I would like to make an Australian Spitfire Vc, and wonder about my options.

I know that Airfix has recently released a kit of this plane, but I'm not to thrilled about Airfix kits... Though I haven't tried any of their recent releases.

So, what else can I do? Any conversions to make a Vc out of Tamiyas Vb??? Or give my self a big slap and go back to tanks???

Thankful for advice!

Thomas,

Airfix recently issued its new and not-so-new 1/48 Merlin Seafire kit, which has all the parts needed to do a tropicalized Aussie Spit Vc. That original Mk. V wasn't all that bad a kit, and the new sprues that Airfix added in the Seafire release will give you a neat little model.


HTH

Ok, maybe should give it a try then.

For a reference site, I recommend Pacific Spitfires, which details camouflage and markings of Spitfires we operated between 1942 and 1945 in the PTO.

Articles about our Mk V Spitfires:
452SQN Spitfire Vb in Sep 41
The Supermarine Spitfire Vc and VIII in plastic scale models

I'd recommend picking up the Mk Vb kit you like best, converting it and then adding aftermarket decals. Some aftermarket parts are also avaliable to assist converting. Try Red Roo Models, specifically:

Various resin parts and
Various decals

One final possible article of use, Converting a Tamiya 1/48 Mk Vb to a tropicalised Mk Vc

If you are after references, try Understanding Royal Australian Air Force WWII Aircraft Colours from Red Roo and some of the back issues of the APMA Magazine. The best book about our Spitfires though, would have to be Spitfire, Mustang & Kittyhawk, published by Australian Aviation (PgDn once).

Cheers,
Linz

I have recently bought this kit and the new parts comprise new wing parts, new cooling scoop, wing cannon bulges (all three styles), new four bladed prop, three styles of wing tips (the normal tips, the sharp pointed tips and clipped) and of course an arrestor hook + insert for the rear fuselage, for the Seafire option. It will leave you with a myriad of parts that can be used on other Spitfires. From what I have heard and read, the Airfix Spitfire Mk. V is *still* the most accurate one out there. Fuselage has raised panellines, but if you have some experience, it shouldn't be a problem to rescribe them, if they bother you. Also, the cockpit will need some work but with a lot of aftermarket parts out there, there's plenty of options for that. Just my 2 cents.... #:-)

Hmmm... somehow posting here is very expencive... Have just placed an order for Airwaves conversion of Tamiyas Spit Vb into a Vc. And while I was already in the spending mood I went to HLJ and placed an order for Hasegawas coming Spitfire VIII with RAAF markings... Plus that I piced up Airfix Spit Vc at my local hobby shop yesterday.

So, I'll keep u guys posted on the progress. And maybe write something about it, but be warned, I'm as bad writer as I'm modeller...

Sorry about that, Thomas

Sounds like you will have a lot of fun building some very nice Spitfires there.
I don't have a credit card, so I cannot order online much. Guess I should keep it that way LOL
On the other hand, I don't get to build all those great kits you're building.....

It sounds like you are looking for 1/48 scale. If 1/72 would do. Revell Germany has a Spit 5c with clipped and full length tips for the wings, and recessed panel lines. It doesn't look to bad, and the price is under $10.

blue bear is right. the revell spitfire is really good. i just finished building it. :-) and it was great