Hi everyone.
My first model in over 20 years is finally finished.
Its the Airfix 1/72 Spitfire MK1.
Thanks to everyone for their advice and encouragement throughout. At one point it looked like being consigned to the bin but after an overnight soak in oven cleaner it was back on track.
This site has been an essential reference point at every step of the build and the forums and articles have been lifesavers.
Any comments and tips for future builds are more than welcome.
I hope you enjoy these photos as much as I enjoyed building the Spit.
I am now going to make myself a nice cup of tea and relax!!

Hi Nigel:
Your Spitfire looks very well !!! I like it a lt a lot.
I believe that this Airfix kit is not an easy build because of the raised panel lines and the sanding of the seams.
Just a little comment, Is the antenna wire made of streched sprue ? If it´s so try to pass a heated pin near it, between the wire and the fuselage (be carefull in not to touch it) this will strecht it and make it look straight.

Congrats, very nice work.

Nicely done Nigel, .... nice to see the old vets get back into the game!

Look forward to seeing more of your work.

Frank

Hey Lampie
Nice job bro!

I didn't realize your Spit was a 1/72 scale. If I'd have done my first one in 72 scale I may have quit for good.
Your decals turned out way better than mine did. Looks like you took everyones advice on that matter. I had to do alot of cheating on mine with a silver pencil trying to cover up all the tears.

I was happy to share my 1st model in 20 years with everyone and it felt really good. It's even better though seeing someone elses 1st model in 20 years. We're on our way buddy.

Now go build something else. Don't sit there and stare at it for a week grinning like I did!

Congradulations again! Very nice,
Hermon

Well I can honestly say that I never had an Airfix Spitfire that looked that good
The only thing I can see that could be addressed is the tail marking, there's "silvering" around the bottom and rear edges. I don't normally trim large decals, unless they go over an edge, like the tail markings do, or if they are or too big. Again tial markings tend to be big.
I have a suggestion for you. Why not enter the "Show us your Teeth" Campaign? You could build an Airfix, or other, P-40 in 112 Squadron desert markings, there aircraft are famous for their sharks teeth and look really cool
Mal

Hi Nigel!

Very nice result! My "first model after a 20 years break" wasn't that good!
As Mal said, give the "Show your Teeth" Campaign a try!

Jean-Luc

Hi everyone and thanks for your kind comments.
Wow Mal thats a great compliment coming from someone who builds to such a high standard as yourself. One day I will tackle the Tamiya MKI

csch....The ariel has been tensioned

I had a closer look and the "silvering" Mal mentioned is infact a small white border around the decal. I hadnt noticed this when I applied them and will certainly look at trimming anything else like this in the future.

"Show Your Teeth"
A trip to the shop today found a Mustang and a P40 in stock with the suitable dental work. My son chose the P40 so thats what I will be building for the campaign.

Once again thanks to everyone for their help and encouragement while I was building the Spit. I look forward to sharing many more builds with you all in the future.
Cheers

Great !
The Tamiya Spitfire Mk I in 1/72 and in 1/48 are superb kits. They are really an easy build and when finished they look fantastic in details and shape. The Tamiya Mk Vb series are the best of the market, even better than Hasegawa (for me). Try them, no matter what scale. Congrats again.