She represents a bird from 411 squadron 2nd TAF. I always wanted a Spitfire with "the" stripes. My plan was for a dirty fighter with brand new stripes. I applied the decals. Weathered them. And then applied the stripes by hand. This gives me weathered markings with clean stripes. I think next time I will spray on the stripes and simply touch it up by hand. The stripes turned out a little thick for the scale. Although the Canucks did tend to do a very rough job when applying the distinctive markings.
I assume you can tell which is mine.
The kit is the 1/48 Hasegawa Mk. IXc model. This was converted to an "e" wing mid build. Not a great idea. I created new cannon bulges by shaping the clipped wing tips supplied in the kit. The seat is by Ultracast. The flight controls were repositioned and the guns were drilled out. Oh and the exhausts are also Ultracast. I couldn't find the right paints at my LHS at the time so I mixed my own as best I could. Decals came from the kit as well as Tally Ho and Illiad Design. The name "Polly" as well as the maple leaf roundel were painted by hand. Canadian Spits often had names painted.
Why a natural metal canopy? Well for further variety. Also it came from a previous failed attempt at a natural metal Spit.
Thanks for looking.
Matt
