[hworth18]

Originally Posted by Cruver Collecter

Not so sure, before posting my findings over there I was pretty thorough going over the thread with regards to the Spirit of Kent Spitfire wing issue. Wing type was mentioned, but not the deficiency. If I had not asked the question with regards to the canopy, I would have not been able to see the fix that planejunky pulled off. After seeing the results he was able to achieve made me seriously interested in picking up the Gabreski's Spitfire. Did a little further research and found that Squadron makes a canopy mask that may just make it a little easier to correct the canopy issue. So apologize if you consider this unnecessary rehash, but it do prove fruitful for me with the photos planejunky provided of his work. I like to reach out for all possible resources prior to engaging in a mod (No sence duplicating effort if somebody has already come up with an workable answer). Shoot I was totally unimpressed with the Gemini Aces Bf 109F and in most part because of its out of scale antenna mast. Found a workable fix and even have a another of their Bf 109Fs on the way, and already have a replacement antenna fabricated. Similar situation involved with the Dragon Bf 109Gs with regards to their out of place stabilizers. So to be honest, I usually bring up issues to see if somebody may have a workable solution to improve accuracy of these nice looking display models.

CC,
I don't consider this an "unnecessary rehash" but it has been talked about more than a few times and will probably come up many times more.. Just like the "Dragon tank isn't diecast" debate, these topics re-appear about every 6months to a year or so..
Its a fact of life, and it was time for this subject to come around again.. No biggie..

BTW, yes, you can get Spitfire masks for the canopy and they will probably suit your needs just fine, or, if you have a fine tipped brush and a steady hand, that will work too...

[Cruver Collecter]

Next question, to the folks that do have Gemini Aces Spitfires. This is in regards to how the canopy is painted. Does it appear that the interior part of the canopy is representative the interior color of the cockpit, or does it just have the exterior color for interior view also. Reason I ask is that when making a model I mask the canopy, do a coat that is consistent with the interior color and then apply a second coat for the exterior color scheme. Thinking of ordering one of their Spitfires and pretty much have good coverage for most RAF exterior colors, but my jar that would cover the interior has pretty much dried up (Lesson to be learned about ensuring jar is properly closed.).

[hworth18]

Originally Posted by Cruver Collecter

Next question, to the folks that do have Gemini Aces Spitfires. This is in regards to how the canopy is painted. Does it appear that the interior part of the canopy is representative the interior color of the cockpit, or does it just have the exterior color for interior view also. Reason I ask is that when making a model I mask the canopy, do a coat that is consistent with the interior color and then apply a second coat for the exterior color scheme. Thinking of ordering one of their Spitfires and pretty much have good coverage for most RAF exterior colors, but my jar that would cover the interior has pretty much dried up (Lesson to be learned about ensuring jar is properly closed.).

CC,
The inside of the canopy is painted the same as the outside.. On the plus side, at 1/72, you probably wouldn't see it anyways.. Good luck on the fix and I hope it works out for you..

[Cruver Collecter]

Originally Posted by hworth18

CC,
The inside of the canopy is painted the same as the outside.. On the plus side, at 1/72, you probably wouldn't see it anyways.. Good luck on the fix and I hope it works out for you..

Thanks, at least now I only have to place an order for the mask set.

[Charley]

Funny thing is the real aeroplane has a few 'errors' on it too!

Well done Cruver Collector for spotting those two errors, you obviously have a keen eye, there are a good few more as well so I'll let you get to work on those too!

Point being however, I have never seen the 'perfect die-cast' come to that even the most professionally built plastic kits have errors, often because the subject is wide and varied and quite often mis-understood.

We looked at several toolings before selecting Gemini Aces because the team including people who have restored and flown the real thing felt it was an excellent representation of a Spitfire in that scale and more importantly at that price.

More important than this is that sales of this special edition contribute directly towards keeping the real 'Spirit of Kent' in the sky and the reason possibly that people may have been a little forgiving towards the errors you are keen to point out is that they feel they are giving back a little bit towards the subjects this hobby is based around. The commission and the Spitfire itself is run by a small team of volunteers who put a lot of effort in during their spare time. UK retailer Flying Tigers also gave their asistance free of charge and for no reward either.

We welcome constructive criticism, indeed we have fed back some of the issues to Gemini Aces and they are very ken to correct these on the next release.

Thank you for your purchase and helping to Keep the Kent Spitfire flying! YouTube - "Kent Spitfire" TA805 - Biggin Hill 2007 Enjoy!

[STARMAN 352ND]

These little errors are not going to stop me from buying their Spitfires after all it's the best in 1:72.
JP

[Charley]

Originally Posted by STARMAN 352ND

These little errors are not going to stop me from buying their Spitfires after all it's the best in 1:72.
JP

I agree, It's alot better than I could build! The Gemini Aces Mustang and 109 are also very nice...... All three are excellent toolings.

[dilligafocau]

CFBC's photos over at the diecast aviation forum show the Kent to be a most desirable model, the postman can't come quick enough for me

The Plagis Spitfire is a nice example too......

[planejunky]

Originally Posted by Cruver Collecter

Nice looking work. Does the canopy have molded framework and is just not painted or did you just do a really nice touch up to the canopy by painting one in?

Thanks! No it had to be painted in as the framework is strangely missing.

[Cruver Collecter]

Originally Posted by planejunky

Thanks! No it had to be painted in as the framework is strangely missing.

Without there being a frame present, well that just makes your effort look even better. I think I might pickup the Gabreski's Spitfire. I did some snooping at Squadron.com and found that Eduard Model Access Czech makes a cockpit mask for the Spitfire Mk IX, and hopefully that might ease the project a bit.