Quick boost upper cowling, prop, cannons, white metal undercarriage and Squadron vac form canopy. Spare three spoke wheels from an old Airfix Seafire. Decals were Xtradecals set 48-130 Supermarine Spitfire Mk.XIV/Mk.XVIII Part 2. Paints were Tamiya acrylics throughout. Weathered with washes, pigments and a silver pencil.
The kit itself fits together very well and the engraved detail is crisp and sharp. There are accuracy issues hence the resin in the nose. The kit decals silvered very badly despite care taken to achieve a smooth surface and two coats of Aqua Gloss and I wish I had used spares for the stencils.
Cutting the plastic and adding resin was a first for me but I'm pleased how it turned out. Vac form canopy was another first and, although fiddly and time-consuming, I'd definitely use one again as the result is a step up in quality for me.
Things I'd do differently next time:- I would tightly mask the camo pattern and throw the kit decals in the bin as soon as I opened the box.
So far the Academy kits are the only examples available if you want to make a Mk XIV in 1/48 and with a bit of work could be upgraded to a Mk XVIII.
On with the pics.
Enjoyed taking part as it gave me the excuse to build another spit and to do a project that I had been putting on the back burner.
Thanks for taking a look.
