[Gambit]

I saw the Blue Spitfire yesterday at a flea market/boot sale of all places and the seller wanted $180 for #6.
You might want to see this one first before buying as the blue colour is not a matte/dull finish but has a lacquer look to it. Sort of glossy finnish but not as bad as some of those Harrier Jets.
Kind of hard to describe, but I didn't like it at all.
Might of looked better with some weathering.
It also comes with a book, see the Triactus site for pictures.

[Nimrod48]

Despite its historical significance I dont think this model will fly off dealers shelves, I have a copy of the book that is included with the model, buy it its a very good read.

[parsig9]

I don't mind this finish on some of the Corgi models. It's more of an eggshell sheen and I think it makes the model less susceptible to blemishes. I think this shiny finish also replicates the original test version more closely than would a dull cote one. Speed was everything and shiny paint grabs less wind. Heck, they used to wax Thunderbolts to get a few more MPH out of them and later stopped painting those and others alomost entirely. I am rather looking forward to this model and didn't even know about the book.

http://www.k5054.com/

Spitfires are my favorite birds.

[flaps]

Heck, the picture of the real one looks to be exactly like Corgis. in every way. Paint is semi gloss and all just like Corgis. What a great job they did on that real bird.

Flaps

[Black 6]

I just received my Proto-Spit tonight after having purchased it on sale for $49.50, I have to say it may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it certainly stands out in a collection (much like that B-24 formation ship model with the yellow/black checkerboard scheme). It also reminds me of the racing planes from the thirties (duh - for obvious reasons) which are some of my favorite aircraft.

The light blue paint looks quite nice on the model. However. the gap between where the fuselage fits to the wings is very noticeable because of the color. It really stands out unlike on the camo painted Spits. The only other problem I could find was a gap between the prop spinner and the motor was causes the prop to droop. I think they could have done a better job with that. The prop spinner (its center anyway) and the stand are brightly polished chrome and look great. The propeller blades have a matte-chrome finish (nothing like the picture earlier in this thread) . Also the wheel door do not have the little hinged plates at the tips (as in the photo). Otherwise it does look like the real deal. The model also comes with a nice looking book (I have not unwrapped it and may not do so) called Sigh for a Merlin - Testing The Spitfire.

In my collection the Proto-Spit is a big departure from the normal death machines I collect. And while typing this I keep catching myself looking at it on my shelf and am quite pleased by what I see. Because it is an unusual piece I cannot recommend it for everyone. But I can say, as a confirmed Spitfire freak and RAFstafarian, is that I am glad to have added it to my collection and have no regrets.

[dilligafocau]

Ive had one of these for a couple of weeks, the all over pale blue colour displays its distinctive shape better than camo (in my opinion). I also have nil regrets getting this milestone model.

[ZS-VAN]

Interesting that you guys like this model so much. I would much rather have an early MkI in camo thanks. Doesn't seem that popular with the folks on the other side of the pond. Appreciate the insights though. Maybe I'll have a rethink.

[mustangdriver]

Hey is that the real prototype Spit? If so, what museum is it on display in? That is cool.

[pieceOfCake]

Originally Posted by mustangdriver

Hey is that the real prototype Spit? If so, what museum is it on display in? That is cool.

Hi Lads,

I believe the only surviving prototype of a WW II aircraft is the Mosquito prototype. I think that blue Spit is a replica that was built some years ago in a project spearheaded by Jeffrey Quill (among others) - a Supermarine test pilot of considerable fame. He has I think signed his name someplace in the cockpit area.

Cheers, pieceOfCake

[timbo]

Originally Posted by mustangdriver

Hey is that the real prototype Spit? If so, what museum is it on display in? That is cool.

No the prototype was written off in 1940(?) flipping in a landing accident. I believe it then ended it's days as a target on a range.