provide welcome contrast to the camouflage.

Medium Sea Grey

was sprayed

underneath, before

it was treated

to light and

dark mottles