This particular Seafire was flown
in the Korean Theatre during 1950 from HMS Triumph, and piloted by Garth
Hanchard-Goodwin during September of that year. The reason this aircraft
is featured in kits is that a picture of it exists stripped down and being
launched pilotless on steam catapult trials from HMS Perseus. So it now
sits unceremoniously on the sea bed.
One reason for choosing this kit was for
entry in the NAVAIR group build, details at
http://hometown.aol.com/charlbrown2/index.html.
The main reason is I just love the shape of the Spitfire/Seafire and all its
variants.
So here is my Airfix Seafire which I
intended to built OOB but eventually I took the plunge and added Eduard PE
cockpit and flaps. Its been a while since I've made an Airfix kit and was
very impressed in the detail level and panel lines etc. A few fit problems
wing root especially but on the whole a good
kit. Unfortunately most of the
cockpit detail is hidden under a layer of matt black, so if I made another I
would probably not install any. I drilled out the exhausts and dropped the
elevators but other than that its a straightforward build. Tamiya paints
used throughout and a 'little' weathering with pastels.
Whilst researching this kit I have been
helped by Clive Roper, this man knows all there is to know about the
Seafire. He has helped me with colours and background for this aircraft,
many thanks again Clive.
A few words of warning when
building this kit, the Airfix kit allows both FR46 and FR47 to built. The
FR47 has options for wings folded, which I didn't want, this is a weak joint for
the wing. I attempted to reinforce the join with spars made of sprue which
is not ideal. Also the kit canopy sits too high and I would recommend a
Vac replacement. Also the decals are a little transparent and roundels on
stripes don't mix too well, so a layer of white under the decals should cure
this.
Conclusion:
A pleasing kit to build and hats
off to Airfix for the level of detail. If you haven't one in your stash go
get one now.
Happy modelling
Pete
Click on
images below to see larger images
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