1/24 Trumpeter Supermarine Spitfire (Pt 1)

Gallery Article by Ed Fuquay on Nov 9 2003

 

This is just a sample, as I am super-detailing this kit. I was just going to build it straight out of the box, but the assembled engine and cockpit cried out for some detailing. The level of detail in this 1/24th scale kit resembles more the one found in a good 1/48th model. It is an excellent kit, but I perhaps expected a lot more from it. It has very nice features as working control surfaces, adequate engine, and armament and cockpit detail. I am not so sure about the spring loaded landing gear. Some detail is missing in the gun bays and perhaps the ammunition drums were pretty bare. The fit is somewhat sloppy. I have not yet attempted to put mayor assemblies together. 

 

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Notice: 
The added detail to the engine is not authentic! Every line, wire and mechanism added is guesswork; I based the additions on photos and the colors are guesses as well. I did not travel to Dayton opened up the engine compartment of the USAF Museum’s Spitfire. I used Mr. Shepard Paine’s “Gizmology” approach. I am quite satisfied with the end result and to my eyes it looks a lot better than just the parts provided assembled and painted. I enjoyed this very much. We modeler’s can use some artistic license once in a while. 

I spruced up the ammo drums a bit, and I intend to rework the cockpit, in particular the side panels and fuel transfer control system. Also I plan to add the oxygen hose and regulator and a few electrical wires. 

Most of the detailing was done using solder wire of various diameters, electrical “shrink tubing” insulation, brass wire, tin foil, paper staples and copper wire. Well, this is just a sampler. Bye for now and I will be back with more on the cockpit. 

Happy modeling,   

Ed Fuquay

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Photos and text © by Ed Fuquay