Spitfire...new models from Dave's Card Creations

[airdave]

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) (http://www.papermodelers.com/forum/comedy-stand/24120-wwii-beer-run.html)
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!!!

[Don Boose]

Dave -

Looking forward to the revised Spits.

Of course, if you decide to do the 411 Squadron Spit in the photo, no one will ever believe those raggedy invasion stripes.*

Don

*With the erk standing in front of the second letter of the squadron code, I can't be sure, but it looks like either a "P," "R," or a "B." Since DP = 193 Squadron, which flew Typhoons in 1944 and DR = No. 1555 Flight, which flew Hurricanes, my guess is 412 Squadron, in which the aircraft is Spit IXb MK343. [J.D.R. Rawlings, Fighter Squadrons of the R.A.F. and their Aircraft, London: Macdonald and Janes, 1976 (revised edition), pp. 429-30, 531-2.)

[airdave]

Then I should help you out...

A scene recorded on June 5th, 1944 in Tangmere, Sussex.
Preparing Spitfires for D-Day, 411 Squadron RCAF ground crew members apply invasion stripes to Spitfire Mk. IXe, DB-R.
This aircraft was reportedly flown by F/L Jack J. Boyle.

http://www.stolly.org.uk/ETO/spitfireixinvasionstripes.jpg

[Don Boose]

Thanks Dave-

I see there was a typo in my message. It should have read "my guess is 411."

Thanks for the confirmation and the info that the aircraft was a Mk IXe.

Don

[cnhalfpap]

I'm also looking forward to seeing what Dave will come up with !
There isn't many Spits to choose from , on Ecardmodels .
More Spit models to choose from , would be a good thing .

(on a smaller note)
In the process of learning how to use Inkscape , i repainted one of Marek"s Spits .
It's been sitting there waiting to be built .
I think , in the spirit of what's going on , this will be my next build !

[airdave]

And the first "new" Spitfire is complete.

Just have to wrap up the cover artwork
and make up the PDF package...
then it will be sent off to the store.

Spitfire Mk.IXe RAF livery, with D-Day striping...the "Beer Truck Modification"

http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l588/cutandfold/Spitfire/SpitBeer1-331.jpg

Planes like the Spitfire were used after D-Day to ferry kegs of beer to troops on the European continent.
This was a short lived RAF command sanctioned modification using only Spits with Wing Bomb mounts.
As you can see, the model comes with Wing Pylons and Wooden Beer Kegs.

http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l588/cutandfold/Spitfire/SpitBeer1-338.jpg

I must admit, that I really rushed this display build.
I needed an image to use on the cover of the kit.
In my haste to complete the model I have made a few blunders during the assembly.
Most I have been able to clean up in the photos, but its not my best build for sure.
The Cockpit Canopy is completely out of place, but unfortunately glued down permanently.
And I made a real mess of the Wing root fairings.
Starboard side was the worst...but both side were rushed and badly buckled.
Unfortunately I did not take my own advice..."test fit- dry fit- test fit- dry fit...then glue into place"
So you might not notice it in the photos, but I have to be honest about this one.

Anyway, just finishing up the model package
and this will hopefully be in the shop real soon.
I'll post a release announcement when it is.

http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l588/cutandfold/Spitfire/th_SpitBeer1-3311.jpg (http://s1125.photobucket.com/user/cutandfold/media/Spitfire/SpitBeer1-3311.jpg.html) http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l588/cutandfold/Spitfire/th_SpitBeer1-3310.jpg (http://s1125.photobucket.com/user/cutandfold/media/Spitfire/SpitBeer1-3310.jpg.html) http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l588/cutandfold/Spitfire/th_SpitBeer1-339.jpg (http://s1125.photobucket.com/user/cutandfold/media/Spitfire/SpitBeer1-339.jpg.html) http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l588/cutandfold/Spitfire/th_SpitBeer1-333.jpg (http://s1125.photobucket.com/user/cutandfold/media/Spitfire/SpitBeer1-333.jpg.html)
http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l588/cutandfold/Spitfire/SpitBeer1-335.jpg
http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l588/cutandfold/Spitfire/th_SpitBeer1-337.jpg (http://s1125.photobucket.com/user/cutandfold/media/Spitfire/SpitBeer1-337.jpg.html) http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l588/cutandfold/Spitfire/th_SpitBeer1-336.jpg (http://s1125.photobucket.com/user/cutandfold/media/Spitfire/SpitBeer1-336.jpg.html) http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l588/cutandfold/Spitfire/th_SpitBeer1-334.jpg (http://s1125.photobucket.com/user/cutandfold/media/Spitfire/SpitBeer1-334.jpg.html) http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l588/cutandfold/Spitfire/th_SpitBeer1-332.jpg (http://s1125.photobucket.com/user/cutandfold/media/Spitfire/SpitBeer1-332.jpg.html)

[cmdr199212]

Will you be adding a cockpit as well, or do they come with one?

[peter taft]

Dave... your design skills are super, she's a real beauty !

[airdave]

No cockpit yet.

I started work on one, but the Former design that Marek used
on this model doesn't readily allow for it.
I'll keep fiddling with it and hopefully come up with something.

[Uyraell]

Interesting trivia item: the Beer Keg modification saw Official Sanction (ie: Approval) as "Depth Charge Mk 30, Modification" and was actually printed-up in Official Reference materials at the time as exactly that.
For those unaware, even the Official Designation is itself an in-joke: "depth charge" means dropping 3 nips ("shots of Scotch" in American parlance) of whiskey into a pint of beer and drinking-down the resulting concoction in as close to one movement as possible.

Despite Dave's criticisms of his build, I greatly enjoy seeing this model in existence.
One of many "unsung heroes" (albeit unconventional) of its' era.

Somebody might find that "infobit" useful or interesting. :)

Kind and Respectful Regards My friends, Uyraell.

[airdave]

I read an article about this which offered a different name for the "modification" (http://www.ghostgrey.gaetanmarie.com/articles/2010/Modification%20XXX/Modification%20XXX%20-%20Beer-carrying%20Spitfires.htm)
but your info is just as interesting!
Thanks

I agree, the Spit has always been a quiet favorite of mine.
And I have enjoyed putting out a couple of versions.
Its not the most perfect paper model (of a Spit) that is available,
but its not an overly difficult one to build.
And I prefer that over too complicated.

haha only tricky spots are those pesky wing fairings!
but I say that about every plane model I build!
Thank the stars for photoshopping!
...or in this case, CorelPhotoPainting! lol

[John Dell]

Wing fairings are the bane of my existence too.
Your model is truly beautiful.

[airdave]

Cockpit is done (for the Spitfire)

Just did a test build today and all looks well.
Only a couple of small tweaks needed.

Heres some early photos before I made final adjustments.
Its always tricky adding a cockpit into a kit that wasn't originally designed for a cockpit tub.
This Spitfire wasn't too much of a problem,
however the center fuselage connection is a little more fiddly to get together.
(I found adding a second internal former behind the rear cockpit area helped me,
but I'm sure others will find their own way through the assembly)

http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l588/cutandfold/Spitfire/th_P6028484.jpg (http://s1125.photobucket.com/user/cutandfold/media/Spitfire/P6028484.jpg.html) http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l588/cutandfold/Spitfire/th_P6028487.jpg (http://s1125.photobucket.com/user/cutandfold/media/Spitfire/P6028487.jpg.html) http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l588/cutandfold/Spitfire/th_P6028486.jpg (http://s1125.photobucket.com/user/cutandfold/media/Spitfire/P6028486.jpg.html) http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l588/cutandfold/Spitfire/th_P6028485.jpg (http://s1125.photobucket.com/user/cutandfold/media/Spitfire/P6028485.jpg.html)

The cockpit will be added to all future Spitfire models...but, if you have already purchased
the "Beer Truck Spitfire", you can get the Cockpit kit for free from my website and at Paper Model Shop Home (http://www.papermodelshop.com)

I'm sure this kit will fit my earlier Spitfire models too.
The recent redraw of this model hasn't really altered the basic template of the plane.
So there is no reason why it can't be fitted with minimal effort.

[Texman]

Dave, just an observation, but the control stick appears to be considerably out
of scale. Looks like at least twice the size it should be.

[airdave]

its nowhere near twice the size...but it is slightly enlarged.
makes it easier to build.

the final PDF is in fact a little smaller than the one in these photos.
(as I said, there have been a few tweaks since these pics were taken)

[Texman]

For your consideration

http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3664/3608812465_e89321096e_z.jpg

[douglasmarrel]

Dave I found 2 of your amazing WWI kits and snagged them (so cant wait for the centurion :)) and the beer keg spit but I couldn't find the spit cockpit on your webpage ( I suck at that sort of thing) can you post a direct link or which section its in?
Thanks

[airdave]

crap going on at home...I haven't gotten around to putting
up the Cockpit Kit on the website (yet).

Hopefully I will get it done real soon.

[airdave]

okay, Spit Cockpit is up at Paper Model Shop Home (http://www.papermodelshop.com)
and at Dave's Card creations Dave's Card Creations Home (http://www.cutandfold.info)

once again, any further releases of 1/33 Spitfires will include the optional cockpit.

[chicharrero]

Big thanks, Dave.
Awesome cockpit.
I think it will be very usefull for your fantastic Spitfire
series that haven't cockpit
Thanks, again

[airdave]

A mod for the "Beer Truck" Spitfire is now available.

Here are the necessary parts to convert the "Beer Truck" code FF-M Spitfire
into another 132 Squadron Mk.IX..

FF-B (NH481)...same squadron, same Spit type, same timeframe.
Information I have says this aircraft was used on D-Day.

http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l588/cutandfold/Spitfire/FFBmodsample.jpg

Anyway, it gives you the chance to build a pair of matching Squadron mates!

Of course its a free giveaway for those who have purchased the "Beer Truck" Spit!
Just go to Paper Model Shop Home (http://www.papermodelshop.com)

The link to download the file can be found in the "Free Stuff" / "Extras" section.
Paper Model Shop Paper Model Extras (http://papermodelshop.com/html/extras.html)

[Swampfox]

Airdave, just a quick thanks for providing the alternate build parts for you "Beer-Spit".

I've printed the kit at 1:24 scale and actually hope to start building it sometime this winter.

I will post picts of the build as I work on it.

Swampfox

[adder]

Excellent, thanks very much for the mod.

[sfw]

hi, i am building the black spitfire from ecardmodels.com
but the model d'not have cockpit
please may someone help my.
thanks

[Texman]

Which Spitfire are you building? Depending on the designer,
there may not be a cockpit.

[richkat]

How about some late model bubble top Spits........Rich

[airdave]

I don't have any plans for other Marks of Spitfire.
And I think I've stretched the possibilities of the existing templates I have to work with.
Theres a lot of physical mods and theres only so much I can do with the current models.

To be honest, there are so many Spit kits out there now.
Its hard to compete.
Not sure i want to get into other Spitfire models..

I do have a couple more variant Spits on my to-do list.
They've been there for quite sometime.
With all the other projects I have taken on, it could be some time before I get to them.

[richkat]

Yep, I was just a wishing......LOL......Rich

[airdave]

If you look at some of Marek's latest Spitfires, you'll find some very nice models.
He branched out with variants, but I still don't see any bubbletops.

The later marks are mostly post WW2, and in much smaller production numbers.
Not as well known I guess.

So many to choose from though.

Spitfire variants (http://www.sonsofdamien.co.uk/Spitfire%20variants.htm#mk14)