For the last couple of months, I have been occasionally working on
my old Spitfire kit.
All the talk about "Spitfires buried in Burma" got me thinking it would
make sense to put out some new models and cash in on the attention.
That discovery of course, didn't happen...but I still kept fiddling with
the model.
I put out four Spitfire models at least 3 years ago...based on Marek's
older Spitfire models. I made a few modifications to the models, mainly
increasing the scale size to 1/33, but nothing too drastic...since the
original Marek kits were fairly basic.
But they still seem to go together nicely and I think they make a good
choice for a beginner.
I have been cleaning up a few area of the models...mostly modifying artwork and textures....and planning a couple of repaints.
There are already plenty of really good Spit kits available, so I don't plan
on going too far with this, since interested will be limited.
Not sure if I will add a cockpit, but I'll definitely rework the Spinner, props,
landing gear, etc.
The other day, Chunder put up a thread
(here)
about those "Beer Truck" Spits (and other aircraft) at the end of WW2.
I had seen this info before, and thought it would make a great excuse
for another Spitfire repaint.
And since I have been working on a RAF Invasion stripe version,
the Beer Truck is an easy choice for a new release.
So, thats what I am currently working on.
It will be a 65 Squadron Mk.IX Spitfire with wing pylons and Beer Kegs.
Funny...I've done invasion stripes on many different models
and every time I do them, I go and look for info on placement, size, pattern, etc.
We've also had a few discussions about these stripes and exactly how
they were painted.
Its easy to quote the directives from Allied Command as to how to apply
the Invasion stripes, but the fact is the majority of the black and white
stripes were applied in a huge rush, by hand, under extreme conditions.
While looking for some reference images, I found some Spits of 65 Squadron with full fuselage striping
and others with only partial underside stripes.
I also found varying widths and positioning of the wing striping.
In an effort to verify the general position of the Invasion striping on one
of the 65 Squadron Spitfires, I came across a very interesting photo.
It made me realize...I give up trying to be accurate with stuff like this.
This is obviously one of those paint jobs that just can't be argued.
If ya don't like where I put the stripes on my Spit model, too bad!!!