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Spitfire MkI converted to a PRXIX (1/32nd scale)


tomprobert

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Here's the latest project to cross the finish line - the 1970's original issue 1/32nd scale Spitfire MkI which has been used as the base kit to produce a Spitfire PRXIX using Grey Matter's conversion set.

 

I chose the original Revell kit rather than the latest release due to the far superior surface detailing (and the fact that it was picked up cheaply at an airshow!) and although it has an issue with the lack of the gull wing effect on the underside I found that far easier to live with than the ridiculously over-scale trenches and rivets seen on the latest Revell offering. 

 

The conversion provides a completely new nose section for the big Griffon engine, a new tail fin and rudder, replacement elevators, new propeller, two new radiators and a vacformed canopy for the pressurised cockpit.

 

Work began by modifying the MkI wing - the radiator and oil cooler were removed, along with carburetor intake. The kit didn't have any wheel well detail so this was scratch-built, and the cartridge ejector ports were also blanked off:

 

20760576099_82beefc589_c.jpgS1030089 by Thomas Probert, on Flickr

 

The fuselage had the Merlin engine cut off at the firewall, I modified and installed an aftermarket cockpit set to replace the basic detail in the kit, and I also scratch-built the camera bays in the rear fuselage:

 

20324746184_1d2a7f63e0_c.jpgS1030097 by Thomas Probert, on Flickr

 

The original nose was then replaced with the resin Griffon one, the MkI tail was sliced off and the resin replacement installed, and the gun bay covers were all filled as of course the PRXIX was unarmed:

 

21570962930_e64a412fa1_c.jpgS1030119 by Thomas Probert, on Flickr

 

The Grey Matter conversion kit didn't supply any decals, so I used ModelDecal serials, Xtradecal roundels and the new HGW Spitfire stencil set. Xtracolour enamels were used throughout the build. 

 

1/32nd scale Spitfire PRXIX PS853 of the Meteorological Flight, RAF Woodvale, 1953:

 

22055808883_eafc1c166a_c.jpgDSC_0060 by Thomas Probert, on Flickr

 

22650930576_c4baf53363_c.jpgDSC_0065 by Thomas Probert, on Flickr

 

22677000865_5e26b22d9f_c.jpgDSC_0069 by Thomas Probert, on Flickr

 

22055833923_b4847d61ed_c.jpgDSC_0071 by Thomas Probert, on Flickr

 

22650959456_1093935659_c.jpgDSC_0073 by Thomas Probert, on Flickr

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Part II:

 

22688130811_7455225eca_c.jpgDSC_0088 by Thomas Probert, on Flickr

 

22663382432_b49f998c84_c.jpgDSC_0093 by Thomas Probert, on Flickr

 

22663439332_bd68f2fd44_c.jpgDSC_0094 by Thomas Probert, on Flickr

 

22055827623_0bf10571f5_c.jpgDSC_0101 by Thomas Probert, on Flickr

 

All in all this was a reasonably straightforward conversion to do, the resin parts fitted well and it finally gives me my favourite version of the Spitfire in 1/32nd scale. In hindsight I could easily have based this conversion on the PCM MkIV kit, but I like a bit of a challenge and there's nothing better than dragging ancient kits kicking and screaming into the 21st Century!

 

Until next time,

 

Tom

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That's turned out fantastically well, Tom! Amazing stuff, and a beautifully unique result. Do you have versions of the photos without the border effect on them? I'd love to publish them on the website!

 

Kev

Thanks Kev, and yes I do. I'll PM you with them in the next day or two - my computer is shut down for the night!

 

Tom

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Guest Peterpools

Tom

Outstanding work and completely agree it's always a treat to see the how to convert and bring a very old kit back into the mainstream.

Beautifully done.

:clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

Peter

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