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Post by kiwichappers on Jul 14, 2011 9:31:15 GMT 12
Here is my take on the Mk Ia Spitfire flown by Kiwi ace Keith Lawrence when he shared in 234 squadrons first claim with Pat Hughes on the 8th of July 1940. Kit is the Tamiya 48th one with more than a little assistance from Ultracast.      Thank for looking. Happy plasticking Francis |
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Post by Andy Wright on Jul 14, 2011 9:38:21 GMT 12
Very tidy work, Francis. Those decals look like they're painted on.
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Post by Damon on Jul 14, 2011 10:17:35 GMT 12
Very nice model .Well done! Any more pics?
Damon
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Post by flyjoe180 on Jul 14, 2011 15:09:28 GMT 12
Beautiful Spitfire model, well done.
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Post by Dave Homewood on Jul 14, 2011 19:28:34 GMT 12
That is a really nice looking build Francis, and a great subject too.
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Post by Bruce on Jul 14, 2011 20:17:21 GMT 12
Awesome build - looks great!
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Post by Tony on Jul 14, 2011 21:27:39 GMT 12
What they said. ;D ;D ;D
N3280 later served with 485 Sqn as part of their initial allocation
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Post by kiwichappers on Jul 14, 2011 21:57:36 GMT 12
Now then Chaps,
Andy - The combination of Gunze Sangyo Mr. Mark Softer with Tamiya and Fantasy Print Shop decals works extremely well. This was the first model I used the Mr. Mark Softer on and have subsequently used it with the same results on other models. It is a tad scarey at first as the decal wrinkles and draws up when it is first applied but so far they have always settled back for a painted on look.
Damon - These are the only pictures I have and were hurriedly taken before I gave the model to Keith. When these shots were taken the model was not totally finished as the patches over the gun ports had not been opened, the navigaion lights were not fitted and final weathering/ageing added.
Macfire - set out below is the history of N3280 from my notes.
Serial number of Spitfire flown by Keith Lawrence on the 8th of July 1940.
Mk 1a
Produced by Supermarine at Eastleigh to contract B527113.
Fitted with a Merlin III engine.
The aircraft first flew on the 9th of January 1940.
Service career; Issued to 24 Maintenance unit 16 January 1940
Taken on charge by 234 Squadron 25th March 1940
Transferred to 609 Squadron 5th September 1940. Sustained C2 damage on operation 25th September 1940.
Issued to Air Service Training 41 Squadron 20th October 1940.
Transferred to 485 Squadron [New Zealand] 15th March 1941.
Transferred to 57 Operational Training Unit 29th April 1941.
Transferred to 52 Operational Training Unit 16th May 1942.
Transferred to Aeroplane and Armament Experimental Establishment 24th March 1943.
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Post by Damon on Jul 14, 2011 22:02:44 GMT 12
I still think you have done a great job.So you have passed on the model to Keith Lawrence.He must be really chuffed!
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Post by kiwichappers on Jul 14, 2011 22:29:18 GMT 12
Yes, a couple of Saturdays ago [2nd of July] I delivered it and had a delighful afternoon with Keith who is truly a wonderful man.
I had approached him when researching for the model and so he knew I was making it. Several times during its construction I wondered if it would be a good enough to give to him however he seemed pleased with the model which was a great reward.
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Post by flyjoe180 on Jul 15, 2011 11:36:11 GMT 12
You presented it to Keith Lawrence, what a fantastic thing to do! Karma to you for sure!
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Post by smithy on Jul 18, 2011 23:07:39 GMT 12
Great work Kiwichappers and all credit to you for presenting it to the man who flew it.
A couple of things I might have done differently were:
- To add the gas identification patch. Because this is July '40 this is prior to the adoption of camouflage coloured gas ID paint so this would have been yellow with a thin red outline usually situated on the port wing.
- another thing is it seems from the photos you picked Sky Type S for the under surfaces. I might be splitting hairs but most of the latest research (especially by both Thomas and Lucas) suggests that 234 were one of those squadrons that were using a different interpretation of Sky Type S, possibly (1930) No. 1 Sky Blue which was in RAF stores at the time. Hope you don't mind my mentioning it but thought I would for interest's sake.
But once again, well done!
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Post by kiwichappers on Jul 20, 2011 23:27:28 GMT 12
Thanks for the compliments and comments Smithy, both are appreciated.
234 Squadron proved to be a nightmare to research as there are few photographs or records of their aircraft from the Battle of Britain period, certainly the early stages at least.
The gas patch is an oversight on my part in the rush to finish the model but one I can remedy with a decal next time I visit Keith.
As for the undersurface of N3280 almost certainly at the time modelled it was painted in a local mix and was an approximation of Sky Type S. It would have been delivered with the black and white undersurface scheme. I added a little blue to Tamiya Sky which is itself closer to Eua de Nil than true Sky to reflect this. The rushed photos have not captured this subtlety at all well.
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Post by Calum on Jul 27, 2011 13:28:00 GMT 12
Lovely work there Francis .
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Post by Officer Crabtree on Jul 27, 2011 14:53:04 GMT 12
Yes, love the decals.
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Post by kiwichappers on May 4, 2021 0:55:23 GMT 12
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Post by kiwichappers on May 4, 2021 2:07:15 GMT 12
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Post by kiwichappers on May 4, 2021 2:08:04 GMT 12
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Post by kiwichappers on May 4, 2021 2:09:54 GMT 12
Keith Lawrence's 234 squadron AZ - U revisited this time from the rather good Airfix 1:48 Mk. I kit.
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Post by kiwichappers on May 4, 2021 2:16:46 GMT 12
The Airfix 1:48 kit and Keith Lawrence again. This time as a MkIIa from 421 Flight and represents the aircraft in which he was shot down on the 27th of November 1940 by Gustav Sprick.  DSC_0986 by kiwichappers, on Flickr  port rear view by kiwichappers, on Flickr |
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