Greg's high flyer and stopgap spitfires.** BOTH FINISHED**

[Gregers]

The MKVI was as you all probably know was a high altitude fighter, I'll be using the SMER kit for this build. The MKIX was a stopgap that turned out to be used extensively and some would say was THE Spitfire. I have several MKIX kits to choose from and will decide shortly which I will use. I could go retro with the Matchbox example, see what the fuss is about with the Italeri one or do the Airfix one or maybe the Bilek one I have some place. We'll see. Pics to follow very soon.

All the best.

Greg

[Stuart]

If that's the Airfix newish tool mk.IX, then it's possibly the nicest kit I've ever built.

Looking forward to seeing what you do.

[DazDaMan]

If that's the Airfix newish tool mk.IX, then it's possibly the nicest kit I've ever built.

Seconded - it is a belter.

[Martin R]

The Smer is the old school Heller MkV with resin upgrades, isn't it?

[Gregers]

I'm making a start on both Spits at the weekend and to be honest I've not opened the box of the MKVI. I'll get pics taken when I do.

All the best.

Greg

[Gregers]

I've made a start on the Spitfires this evening. Just painting of the interior and smaller parts like undercarriage etc. On the MKVI it is indeed an ex Heller kit. It was a second hand model I purchased a few years ago (at Huddersfield if I remember correctly) and some painting had been done inside, I didn't know this until tonight. I've taken before and after pics and have re-painted the lot but if you guys think I should get another kit and start again I will do on Monday.
I have chosen the Italeri MKIX for the build though I have also dug out the Matchbox kit. I have some Israeli markings to go on it.
Pics soon.

All the best.

Greg

[Gregers]

Here's the pics folks.
Smer kit, second hand kit partly painted in the wrong shade, repaint time.

Italeri kit, no horrors here.

re-painting sorted, and detail painting done or re-done as per.

MKVI under way, really a quick build (going to eat my words served with something tasting nasty )

Not hammer time (though I was tempted ) but more like filler time.

The fit of the smer kit isn't that good and the replacement ailerons are pretty poor in section and fit. Also there was no dihedral on the wings so that needed sorting. Oh and the wing tips are not a good fit either.
That's the state of play at the moment. To be honest had I known about the SMER kit I would have gone for the Italeri MKVI. Still it will get me another different MK of spit on the shelf.

All the best.

Greg

[iggie]

I'll be interested to see how this turns out as I think I have the Smer version about somewhere.
I have to admit that I don't really like the pointy wings on this Mk!

[Gregers]

It is buildable and with work it probably will make a nice model. Someone with more skills than my ham fisted efforts could make a very nice model from it but as I said, it will take work. since the last pic I've sanded the filler and given it a guide coat of grey. Not looking too bad but time will tell.

All the best.

Greg

[Martin R]

Good going, Greg.

Regards,

Martin

[DazDaMan]

I'll be following the Italeri build closely - I've got one in the stash.

[Gregers]

Cheers for the encouragement guys.
Some dislike the Italeri kit, possibly because of the fit of the engine (the two engine halves are separate pieces - though this makes the kit perfect for converting) and the gap at the front of the wing root. Both fix-able though. Personally I like the kit and their MKV too. I'm hopefully going to Aeroventure tomorrow so I'll pics up the Italeri MKVI if they still have it. I'm finishing the SMER one but it's one of those models that I'll never be really happy with because of it's faults - even though I've sorted most of them.

All the best.

Greg

[Gregers]

A quick update. Not a vast amount of work since the last pics but here are the latest ones.








Six Airfix MKVb's bagged and awaiting a future project, after all you can't have too many......








That's so far. more progress through the week.

All the best.

Greg

[Stuart]

Great going Greg - they look great!

[Gregers]

Cheers. With luck I'll make a silk purse out of the MKVI pigs ear. The Italeri MKIX is going together well (better shut up, I know things go wrong after a statement like that)

All the best.

Greg