1/72 Spitfire Mk.V

**rockpaperscissor** · #1 06-30-2020, 01:28 PM

A couple of days ago I felt the need for some (almost) immediate gratification, with a simple model build. I haven't done a WWII fighter in a while, so I looked through my Fiddler's Green stash, and decided to tackle their Supermarine Spitfire, hand drawn and colored by Chip Fynn in 1993.

As with many early Fiddler's Green models, this is by no means an exacting replica of the real thing, but it was Spitfire(y) Spitfire(ish) enough for a quickie. Aircraft DoB "Lord Lloyd I" was flown by RAF ace Douglas Bader during the Battle of Britain.

The main one piece roll 'em up overlapping seam on the top fuselage, although not at all accurate in shape came out pretty nice, if I do say so myself. At least it's relatively straight. The horizontal stabs are simple doubled paper, with a fold down glue tab on the underside. On the sides of the fuselage, areas are rolled upwards to form basic wing fairings. The Spitfire's trademark elliptical wing is also made of one part rolled over and joined at the trailing edge. The leading edge is scored lightly front and center for about half its length, with the curved outer half of each wing mated up with glue tabs. The distinctive canopy bulge or bubble is missing. Also missing from the model is the chin scoop. I did some simple Photoshop embellishment, mostly related to markings. The stand is also by Fiddler's Green, decorated with a famous portrait photo of Group Captain Bader. Since this was to be a flying model, I made a propeller disc from clear plastic with roughened areas to indicate the spinning blades.

A few hours on the computer, and about a day at the workbench. Nearly instant gratification.

**rifleman** · #2 06-30-2020, 01:32 PM

thats a very neat build well done

**PacificWind** · #3 06-30-2020, 01:40 PM

Looks really nice! Good job.
It's pretty much kept in comics style I think. Interesting rendition, different from the others.

**Don Boose** · #4 06-30-2020, 01:42 PM

Looks like you got the most out of this model, Don! It definitely looks like a Spitfire. I like it!

Don too

**CaptJ** · #5 06-30-2020, 02:03 PM

Nice build! I too understand the urge for simple, sooner rather than later gratification modeling. In general, that is my preference though I can occasionally muster up enough perseverance for something a bit more complicated.

**Philip** · #6 06-30-2020, 03:34 PM

Terrific build,,,

**N96HBK** · #7 06-30-2020, 08:20 PM

Fabulous model!! It's amazing that the model is hand drawn, must have been very hard to do so.

**Burning Beard** · #8 06-30-2020, 08:23 PM

Nice job, it looks great on the stand.

Mike

**Llaut Mallorquin** · #9 07-01-2020, 01:47 AM

Morning What you say about the need to obtain gratification with a simple model, I have seen in many people, including myself. Sometimes a construction with many obstacles makes us abandon a project, thinking that we will finish it and years go by. The Spitfire in my opinion is one of the most beautiful aircraft ever designed. And the shape of its wings has a lot to do with it. I'm glad you had fun with the model. Regards

**rockpaperscissor** · #10 07-01-2020, 05:51 AM

Thank you very much for your positive comments, fellas. I normally pass over these simple early Fiddler's Green kits when looking for a short project. I've "moved on", so to speak, from what are generally considered to be beginner models. That being said, it was really a lot of fun to revisit my modeling past, and I'm glad that I chose this little Spitfire to while away some nostalgic hours.