Big Scale GB - Hobby Boss 1/32 Spitfire Vb - Finished

[DerekF]

My first entry for this GB
The preliminaries.









My intention is to finish the model as EP120 AE-A from an Xtradecal sheet that hasn't arrived yet

[Deacon]

Nice choice mate.

[Tug 747]

Looks a great kit to build will be watching this one with interest.

[Jamesv9820]

Looks good. Not sure about the carpet though, really messes with the white balance!

I have heard good things about the kit. Not a Tamiya one by any means but still good none the less.

[DerekF]

Yes, I've had to tweak the photos a bit to get the bits to show.
I have to say that the kit is beautifully packaged with bubble wrap and foam around the more delicate parts.
Made a slow start last night on the interior and engine - so far so good. It will need a small amount of surgery as EP120 had (and indeed still does have) clipped wings.

[Mr Flibble]

Nice choice, Derek.

Looking forward to seeing you build this one up.

[DerekF]

A short update. Going together nicely if slowly. I'll try and post some photos tonight.

A complication. I wanted to do EP120 as it flies today but it was once on the gate at RAF Wilmslow, near where I live.



I ordered decals from Ebay on 4th Jan but they haven't turned up. EP120 had clipped wings but unlike most other Spitfire kits, for some reason Hobby Boss haven't offered alternative tips.
So I need to cut off the wing tips but I don't want to do that until the decals turn up, in case the alternative subject I choose has ordinary wingtips. Here's hoping they turn soon. Plenty of other bits to get with though.

[Tug 747]

Sounds like a bit of a dilemma Derek

[DerekF]

A quick update. Really enjoying building this one, The fit and detail is very good indeed.

So far, the cockpit - not quite finished but progress anyway.

A few bits of touch up to do on the fuselage halves.


Instrument panel - a nice decal with the help of Microset to help it settle.


The seat and etched brass seat belts painted


On to the engine next.

[Tug 747]

Coming along nicely Derek i like the detailing.

[Fumbles]

Great choice in a kit Derek. Sofar the cockpit looks perfect.

[DerekF]

Quick update.

The cockpit in place. The odd thing is that the fuel tank will be completely invisible once the fuselage is together - still I'll know it's there.



The engine assembly ready to go in the fuselage.


Wings and propeller next. Good fun so far.

[twirl2688]

Looking good so far Derek like the detail in the cockpit..

Scott

[Deacon]

Cracking start mate.

[Cimmerian]

Off to a great start.

[DerekF]

Another update

Engine installed and fuselage halves together. The only part that hasn't clicked together but that may have been my fault. Lots of bits have to line-up to get a good fit.


The complicated lower wing half


Waiting on these bits


Still deferring cutting the tips off the wings until my decals arrive....

[Deacon]

Great stuff mate.

[Craig]

That's looking excellent! The detail in it is superb!

[DerekF]

More progress

The detail inside the wings


Most of which has now disappeared.


I've also cut off the wing tips. The tip fairings I have are a lot smaller (??) so will need packing out a fair bit. Job for tomorrow.

[twirl2688]

Looking good. Shame so much detail has to be covered

Scott

[Deacon]

Nice.

[Tug 747]

Looking good. Shame so much detail has to be covered

Scott

i have to agree but this is coming along nicely Derek.

[DerekF]

Thanks for the comments folks.

Latest progress.

The fuselage almost complete. I replaced the tailplanes with aftermarket ones as for some reason HobbyBoss had put fabric detail on one side of the tailplane but the other (??)


The wings with my attempt at the clipped fairing. I took the the fairing from another kit but interestingly enough, it was miles too small.


Wings now on and with a standard Spitfire wing root gap. Not too bad though.

[Deacon]

Oh yes, that is looking very nice Derek.

[Tug 747]

Very good Derek