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Here is my latest model, and the only model I've been able to complete this year, started on January 2nd. It is the Airfix Spitfire Mk.VIII which I've finished as RAAF 457 Squadron Leader Bruce Watson's mount based on Morotai Island in what is now Indonesia. I used some after market addons to help and modify the kit as Airfix got the cockpit wrong, simply carrying over that of the Mk.IX. The Mk.VIII was a strengthened and refined airframe being built around the two stage Merlin 60 series engine. Mk.II, Mk.V and Mk.IX were all derivatives of the original Mk.I airframe which was at the limits of it's capabilities when the Merlin 60 series was fitted. One of the many changes made was a totally revamped electrical system, which meant changes to the cockpit layout on the left side of the cockpit not reflected in this kit by Airfix. Thankfully, Peter at Airscale developed the necessary modification set to correct that issue. These are the total aftermarket mods used in this build. You can refer to my WIP story here for more detailed pictures of the build, which I won't reproduce here. These are pictures of the finished model which I've built to represent A58-606 as it was when based on Morotai airfield from March 1945 and later Labuan. And the model, sporting an enlarged shark mouth as above. Cockpit shots. This was a very enjoyable build and I can highly recommend the Airfix Spitfires. They're highly detailed and relatively easy to build, but if you're doing the Mk.VIII I'd also recommend the Airscale modification set and other enhancements to make the model as realistic as possible. Twenty six year old Squadron Leader Bruce Watson DFC joined the RAAF in December 1940, doing his basic training 8EFTS at Narrandera NSW, graduating there then transferring to RCAF training by May 1941. In August 1941, Sergeant Pilot Watson made his way to England now as a Pilot Officer and served with 32 Squadron RAF flying Hurricanes where he was awarded the DFC for his work flying against flak ships, E boats and coastal defenses. In April 1942, now as a Flying Officer, he went home to the RAAF posted to 75 Sqdn flying Kittyhawks. Two months later he was at Milne Bay repelling the Japanese in their failed attempt at invading Port Moresby again attacking barges, light tanks,ammunition dumps and round vehicles for which he received another citation. The squadron withdrew to Horn Island at the end of that battle, then to Cairns where he was acting CO for a short time. By February 1943, he was posted to No.2 OTU at Mildura in Victoria for about 20 months where he was promoted to Flight Lieutenant, then a short spell RAAF staff school. November 1944, now a Squadron leader take on the role of CO of 457 Squadron then based at Sattler near Darwin as part of the newly formed 80 Wing. Soon the squadron moved forward to Morotai then Labuan where again Watson received another citation for his determination and courage during what was again a dangerous ground attack role. The well liked and respected Squadron Leader returned to Sydney on 23rd November 1945 and received his discharge papers two weeks later. He played golf to a high level well into his eighties and still had a taste for speed when he and a friend were stopped by a policeman on the Hume Highway, between Sydney and Melbourne, doing 180kph. They were let off with a caution, probably because the policeman was so surprised at the sight of two octagenarians doing such speeds in a Porsche Boxter. My thanks to all those who joined in my WIP thread. Questions and comments always welcomed. Cheers, Michael

It's a new year and a new project for me, but you could be excused for thinking that I'm just continuing on from last year if you remember my last build. Santa brought me a lovely Airfix Spitfire Mk.VIII. So it only seemed appropriate to make a start on it today. Santa was even generous enough to include a bunch of addons inside from Eduard for better exhausts and seatbelts, Barracuda for an improved control column, Art Scale Distribution masks and three sets from Airscale to improve the cockpit and undercarriage. Two of the Airscale sets relate to the cockpit and comprise a set to improve the cockpit in similar fashion to my Mk.IX build last year, as well as another set to correct the left side of the cockpit, updating it to correct Mk.VIII specification which Mr Airfix forgot to do. The Airscale set for the left of the cockpit comprises, from left to right, a new voltage regulator, Corrected electrical control box new on the Mk.VIII, and improved throttle quadrant, a reflector gunsight base and mount and lastly a new radio control box. So I started at step one with the pilot's seat which has etch embellishment from the Airscale set, and I've also added a piece from that set to the seat mounting frame. I've also added a bit of Green Stuff to the ribs on the back of the pilot's seat to try to "bulk up" the cushion a bit more. This may or may not work, but we'll see if it does work after paint. Since the kit supplied voltage regulator won't be used, I filled in the L shaped mount for that part with some stock plastic square rod and a little filler. Here's the seat built up. I've yet to add the armour plate behind it, and I may add the armour plate that goes under the seat base if that is appropriate. I'll probably make my own from sheet brass as I'll be using the Airscale etch piece for the head armour, so my own effort will match that. The plastic kit part looks bulky next to the etch head armour. I've prepped the floor ready for paint. Lastly, I've assembled the missing chunk of the rear fuselage that is appropriate to a Mk.VIII as well as start work on the changes to allow the fitment of the lower fuselage light for a Mk.VIII. Here's the left half with the jig in place to cut that hole for the light (at the bottom of the fuselage behind the wing cut out). The jig fits into the fuselage very precisely so you cam accurately place the light. Then all you have to do is hack/grind/file the hole to allow for the fitment of the light housing. Ingenious. Sorry to add to the seemingly never ending number of Spitfire builds here, lately. But I like them and I have a few more Spitfire projects at the top of my to do list for this year, as well as a Z-M Fw-190 build and a Macchi C.205 build and a couple others too if I can join any of this year's group builds. Can someone double the number of days in this year to 730 days, please? Cheers, Michael

We take a look at another new 3D printed set in the Airscale Pro range: Bf109 G2/G4 660 X 160 Wheel Set. Have fun! Iain