tomprobert

Some good progress on the big Spitfire of late...
 
Following others when building/improving this kit, I have added some plastic card laminate to the leading edges of the ailerons to improve the fit. Being designed to move, there were unsightly gaps where the ailerons join the wing - this improves things greatly and avoids the 'toy-like' look of the original:
 

 
The original Airfix kit is well know for its retractable landing gear and hollow wheel bays - it's relatively simple to box these in using plastic card and improves the look immeasurably:
 

 
With this done the rest of the airframe comes together very rapidly - there's some filler needed but it's very much a product of its time. I've painted the prop, too, and this is just a push-fit. I am not using the engine but the forward part of the Merlin is easy to attach to the forward part of the cowling to hold the prop in place:
 

 

 

 
I now need to sort a few blemishes and install the clear parts. It's all coming together rather quickly!
 
Until next time,
Tom

Modelling magic on a different level. This has been a pleasure to follow. 
 
Tom

Afternoon all,

My modelling mojo has deserted me of late, but I have had the beginnings of a return the last couple of days, so fancied doing a bit more to the Stirling. 
 
A while ago I made all the framing for the bomb aimer’s windows from Evergreen, as the kit supplied parts are completely the wrong shape and the plan was/is to add my own glazing. 
 
Thankfully, and despite the incorrect shape, I have been able to use parts of the kit supplied clear parts, carefully measuring and cutting them one by one:
 
 
They were then ‘dropped’ into the framing using Formula 560 canopy glue, with the edges neatened up and sealed with Milliput Black. The end result isn’t too bad and once the whole area has been blended in with a top coat of paint, it should pass muster from 50 yards!
 
 
 
I’m leaving the centre panel right until the end as a means to remove any bits of dust or stray debris - plus I need to make the bomb sight mounts which will be very fragile. 
 
Another job ticked off…
 
More when there’s more. 
Tom

Some good progress on the big Spitfire of late...
 
Following others when building/improving this kit, I have added some plastic card laminate to the leading edges of the ailerons to improve the fit. Being designed to move, there were unsightly gaps where the ailerons join the wing - this improves things greatly and avoids the 'toy-like' look of the original:
 

 
The original Airfix kit is well know for its retractable landing gear and hollow wheel bays - it's relatively simple to box these in using plastic card and improves the look immeasurably:
 

 
With this done the rest of the airframe comes together very rapidly - there's some filler needed but it's very much a product of its time. I've painted the prop, too, and this is just a push-fit. I am not using the engine but the forward part of the Merlin is easy to attach to the forward part of the cowling to hold the prop in place:
 

 

 

 
I now need to sort a few blemishes and install the clear parts. It's all coming together rather quickly!
 
Until next time,
Tom

Afternoon all,

My modelling mojo has deserted me of late, but I have had the beginnings of a return the last couple of days, so fancied doing a bit more to the Stirling. 
 
A while ago I made all the framing for the bomb aimer’s windows from Evergreen, as the kit supplied parts are completely the wrong shape and the plan was/is to add my own glazing. 
 
Thankfully, and despite the incorrect shape, I have been able to use parts of the kit supplied clear parts, carefully measuring and cutting them one by one:
 
 
They were then ‘dropped’ into the framing using Formula 560 canopy glue, with the edges neatened up and sealed with Milliput Black. The end result isn’t too bad and once the whole area has been blended in with a top coat of paint, it should pass muster from 50 yards!
 
 
 
I’m leaving the centre panel right until the end as a means to remove any bits of dust or stray debris - plus I need to make the bomb sight mounts which will be very fragile. 
 
Another job ticked off…
 
More when there’s more. 
Tom

I think I'll throw my hat into the ring with this - Brigade Models' recent 1/32nd TR9 conversion which uses the Revell MkIX as a base:
 

 
I've hankered after one of these as I live just down the road from Biggin Hill and see them over my house all the time. But, the main reason is because my amazing family bought me a flight in one for my 40th birthday - the birth of your children and getting married are memories that will stick with you forever, but a flight in a Spifire...
 
I actually got some stick time and flew it myself for about 10 minutes and what a machine! Two wonderful victory rolls over my home county, buzzing my mate playing cricket, and seeing my family in the chase plane alongside me was enough to bring a tear to my eye. If you ever get the chance to fly one, grab it!
 
Here are some shots from my sortie in 'Grey Nurse' taken by my wife:
 

 

 

 
So, what's in the box? Well...
 
Lots of resin goodies to make the twin-sticker: a new cockpit section (the two seaters had the front cockpit moved forward to help with CoG and, of course, to make room for the guy or gal in the back!) which is cast in light grey resin. Rivet and panel detail has been nicely captured. You get a new seat for the rear cockpit, second instrument panel and cockpit controls, a new rear cockpit 'tub' built up from resin sidewalls, late mark wheels and a nicely vacformed new rear canopy:
 

 
The decal sheets are really, really nice and cover some modern 'warbirds' as well as those used operationally... choices, choices:
 

 

 
A sheet with comprehensive instructions as to how to fit the new tub as well as the other differences between a standard MkIX and the trainer is provided:
 

 
All in all it's a pretty comprehensive set and looks like it'll give everything that's needed to do the conversion. 
 
Now, which scheme? I'm likely to leave this until later in the build but I'm useless at NMF as well as painting invasion stripes, so I'm certainly leaning more towards the BoB scheme (this aircraft was used in these colours for the film I believe) or the Dutch example... we'll see!
 
I'm afraid there's no guarantees of regular updates as I have lots of other projects on the go and like to hop about as the mood takes, but I do aim to start cutting plastic soon which will no doubt help get the juices flowing!
 
I'll be back when there's something to report...
Tom

Cheers, gents. Sadly no further progress to report of late as the mojo has completely deserted me... I've looked hard but just can't seem to find it 

Howdy, folks. 
 
I haven’t got around to starting my Brigade TR9 conversion yet, but was rummaging in the loft the other day and found this - the classic Airfix 1/24 Spitfire MkV. Being inspired by @Erwin’s lovely rendition of his MkI, I thought why not..?
 
Box art:
 

 
All the parts are present to build the MkI which is my plan - I have ordered some decals to replicate N3200, which was famously shot down (after claiming a Stuka) during the evacuation of Dunkirk and buried on the sands over time at Sangatte, near Calais. Pilot Sqn Ldr Geoffrey Stevenson spent the remainder of the war as a POW. 
 

 
The remnants of the airframe were recovered in 1986 and in early 2007 restoration began to airworthy condition - it still resides at Duxford to this day wearing its 19 Squadron codes and has been restored to look exactly as it did when lost on 26th May 1940. 
 
So… this will be built largely OOB just as Airfix intended, although I have bought some Airscale instrument bezels to enhance the IP, some Eduard belts and I’ll box in the wheel bays using plastic card. 
 
There was lots of flash present - not surprising given its vintage - and the cockpit parts were quickly assembled. The rear fuselage got a spray of aluminium, as per references:
 


The main cockpit was then sprayed up, a few bits and bobs such as Milliput seat cushions (modern pilots don’t like getting sore bottoms!) added so the fuselage is now ready to be buttoned up:
 

 


I’m going to replicate the model as the modern day warbird so have kept everything absolutely immaculate like the real thing. 
 
I’m keeping the cowling buttoned up as the engine area is rather basic and lacking in detail and I want to actually get the build completed within the time frame of the GB - I don’t want to lose momentum or interest…
 
More when there’s more…
Tom

Afternoon all,

My modelling mojo has deserted me of late, but I have had the beginnings of a return the last couple of days, so fancied doing a bit more to the Stirling. 
 
A while ago I made all the framing for the bomb aimer’s windows from Evergreen, as the kit supplied parts are completely the wrong shape and the plan was/is to add my own glazing. 
 
Thankfully, and despite the incorrect shape, I have been able to use parts of the kit supplied clear parts, carefully measuring and cutting them one by one:
 
 
They were then ‘dropped’ into the framing using Formula 560 canopy glue, with the edges neatened up and sealed with Milliput Black. The end result isn’t too bad and once the whole area has been blended in with a top coat of paint, it should pass muster from 50 yards!
 
 
 
I’m leaving the centre panel right until the end as a means to remove any bits of dust or stray debris - plus I need to make the bomb sight mounts which will be very fragile. 
 
Another job ticked off…
 
More when there’s more. 
Tom

Afternoon all,

My modelling mojo has deserted me of late, but I have had the beginnings of a return the last couple of days, so fancied doing a bit more to the Stirling. 
 
A while ago I made all the framing for the bomb aimer’s windows from Evergreen, as the kit supplied parts are completely the wrong shape and the plan was/is to add my own glazing. 
 
Thankfully, and despite the incorrect shape, I have been able to use parts of the kit supplied clear parts, carefully measuring and cutting them one by one:
 
 
They were then ‘dropped’ into the framing using Formula 560 canopy glue, with the edges neatened up and sealed with Milliput Black. The end result isn’t too bad and once the whole area has been blended in with a top coat of paint, it should pass muster from 50 yards!
 
 
 
I’m leaving the centre panel right until the end as a means to remove any bits of dust or stray debris - plus I need to make the bomb sight mounts which will be very fragile. 
 
Another job ticked off…
 
More when there’s more. 
Tom

Thanks very much, gents!
 
Scratch work a plenty as the main cockpit components have been made and splashed with some paint this morning:
 

Next up is the radios and electrical boxes…
 
More when there’s more…
Tom

A bit of progress on the bomb bay. An exercise in Evergreen and patience! I’ve made 238 pieces of individual strip so far - and counting!
 
 
 
The wing bays will be next - more piccies when done!
 
Tom

Afternoon all,

My modelling mojo has deserted me of late, but I have had the beginnings of a return the last couple of days, so fancied doing a bit more to the Stirling. 
 
A while ago I made all the framing for the bomb aimer’s windows from Evergreen, as the kit supplied parts are completely the wrong shape and the plan was/is to add my own glazing. 
 
Thankfully, and despite the incorrect shape, I have been able to use parts of the kit supplied clear parts, carefully measuring and cutting them one by one:
 
 
They were then ‘dropped’ into the framing using Formula 560 canopy glue, with the edges neatened up and sealed with Milliput Black. The end result isn’t too bad and once the whole area has been blended in with a top coat of paint, it should pass muster from 50 yards!
 
 
 
I’m leaving the centre panel right until the end as a means to remove any bits of dust or stray debris - plus I need to make the bomb sight mounts which will be very fragile. 
 
Another job ticked off…
 
More when there’s more. 
Tom

My pet hate is making cockpits but I’ve made a start… all from plastic card and Evergreen:
 
 
 
Still lots to do, so more when there’s more…
 
Tom

Some good progress on the big Spitfire of late...
 
Following others when building/improving this kit, I have added some plastic card laminate to the leading edges of the ailerons to improve the fit. Being designed to move, there were unsightly gaps where the ailerons join the wing - this improves things greatly and avoids the 'toy-like' look of the original:
 

 
The original Airfix kit is well know for its retractable landing gear and hollow wheel bays - it's relatively simple to box these in using plastic card and improves the look immeasurably:
 

 
With this done the rest of the airframe comes together very rapidly - there's some filler needed but it's very much a product of its time. I've painted the prop, too, and this is just a push-fit. I am not using the engine but the forward part of the Merlin is easy to attach to the forward part of the cowling to hold the prop in place:
 

 

 

 
I now need to sort a few blemishes and install the clear parts. It's all coming together rather quickly!
 
Until next time,
Tom

Howdy, folks. 
 
I haven’t got around to starting my Brigade TR9 conversion yet, but was rummaging in the loft the other day and found this - the classic Airfix 1/24 Spitfire MkV. Being inspired by @Erwin’s lovely rendition of his MkI, I thought why not..?
 
Box art:
 

 
All the parts are present to build the MkI which is my plan - I have ordered some decals to replicate N3200, which was famously shot down (after claiming a Stuka) during the evacuation of Dunkirk and buried on the sands over time at Sangatte, near Calais. Pilot Sqn Ldr Geoffrey Stevenson spent the remainder of the war as a POW. 
 

 
The remnants of the airframe were recovered in 1986 and in early 2007 restoration began to airworthy condition - it still resides at Duxford to this day wearing its 19 Squadron codes and has been restored to look exactly as it did when lost on 26th May 1940. 
 
So… this will be built largely OOB just as Airfix intended, although I have bought some Airscale instrument bezels to enhance the IP, some Eduard belts and I’ll box in the wheel bays using plastic card. 
 
There was lots of flash present - not surprising given its vintage - and the cockpit parts were quickly assembled. The rear fuselage got a spray of aluminium, as per references:
 


The main cockpit was then sprayed up, a few bits and bobs such as Milliput seat cushions (modern pilots don’t like getting sore bottoms!) added so the fuselage is now ready to be buttoned up:
 

 


I’m going to replicate the model as the modern day warbird so have kept everything absolutely immaculate like the real thing. 
 
I’m keeping the cowling buttoned up as the engine area is rather basic and lacking in detail and I want to actually get the build completed within the time frame of the GB - I don’t want to lose momentum or interest…
 
More when there’s more…
Tom

Afternoon all,

My modelling mojo has deserted me of late, but I have had the beginnings of a return the last couple of days, so fancied doing a bit more to the Stirling. 
 
A while ago I made all the framing for the bomb aimer’s windows from Evergreen, as the kit supplied parts are completely the wrong shape and the plan was/is to add my own glazing. 
 
Thankfully, and despite the incorrect shape, I have been able to use parts of the kit supplied clear parts, carefully measuring and cutting them one by one:
 
 
They were then ‘dropped’ into the framing using Formula 560 canopy glue, with the edges neatened up and sealed with Milliput Black. The end result isn’t too bad and once the whole area has been blended in with a top coat of paint, it should pass muster from 50 yards!
 
 
 
I’m leaving the centre panel right until the end as a means to remove any bits of dust or stray debris - plus I need to make the bomb sight mounts which will be very fragile. 
 
Another job ticked off…
 
More when there’s more. 
Tom

Afternoon all,

My modelling mojo has deserted me of late, but I have had the beginnings of a return the last couple of days, so fancied doing a bit more to the Stirling. 
 
A while ago I made all the framing for the bomb aimer’s windows from Evergreen, as the kit supplied parts are completely the wrong shape and the plan was/is to add my own glazing. 
 
Thankfully, and despite the incorrect shape, I have been able to use parts of the kit supplied clear parts, carefully measuring and cutting them one by one:
 
 
They were then ‘dropped’ into the framing using Formula 560 canopy glue, with the edges neatened up and sealed with Milliput Black. The end result isn’t too bad and once the whole area has been blended in with a top coat of paint, it should pass muster from 50 yards!
 
 
 
I’m leaving the centre panel right until the end as a means to remove any bits of dust or stray debris - plus I need to make the bomb sight mounts which will be very fragile. 
 
Another job ticked off…
 
More when there’s more. 
Tom

Afternoon all,

My modelling mojo has deserted me of late, but I have had the beginnings of a return the last couple of days, so fancied doing a bit more to the Stirling. 
 
A while ago I made all the framing for the bomb aimer’s windows from Evergreen, as the kit supplied parts are completely the wrong shape and the plan was/is to add my own glazing. 
 
Thankfully, and despite the incorrect shape, I have been able to use parts of the kit supplied clear parts, carefully measuring and cutting them one by one:
 
 
They were then ‘dropped’ into the framing using Formula 560 canopy glue, with the edges neatened up and sealed with Milliput Black. The end result isn’t too bad and once the whole area has been blended in with a top coat of paint, it should pass muster from 50 yards!
 
 
 
I’m leaving the centre panel right until the end as a means to remove any bits of dust or stray debris - plus I need to make the bomb sight mounts which will be very fragile. 
 
Another job ticked off…
 
More when there’s more. 
Tom

Afternoon all,

My modelling mojo has deserted me of late, but I have had the beginnings of a return the last couple of days, so fancied doing a bit more to the Stirling. 
 
A while ago I made all the framing for the bomb aimer’s windows from Evergreen, as the kit supplied parts are completely the wrong shape and the plan was/is to add my own glazing. 
 
Thankfully, and despite the incorrect shape, I have been able to use parts of the kit supplied clear parts, carefully measuring and cutting them one by one:
 
 
They were then ‘dropped’ into the framing using Formula 560 canopy glue, with the edges neatened up and sealed with Milliput Black. The end result isn’t too bad and once the whole area has been blended in with a top coat of paint, it should pass muster from 50 yards!
 
 
 
I’m leaving the centre panel right until the end as a means to remove any bits of dust or stray debris - plus I need to make the bomb sight mounts which will be very fragile. 
 
Another job ticked off…
 
More when there’s more. 
Tom

Afternoon all,

My modelling mojo has deserted me of late, but I have had the beginnings of a return the last couple of days, so fancied doing a bit more to the Stirling. 
 
A while ago I made all the framing for the bomb aimer’s windows from Evergreen, as the kit supplied parts are completely the wrong shape and the plan was/is to add my own glazing. 
 
Thankfully, and despite the incorrect shape, I have been able to use parts of the kit supplied clear parts, carefully measuring and cutting them one by one:
 
 
They were then ‘dropped’ into the framing using Formula 560 canopy glue, with the edges neatened up and sealed with Milliput Black. The end result isn’t too bad and once the whole area has been blended in with a top coat of paint, it should pass muster from 50 yards!
 
 
 
I’m leaving the centre panel right until the end as a means to remove any bits of dust or stray debris - plus I need to make the bomb sight mounts which will be very fragile. 
 
Another job ticked off…
 
More when there’s more. 
Tom

Afternoon all,

My modelling mojo has deserted me of late, but I have had the beginnings of a return the last couple of days, so fancied doing a bit more to the Stirling. 
 
A while ago I made all the framing for the bomb aimer’s windows from Evergreen, as the kit supplied parts are completely the wrong shape and the plan was/is to add my own glazing. 
 
Thankfully, and despite the incorrect shape, I have been able to use parts of the kit supplied clear parts, carefully measuring and cutting them one by one:
 
 
They were then ‘dropped’ into the framing using Formula 560 canopy glue, with the edges neatened up and sealed with Milliput Black. The end result isn’t too bad and once the whole area has been blended in with a top coat of paint, it should pass muster from 50 yards!
 
 
 
I’m leaving the centre panel right until the end as a means to remove any bits of dust or stray debris - plus I need to make the bomb sight mounts which will be very fragile. 
 
Another job ticked off…
 
More when there’s more. 
Tom

Afternoon all,

My modelling mojo has deserted me of late, but I have had the beginnings of a return the last couple of days, so fancied doing a bit more to the Stirling. 
 
A while ago I made all the framing for the bomb aimer’s windows from Evergreen, as the kit supplied parts are completely the wrong shape and the plan was/is to add my own glazing. 
 
Thankfully, and despite the incorrect shape, I have been able to use parts of the kit supplied clear parts, carefully measuring and cutting them one by one:
 
 
They were then ‘dropped’ into the framing using Formula 560 canopy glue, with the edges neatened up and sealed with Milliput Black. The end result isn’t too bad and once the whole area has been blended in with a top coat of paint, it should pass muster from 50 yards!
 
 
 
I’m leaving the centre panel right until the end as a means to remove any bits of dust or stray debris - plus I need to make the bomb sight mounts which will be very fragile. 
 
Another job ticked off…
 
More when there’s more. 
Tom

Predictably I got bored of making and painting cockpit parts, so have digressed…
 
I have tried to make the ailerons look fabric covered by using my tried and tested trick of masking off the areas between the ribs with tape, and then spray some high-build primer over the top which, when removed, leaves some subtly raised areas. It worked well for the elevators, so I’ve done the same here and with the rudder. 
 

I have also begun to tentatively splash a little paint - I’m trying to avoid using decals for this build as sprayed-on markings look better in this scale. I did think about sourcing a generic Lancaster decal sheet for the codes, etc., but have decided to make my own masks. Here, you can see I’ve laid down the first layer of ‘RAF roundel red’ from Xtracolor - and the finished rudder and ailerons:
 
 
If the weather stays fine I’ll paint the rest of the wing roundels before inevitably I’m going to have to finish the cockpit off.
 
More when there’s more…
Tom

Afternoon all,

My modelling mojo has deserted me of late, but I have had the beginnings of a return the last couple of days, so fancied doing a bit more to the Stirling. 
 
A while ago I made all the framing for the bomb aimer’s windows from Evergreen, as the kit supplied parts are completely the wrong shape and the plan was/is to add my own glazing. 
 
Thankfully, and despite the incorrect shape, I have been able to use parts of the kit supplied clear parts, carefully measuring and cutting them one by one:
 
 
They were then ‘dropped’ into the framing using Formula 560 canopy glue, with the edges neatened up and sealed with Milliput Black. The end result isn’t too bad and once the whole area has been blended in with a top coat of paint, it should pass muster from 50 yards!
 
 
 
I’m leaving the centre panel right until the end as a means to remove any bits of dust or stray debris - plus I need to make the bomb sight mounts which will be very fragile. 
 
Another job ticked off…
 
More when there’s more. 
Tom