I Build Spitfires.

Today saw something of a historic event. To commemorate the Battle Of Britain 40 Spitfires and Hurricanes flew over the South of England. A glorious sight.
 Well, I'm assuming so, because I managed to miss it.

Bugger.

So, in partial tribute, I thought I'd share some more of my hamfisted modelling attempts.

You see, I quite like making model Spitfires.

From the back, left hand corner: Mk 1 (early production), Mk1A, Mk V (Clipped wings), Mk V(Tropical filter), Mk VII (High altitude),

 Mk IX, MkXVI (Late production with cut-down fuselage), Mk XIX (PR), FR22, Seafire47 (The end of the Spitfire line)

There's about 25 different marks of Spitfire so I have a fair way to go yet. 

 Yes, that is a stack of lads mags under the kitchen table. 

Single male living alone. 

Deal with it. 

Sometimes I don't wash up immediately after a meal either. 

Looks pretty good so far, doesn't it? Time to shatter that illusion, because now you're going to get a closer look at some of my favourites. 

If you take modelmaking seriously, stop reading now - this won't be pretty.  

The PR XIX in Swedish markings. Such a great colour scheme, how could I resist?

Fun fact: The RAF hung on to the PR Spitfire well into the 1950s because even the first generation of jets had trouble intercepting them. 

Note to self: dust models at some point. 

 An FR22 in the snazzy post-war colours.  

The Seafire 47 with the contra-rotating propellors.

No they aren't supposed to look like that.

Neither is the paint job. 

I told you I wasn't very good...

By this point the Seafire had almost no parts in common with the original Spitfire and was twice the weight.

Still an elegant aircraft though. You can understand why people get misty-eyed about Spits. 

Here's a Mark 1 and the FR47 side by side for comparison. 

Finally, my most recent kit.

 The MK XVI - which started off as a MK IX fitted with the Packard Merlin.

Later on Supermarine added some modifications, most noticeably the cut-down rear fuselage and Mustang style canopy.  

I'm still quite pleased with this kit although it must be said, I made a few minor errors.

Trying to clean a paint-spattered canopy with white spirit for instance. 

(Tip: Don't do this... ever !)

And I have no idea what I did to the wings but they ended up looking like I put them on upside down. 

They aren't supposed to curve down like that! 

Never mind. I knew from day one that I'm never going to win any contests doing this and when it comes down to it, making model Spitfires keeps me occupied and out of mischief.

Now does anybody know where I can get a decent 1:72 scale Mk VIII?  Aussie markings for preference.

That's all folks.