well i've been tinkering with this since xmas, and have been taking in progress pics but due to one thing and another its only now i've got around to posting them. this kit is one i bought at telford 07 (yes its a queue jumper!) i also have this same kit in a spitfire box set with two decal options, the one in the heller kit and a nmf version so i will build both options eventually. the kit has raised panel lines and dodgy fit in some areas, notably the top of the engine and the wings to fusalage join. i wanted to build this as filler-less as possible, so as not to damage the raised lines, and as a practise for the nmf one that will have to be near perfect for alclad paints. that said the areas i had to fill had little or no lines so its looking nice and neat.
right heres the pics!

Hi Phil.
This is the same Mk XVI thats included in the Airfix 70th Anniversary of the Spitfire box set.
Shame about the raised panel lines isnt it.Apart from that,it should build into a very accurate version of a Mk XVI!
Looking forward to seeing it progress
Nige

eh up nige! yeah its included in the box set with two sets of decals, and i like them both so i bought another kit. the other version is in nmf, and i seem to remember someone round here doing a real nice nmf P47 last year that has inspired me to pick up a couple of nmf kits
now what was the guys name.................

Hi Phill:

That Spitfire is looking good so far !
What did you use for primer ?

Really like that Spitefire, even though I am an american. My grandmother was British though on my fathers side does that count. Can't wait to see if done. Does it have a five blade prop? I thought that model did. Take care. Russell

I obviously need to learn how to spell Spitfire, not Spitefire. Sorry about that. Russell

Hi Rusell:

The Mk XVI is basically a late Mk IX with clipped wings with a US built Packard Merlin 266 engine (1720 HP) and the latter version has a tear drop canopie. It doesn´t have five bladeprop, like the Mk IX it has a four blade prop.

hi all! i too thought this had a five blade prop until i i had a proper look in the box!
carlos, the "primer" is simply humbrol 64, which is the colour for the underside, that i just decided to coat out the entire model in, cos it would body up the filling for the next colours to go on

heres an update on this one, i now have a set of a/m decals that are the same as the kit option, and i used my new toy for the first time! at the time of posting all the main painting is finished, and i'll give it a coat of kleer later. this new airbrush is real nice to use compared to my old aztec 470. the small valve under the nozzle controls the air, as well as being able to turn it up and down at the compressor, and let me touch up the odd bits of overspray with no trouble.
bring on luftwaffe nightfighter mottle!

It is looking good. It seems like you got those nasty wedges/holes filled on top of the engine. Nice work.

whats the stuff you use to mask off the paint area's? and where can ya buy it?

greetings

whats the stuff you use to mask off the paint area's? and where can ya buy it?

greetings

I presume that Pritt's Sticky Tac.

It's basically white blue tac, but I like this better, as its slightly more flexible and pleasant to work with.
It should be available in book stores and other shops that sell office supplies.

Almonkey, nice looking spitfire you have there. Good work with an older kit.