PCM 1/32 Spitfire Mk.XIVc

[stona]

I now have the basic camouflage scheme done.

There are a few adjustments to make.

The sharp eyed will notice that the Sky band infront of the tail is a bit on the thin side. This is because this Spitfire will eventually sport a full set of invasion stripes and,as applied by 91 Sqn.on thisparticular aircraft,they overlapped the Sky band.

Cheers

Steve

[papa 695]

Looking good Steve

[stona]

I've managed to get the invasion stripes on today. I used acrylic paints for the stipes which both speeded the process up and will allow me to weather them at the leading edge (eventually) as the camouflage has been done using enamels.

This is where I wanted to leave it for a while so I'm pleased to have got this far. Trying to work to a timetable can be dangerous when building a model.I learnt years ago not to rush!

There won't be any progress for the next couple of weeks as I've got to go and earn some money to pay for all this fun

Cheers

Steve

[Guest]

Looks great mate, the stripes look clean and sharp!

Shane

[papa 695]

Yes work the nessacery evil :devilangelfight:

[Guest]

Fascinated Steve.

How did you get such a clear dense white over what is in effect two lots of dark colour ?

What paint did you use & I would assume you air brushed ? Found that white is nearly as bad as yellow. Your effort really looks the part & I struggle. Not fair !

Laurie

[michaelm]

Very, very nice work Steve.

[Guest]

Cheers

Steve

Steve how did you do your dials.. are the painted or decals, they look great

shane

[aaron]

Those Dday stripes are works of art on thier own, Great job.

[Guest]

Great looking paint work Steve!

[stona]

Cheers fellas.

The dials are a photo etch,pre-painted set by Eduard that come with the kit. You really only have to stick the various bits together in the right order.

I used Xtracrylix to spray the stripes. It's acrylic because I want to distress the leading edges without messing the camouflage (enamel) underneath. I just misted on two or three coats. It's not actually a particularly heavy covering,you just have to take your time. It's also not quite as opaque as the photo would suggest. I wanted just a hint of the camouflage colours to show through,particularly in areas like the top of the fuselage which would be,on the real thing,difficult to reach. They do but it's too subtle for my photographic skills.

This aircraft was in service and would have been painted in a rush in the 48 hours before the original date for D-Day (it was postponed) by the squadron. Aircraft that were supplied from MUs with stripes,or partial stripes,after D-Day would be much more neat and accurate. I didn't go mad with accuracy on the spacing of the stripes. They are all roughly a scale 18" but I allowed a little variation around 14mm. I figure in the real world they probably snapped a chalk string and painted to that. I've replicated some slight irregularities,particularly on the fuselage. These are from a couple of profiles I have. I've got a photo of this aircraft but before the stripes were applied. At least it let me get the slightly odd (low) demarcation on the starboard side of the fin correct!

Steve

[aaron]

I think the DDay stripes were important, Especially after the disasterous friendly fire episode over Sicily.

[stona]

They were though it didn't prevent ground forces shooting at anything that flew overhead. Aircraft spotting for the naval guns were a favourite target. The Royal Navy was particularly well known for attempting to shoot down the Fleet Air Arm. You'll notice that the rack for Very flares,by which a pilot would attempt to identify himself as friendly, was kept on Seafires long after it was deleted on Spitfires.

The problem was exacerbated after D-Day when the various alied air forces attempted to provide close air support and frequently attacked friendly forces.

The story of the stripes is quite interesting,I may post a little resume with the finished model when I finally finish it.

Cheers

Steve

[stona]

After a brief pause to do some work,culminating in nearly freezing to death at Donnington over Friday night/Saturday morning,I've been warmer on bonfire night for heaven's sake,modelling has resumed.

I've done a bit of wear on the stripes,not too much,as I'm imagining this aircraft in the week following D-Day.

I've also got the decals on. They were very nice (Cartograph) and are currently submitting under a coat of Microsol. It's all a bit shiney at the moment but I do think decals and markings finally give a model its identity.

I've seen it argued that aircraft involved in "Diver",anti V-1,operations may never have had a full set of stripes like this as they would undoubtedly come with a drag penalty. I've never seen any evidence to support this. There were some exceptions (notably Bomber Command) and alterations allowed in the application of invasion stripes but all Fighter Command aircraft were to receive a full set. Orders are orders and,particularly in war time,are obeyed. I am unaware of Fighter Command applying for an exemption for any of its units.

Cheers

Steve

[Guest]

that is one lovely spit steve.i personally think it doesnt matter,still looks awesome

mobear