Since the last update, I’ve completed the main build and have applied the main camo colors.
The build was actually quick and there were no real issues. The fit is exceptional and I hardly used any filler at all.
Mr. Surfacer 1200 was used as primer.
I decided to try MRP paints for this build. The Azure blue really pops in person. I faded it a bit also.
Midstone went on next.
I used thin blutack rolls for the dark earth camo demarcation. I like this technique for Spitfires since the camo pattern extends across the wings and fuselage. It’s easier to manage than templates. One thing to point out: The camo profile views of many Eduard kits are inconsistent (e.g., the top view of the camo pattern doesn’t match the side view), and this kit’s no exception. For this build I used the pattern from my Tamiya 1/32 kit.
Once the basic camo pattern was complete, some fading and shading was applied along with some random streaks and patches. A very light coat of the base colors was then applied to tie the effects together.
A bit more weathering and then a gloss coat for decals and wash.
A quick note on the Eduard decals - It turns out that the red color in the roundel and fin flash is sort of a wine red color, not the “dull” or brownish red that MRP has for RAF markings. I found the same thing with the Tamiya decals.
After some research online and checking out some photos, it appears that the spinners for at least some MTO Spitfires were the “dull” red rather than the deeper red on the roundels and fin flash. I’m not an expert at all in this area but thought it was interesting. For what it’s worth, I’m going with the dull red on the spinner after seeing some convincing color photos of desert Spitfires.
There’s also some drama with the maintenance stencils and yellow leading edges for the wings. The Tamiya profile for ZX-6 has no yellow leading edges but does show complete maintenance stencils. The Eduard profile is the exact opposite. Huh?
After some additional poking around online, my conclusion is that this Spitfire had its desert camo applied in the factory so it’s getting stencils. It also appears that the yellow leading edges were not generally applied to the desert camo MTO Spitfires. It’s not clear whether the yellow edges are present from the photos of the actual plane. Overall, the Tamiya profile seems to be more accurate.
