Grey Nurse Spitfire - Dave Winfield repaint

[airdave]

So my next "test" build is one my own repaints again!

Issue Two of my "Rare & Unusual paint Schemes Series Two - Spitfires"

The "Grey Nurse" Spitfire



I'm doing my own "test" build because:
a. I wanted a Spit for my own model collection and this one is pretty!
b. I'm too impatient for someone else to test build my repaints! lol


So here goes...a little rushed, I apologize...but thats how I build*.
*sometimes a little too fast, sometimes a little too sloppy
...but I'm just too impatient to see it finished!


Four pages of parts in my 1/33 upscale and repaint.
I am using 65lb cardstock




Instead of joiner strips, I am trying the little tab approach
...I will use single formers wherever necessary and only double former (butt joint style) on specific locations.
As usual I will start at the nose and assemble each fuselage section as a ring first.
Then add the tabs.
Then insert the formers as necessary.





Here's all the fuselage sections connected and tabbed.
And all formers (mounted to cardstock) and cut...and sanded into shape.





First real issue was my fault...I glued the formers to fairly heavy Illustrationboard'
...its a little too tough to cut and shape.
I was forced to redo a couple of formers, and I chose to use black foamcoreboard
(which some might find too soft, but I like the fact that I can make the formers thicker, but its still easy to cut and shape)

Second issue was with the kit itself
...some of the formers seemed oversize and require a lot of trimming/sanding.
Biggest issue was with the cockpit section formers F and G
...they are supposed to butt connect to slightly different fuselage sections,
but they should match in the lower area of the former and don't.
...in fact they are very different in shape.
I was forced to redo that area of the fuselage
and the second time around I used Former G as the primary and created a new Former F (using G as the template).
I ended up with a better (not perfect) fit of that section of the fuselage.




I am a little disappointed with the final fit of the center sections, but its mostly my fault.
Having finally got the center formers to fit, I rushed the final assembly connection...but its nothing I can't live with.
I'm sure the wing attachment will hide it anyway!

[chiawatkom]

Airdave!

Your work drive me crazy now!!!!

[3Turner]

Wow, that looks great Dave.

[airdave]

you know what?...it is a nice looking kit.
I wish I could just get a better handle on the fuselage sections assembly.
I know it has a lot to do with my inexperience as a card modeler,
and I'm on a self-imposed crash course it seems
and trying to do my best with each new model.
Its far from perfect, the photos hide a lot of my errors
but as I said, I think this Spit is not a bad kit at all.

[Wyvern]

I think it's beautiful, Dave- your repaint and your build. I'm looking forward to seeing it finished!

Wyvern

[airdave]

Started the Nose Cone and Propellor assembly last night (no photos yet)
but I also got the Canopy done...


For a simple canopy, I think this one goes together very nice and fits really well!

I started by cutting out the two parts and with a little planning ahead
I also incorporated some glue tabs into the cutting.
(sorry for the blurred photos...I seem to be having a problem just lately slowing down and taking better pictures)




I glued the bubble section first by rolling the part on a Marker and getting some curved form into the card
and then overlapping the side cuts.
I trimmed off as much of the visible edge outlining as possible without making the side cuts too wide.

Then, after folding and glueing the forward section of the canopy
I fitted the two parts together while holding the curve with my fingers.




I prefer to use "Contact Cement" on parts like this...I preglue all mating surfaces and allow the parts to dry.
Then I start fitting tabs one at a time, working my way around the part.
The Contact Cement allows for a quick grab and instant bond which is handy when dealing with formed and curved pieces.
...only drawback is no real time to adjust a part, you must position it right on the first touch!




A little edge colouring
and then just fit the canopy to the fuselage.

I was thinking about adding a support/glue tab for the rear of the canopy, but it is unnecessary!
The canopy sits right on top of the edge of the fuselage (at the rear)
and fits beautifully!! ...it couldn't be any simpler!




I didn't do anything special for the canopy artwork on this plane,
just a two colour fade and its very washed out in the above photo.
Heres a better look at it... (do you think it needs something different?)

[Wyvern]

I think it looks great! Pity though the hood section wasn't designed without that split- sort of detracts from the illusion that there's a piece of perspex there, in my opinion.

But that's the design, not your work, which is excellent!

Wyvern

[cMags]

Well, if you're careful to cut *inside* the black line and use edge gluing or a sub-layer glue tab, you can get that seam pretty invisible. But all in all, the effect is good. Keep up the great work Dave!

[airdave]

Originally Posted by cmags

Well, if you're careful to cut *inside* the black line and use edge gluing or a sub-layer glue tab, you can get that seam pretty invisible. But all in all, the effect is good. Keep up the great work Dave!

thanks cmags!

in this case the edge lines are increased in size,...this is an upscale,
and to remove all of the edge line would create too large of a slit in the canopy (I think)

...I cut through at least half of the edge line in this case.
If I cut too far, it might affect the shape of the completed canopy.

edge gluing would be much smoother and tighter
and I have tried the edge gluing before, but I just make a mess! lol
maybe it would work for others, but its not for me.


One thing I will do is...decrease the contrast/intensity of the edge lines in the model file, so it prints much lighter for this part.


Wyvern, yes, the slit does detract from the look of the canopy, but its the only way to create that bubble effect
unless you want to form a clear canopy...

[peter taft]

Originally Posted by cmags

Well, if you're careful to cut *inside* the black line and use edge gluing or a sub-layer glue tab, you can get that seam pretty invisible. But all in all, the effect is good. Keep up the great work Dave!

Good idea here. Dave i love this paint job you have done, gives her a real sense of MENACE and overall brilliant scheme :D You work quick mate and you are doing a good build at high speed - you know it will be perfect at the slower build speed - Top dollar to you