1/24 Trumpeter Spitfire Mk Vb Trop

By Alex Kontiveis

This is one of my favourite Trumpeter models. This particular kit is mainly built out of the box, since no aftermarket resin or photo-etched parts (except those that Trumpeter gives) were used during the construction.

The construction took me more than 700 hours of work and more than 500 extra scratch-built pieces for detailing!

Any improvements were made using plastic sheet, metal, aluminium, solder and copper wire, stretched sprue etc, according to the plans of the actual aircraft found on the Internet and many many books. The extras concern the engine compartment, the machine guns, the cockpit, the radio compartment behind the cockpit (scratch-built) and the landing gear.

THE KIT
Actually, I start building an old Airfix Spitfire Mk.1, in 1/24 scale. Although I spent the same hours of work, unfortunately I failed in painting and as I couldn't’t fix it, the kit moved into the spares box!!! So I decided to buy the Trumpeter’s kit. The first impression was very good compared to Airfix Spit. Double pieces, better detail, generally in most of the main parts of the aircraft. Except… pilot’s seat (I couldn't’t understand the wooden pillow…) and the flat base of the underside seat. Another point, was the very small instruments holes. The engine’s part was good and a few extra parts made the difference from Airfix model.

click on images to open larger version, use your back button to return

The photos above concern the engine and machine-guns compartment. The improvements are quite visible! An overall photo of the model is directly below.

The model was painted exclusively with enamel (Humbrol & Molak) paints. The wash and the dry-brushing were made with Humbrol enamels and Gunze Oil. Furthermore, pastel chalks were used for the areas behind the engine and the landing gear compartment. PHOTOS (06, 07, 08, 09,10,11,12,13,14,15)

click on images to open larger version, use your back button to return

© Alex Kontiveis 2007