SPA Modeler

While waiting for my scalehobbyist order to arrive, I decided to build another Spitfire kit. The kit:




I will admit... I had thought about starting the F/A-18A Hornet kit but couldn't find the mojo to do another modern jet. So the Spitfire is my medicine to go on.

Well who can argue with a Spitfire?

Awesome Tom! I've got this kit in the stash and decals to do one of the mounts Gabreski flew

Gabreski served with the 45th PS until September 1942, when he became a liaison officer to the 315th Polish Fighter Squadron flying with the Royal Air Force. He flew 20 combat missions in Spitfire Mark IX fighters before joining 61st Fighter Squadron of the 56th Fighter Group in February 1943, flying P-47 Thunderbolts.

I'll be watching this one. I've had a lot of great experiences with Hasegawa kits but there have been a few turds. Hope this one is a winner!

I can never finish a british ww2 aircraft. I always stall out at the painting stage. maybe it's the hard edge cammo. maybe it's the yellow wing edges... Maybe I just need to brush paint one and call it done

I had planned on doing his aircraft. I didn't want to do another clipped wing Spitfire.

I do want to get 2 more Spitfire Mk.IXc - one belonging to Bader and the other the beer barrel delivery one. I believe ICM has that one.

I have yet have in my stash or built the Mk.I Spitfire.

cbaltrin wrote: ↑Fri Jun 27, 2025 6:29 am I can never finish a british ww2 aircraft. I always stall out at the painting stage. maybe it's the hard edge cammo. maybe it's the yellow wing edges... Maybe I just need to brush paint one and call it done

You should get one done - they're pretty easy to brush paint!

BlackSheep214 wrote: ↑Fri Jun 27, 2025 7:51 am I had planned on doing his aircraft. I didn't want to do another clipped wing Spitfire.

I do want to get 2 more Spitfire Mk.IXc - one belonging to Bader and the other the beer barrel delivery one. I believe ICM has that one.

I have yet have in my stash or built the Mk.I Spitfire.

I think... Bader flew a mk.Va Tom... Unless he flew a mk.IX after he was released from POW camp in which case I'll shut up.

Great choice of kit though - I love the mk.IX. Looking forward to seeing what you do with it.

Stuart wrote: ↑Fri Jun 27, 2025 12:32 pm

BlackSheep214 wrote: ↑Fri Jun 27, 2025 7:51 am I had planned on doing his aircraft. I didn't want to do another clipped wing Spitfire.

I do want to get 2 more Spitfire Mk.IXc - one belonging to Bader and the other the beer barrel delivery one. I believe ICM has that one.

I have yet have in my stash or built the Mk.I Spitfire.

I think... Bader flew a mk.Va Tom... Unless he flew a mk.IX after he was released from POW camp in which case I'll shut up.

Great choice of kit though - I love the mk.IX. Looking forward to seeing what you do with it.

He flew the Mk.II and Mk.Va - both out Tangmere.

The Beer Delivery Spitfire…

Gabby was also stationed on Oahu and able to get airborne on December 7th. He did not engage in aerial combat that day. I don't know if he flew a P-36 or P-40 that day, but he is one of a couple dozen at most USAAF fighter pilots who has claim to have been there and done that. I would love to know what particular aircraft he did fly that day, if for nothing else than possible addition to my collection.



The successful pilots who survived that day

Made a lot of progress last night and tonight. Last night's progress:

I used the last of Model Master RAF Interior Green. The alternate color of same federal standard number is Model Master Pale Green. It is slightly a bit darker but close match.



The bombs were assigned Olive Drab 1. I opt to use Model Master Green Drab instead. Looks good to me.