My last work is about the old Monogram’s 1/48 Spitfire (the model is of 1962). Although the shape is correct, the model is ruined because of two essential defects: over-heavy paneling with excess bolting (the surface of the Spitfire was very smooth in reality), and the canopy excessively thick.
The first defect of the two was easily removed, but the second was really a challenge. Using the original canopy as master, I thermoformed another identical using a heated sheet of acetate over a flame, next, with great care, I cut the copy with a very sharp cutter. The frames were made with plasticard.
All the interiors have been self-built using cardboard, plasticard, copper wire, and other material. Engine exhausts has been also self-constructed using copper wire rods. The wheels have been replaced with others with the right thickness, self-building the rims too.
The result of all this work, which has been committed to me for several months, is visible in the photos. I hope you will appreciate it.
The model represents the aircraft of Sdn.Ldr. Hugo T. Armstrong, of 611 Sqdn, who was shot down over Boulogne (F) on February 5, 1943.
Yes Scottrc, you are absolutely right, it is very difficult to get a thermoformed copy as the original. I use a small self-built device to limit errors to a maximum. It is based on the principle of vac-u-form: it is a cubic-shaped wooden box with a metal grid at the top and a hole in one of the side faces.
The picture above should clarify the working principle.
Inside the hole apply the tube of a vacuum cleaner while it is on, and on the upper grid (where I have attached the master to thermoforming) apply a sheet of acetate already heated on a flame. To handle it better, the acetate sheet is fixed on a wooden telation on the edges. After some testing, and some adjustments, the copies are perfect. The only serious problem is to find acetate sheets of the right thickness wide enough to cover the top grid in full without leaving the sides empty.
