The Laser 300V FINALLY turned up after seven weeks(!). Have been using the interim to start the detail
work, which I don't normally do until a model has survived 10 flights.
Have ordered a full cockpit at 1/5th scale from
www.propagteam.cz. Pilot has been also ordered from
YT's detailing expert, Wayne Butler.
The Major
Have started marking out and fading the panel work. The Laser install was straight-forward. There is one fuel tank per cylinder.
Manufacturers recommend not using silencer pressure but positioning the vent pipes directly in the airstream. Venting these tanks is tricky with a Spitfire
due to the shape of the cowl. Finally decided to protrude the pipes from the firewall underneath the engine (one light purple pipe
can be seen underneath the green).
Rivets are achieved with PVA glue and a balled dressmaker's pin. The indented rivets not supplied with the kit are simulated using a pencil and template.
Panel-fading is achieved by choosing a lighter colour to the panel and airbrushing it into the middle. Putting slivers of silver paint
into parts of the plate joins gives it all a worn look. Hamerite made a great job of the aerial.
Wings are finished but have yet to be detailed and weathered (90" wingspan). Authentic labels for the plane were obtained from Pyramid Models, thanks, John H.
All KFS models of any size now have aluminium plates under the retract units (plus quadrants) to spread the load.
This Spifire is being modelled on a MK IX b, which has 4 x .303 machine guns and two 20mm Hispano cannon. These have yet to be added.
Have recruited another mechanic: