[no4mkit]

Spitfire purists - avert yer eyes!!!

You will not like the latest diecast bashing that ol' No4's been up too... but I hope there's at least a few who won't consider this heresy...

Back about the time I did the Grace 2-seat Spitfire mod (using the Witty MkIX) I considered the idea of a bubbletop Spit, but there were a few challenges with the Witty casting that put the idea on hold. Then along comes the superb Gemini Aces Spitfire, notably the clipped wing 443 Sqn model, and it dawned on me that the time for a MkXVI had arrived.
I lucked upon a sale and picked up a spare GA 443 Spit and got down to work. A strip down to the basic casting and a surprisingly quick bit of filing had the job well on it's way. The casting lent itself very well for ths kind of modification, and only a tiny bit of metal filler was needed behind the cockpit.



From there it was fairly simple. Though I typically don't add any detail to a diecast mod beyond what is absolutely necessary to define the type, I did build up the armor plate and headrest structure behind the pilot seat because the omission would just be too obvious and strange. After that it was a matter of painting, decaling and adding the Squadron vacuform bubble canopy. The livery is that of Sqn. Ldr. Raymond Lallemant, 349 Sqn., and it may interest some to see the correct RAF green on a Gemini Aces Spitfire!









And a little side-by-side of old vs new....



So now I'll go into hiding until the torch and pitchfork wielding purist mob passes my town....

[zed550]

Originally Posted by no4mkit

Spitfire purists - avert yer eyes!!!

You will not like the latest diecast bashing that ol' No4's been up too... but I hope there's at least a few who won't consider this heresy...

Back about the time I did the Grace 2-seat Spitfire mod (using the Witty MkIX) I considered the idea of a bubbletop Spit, but there were a few challenges with the Witty casting that put the idea on hold. Then along comes the superb Gemini Aces Spitfire, notably the clipped wing 443 Sqn model, and it dawned on me that the time for a MkXVI had arrived.
I lucked upon a sale and picked up a spare GA 443 Spit and got down to work. A strip down to the basic casting and a surprisingly quick bit of filing had the job well on it's way. The casting lent itself very well for ths kind of modification, and only a tiny bit of metal filler was needed behind the cockpit.



From there it was fairly simple. Though I typically don't add any detail to a diecast mod beyond what is absolutely necessary to define the type, I did build up the armor plate and headrest structure behind the pilot seat because the omission would just be too obvious and strange. After that it was a matter of painting, decaling and adding the Squadron vacuform bubble canopy. The livery is that of Sqn. Ldr. Raymond Lallemant, 349 Sqn., and it may interest some to see the correct RAF green on a Gemini Aces Spitfire!









And a little side-by-side of old vs new....



So now I'll go into hiding until the torch and pitchfork wielding purist mob passes my town....

excellent job no 4 very nice conversion

[slammin]

Very Nice. I've wanted a buble top spit, but I'm not brave enough to take a file to mine.
Again, excellent work.


Did you strip the original paint off, or just paint over it? I'm just curious how will the panel lines might be affected by additional layers of paint.

[STARMAN 352ND]

WOW....That is a one of a kind Spitfire you got there.
Thats a really nice job too.
JP

[no4mkit]

Originally Posted by slammin

Did you strip the original paint off, or just paint over it? I'm just curious how will the panel lines might be affected by additional layers of paint.

Just what would come off with acetone, slammin, which is only some of the markings. A very light sanding followed to remove the demarkation between camo paint layers. The panels lines handled the new paint nicely, done sparingly of course!

[bsmith13]

I consider myself a Spitfire enthusiast, and I have nothing but deep respect for your work! Nice Job!

[flyXwire]

I'm a full-fledge Spitfire NUT now because of you, No4! Now I know why I want to collect all the different variants!!!
Btw, that is one sweeeeeeeeet bubble canopy conversion, ACE!

[hworth18]

No4, Another fine job!!! I really like the Bubbletop Spit and you did a great job making this one..

[parsig9]

Very nice No4 and the green is a million times better. Wonder if the Plagis due next month will be right color wise??

[Cardinal]

Much better than the original - way to go #4!