Scale Modeling

Model shows can be a source for some amazing deals. This 1/32 scale Hasegawa Spitfire Vb was tagged "$25 - Includes extra parts."

The 'Extra Parts' included a complete and untouched Paragon Designs resin set for a Spitfire MkXII conversion of the Hasegawa Vb kit (valued at $47 alone..), and a set of True Details 'Fast Frames' vinyl canopy frames.

The only part of the kit which was found to be comromised was the pilot figure, found crudely glued together, unpainted, and cemented to the cockpit assembly. Luckily whoever started this 'project' didn't get past Step 3 of the asssembly guide.

I salvaged the instrument panel and borrowed the cockpit assembly from an old 1/32 Scale Revell Spitfire Mk I kit; a flea market find kept for spares. Sometimes the stars align..

I've started work on the new cockpit and instrument panel, taking the time to study reference books and materials. The new resin engine cowl/ nose was assembled. Blue tak putty was used to temporarily hold the pieces together while cyanoacrylate and epoxy glues set. Some re-shaping on both the body and resin parts will be needed for a proper fit.

I haven't decided on a particular pilot's moun't to showcase for final markings and camouflage. The Spitfire MkXII was not produced in great numbers compared to other variants in operation at the time.

As luck would have it, I also happened to have a back issue of Scale Aviation Modeller with an article featuring the Paragon Designs Spitfire Mk XII conversion.