Spitfire Mk IIA Instrument Panel

[alzictorini]

Dear PMs

It’s been about 6 months since my last post and having almost come to the end of my latest panel build, I thought Id share some of the build with you.

Having completed the Hampden panel, I was asked if I could make a Spitfire panel. This was probably inevitable working at RAF Coningsby so a Spitfire next it was. Question was, Which Mk? The customer who asked me to make it said, could I make a MK IIa as he had flown a real MK IIa in his service career.

Initially I only had MK I plans which were very similar, so I started off here. I looked to see which items I had left over from the Hampden build which could be used in the Spit project. I had a few items at hand, and I had made moulds of other items which could also be used here. There were also several items which would need designing in fusion and printing off (moulds made for later use on other projects):



Having printed off a print I placed some of my left overs on the drawing:



I did my research into many books and a few good plans became available and found out what clocks and gauges and difference in switch layout was needed between a MK I and a II.

The next drawing had all the locats I needed for the panel:



I started cutting out a pattern which I could use in the future if I needed to make another or similar MK of Spit.

I started manufacturing the missing instruments and stored them out of the way.

.

It took me about 3 months to produce all the instruments and hand paint them. I made them luminous so when the lights are out she glows like the real thing would have done:









Blind Flying Panel and Main Panel cut out next on the list.

[alzictorini]

Dear PMs

I looked at the Blind Flying Panel Next - Fitment of the instruments was easy and having made one before they fitted perfectly and easily:



Laying out the instruments on the main panel was next to get an idea of how the sat:



Cutting them out next and seeing if they fit followed:



I was in two minds which clock to settle on but in the end I went for the bigger and much better looking Smiths MK III 8 day clock. The glass took me 2 hours to cut to shape alone!!!



Once I was happy with the panel and the fitment of the instruments, I made a template for future use and painted my master black. Instruments were put in place and details added. One of these was to add words to the panel such as for the electrical switches. Generator on off for examples. I used Fox Transfers for this detail:



These are the correct size and font and look perfect in place:



Here is the panel so far:









I next made some spacers and Ive hung the panel and BFP on a piece of MDF backing. This will be part of the Box the panel will go in for later display from a wall:



Im currently working on a Supermarine Logo and a data plate to be placed next to the panel. The back ground will be painted sky blue before final mounting to the back and insertion into its display box.

Ill keep you updated of the progress.

Enjoy

[PaperLab]

Unbelievable...! Am I correct this is 1;1...?

[alzictorini]

Hi Paperlabs

Yes bud, its 1:1 scale

Full size Spitfire Instrument Panel.

[romanmodels]

good work looks good as allways

[MacSongLi]

Another great instrument panel. You do amazing work Al.

Gary

[Jim Nunn]

Al

Once again a no compromise panel build.

Nice to see you working on a Spit panel. Looks like your putting that 3D printer too good use. When your done send me some snaps and I'll show then to the guys a "Planes of Fame"

Jim

[ccoyle]

Congrats on completing another amazing instrument panel! It's such a convincing likeness, it makes one want to flip it over and check whether there aren't, in fact, any real working bits on the back.

[rifleman]

great to see more of your work again out standing

[alzictorini]

PMs

Thanks for the support guys, always good to here your thoughts. Jim, you bet ya buddy.

Chris, ive yet to paint the backing board its on, i may just take a pic of the back for you when its off again....if i remember.

I went in the workshop this evening and when i turned the light out i noticed this:



Spooky

Night fighter spit!!!