ThomasProbert Posted August 28, 2015 Share Posted August 28, 2015 Morning all, The Spitfire PRXIX is my favourite mark of the breed, and with no kit currently available of this iconic photo-recce version I have decided to convert the original 1970s issue Revell 1/32nd scale MkI into the PRXIX using Grey Matter's conversion set. I've chosen the original issue as I feel the surface detail is a far better representation of the actual aircraft, with Revell's newer issue blighted by ridiculously over-sized sunken rivets and panel lines. The 1970s release has beautifully delicate panel and rivet detail, and is a far better representation of the surface of the real aircraft - in my opinion anyway So, the plan is to use this as the basis for the build... S1030026 by Thomas Probert, on Flickr And combine it with these resin parts: S1030029 by Thomas Probert, on Flickr S1030033 by Thomas Probert, on Flickr ...to hopefully make a large-scale version of this Griffon-powered beauty. I've begun by removing the parts needed from the standard MkI wing and plugging the gaps with plastic card. The oil cooler, radiator and carburetor intake have all been blanked off in preparation for the aftermarket parts. The cartridge-ejector ports are the next items that'll need filling in this image: S1030037 by Thomas Probert, on Flickr I've been concentrating most of my efforts on the fuselage, as there's quite a bit needed to bring it up to the PRXIX standard. The original kit lacks any sort of decent interior detail, and what was there was sanded away and the sidewalls and floors have been replaced with a resin set from Aires. I think it's actually for the Hasegawa MkV, but with a bit of modification and creative thinking the main cockpit area is a close enough resemblance to the later mark, and when compared to the Airfix 1/48th cockpit is certainly passable. The rear of the cockpit is totally different on the PRXIX, and being pressurised I have had to make numerous modifications. There is a rear pressure bulkhead at the rear of the cockpit, along with a shelf where the oxygen system is mounted (yet to be made and added), and behind that is the camera bay. This has had the rear bulkhead made, as well as the internal structure added and the framework for the cameras themselves, which was all made from Evergreen strip. Camera ports have been added to the lower fuselage, and the access doors opened up: S1030097 by Thomas Probert, on Flickr S1030103 by Thomas Probert, on Flickr The nose has been roughly sliced off at this stage in preparation for the new resin nose and Griffon engine: S1030086 by Thomas Probert, on Flickr S1030084 by Thomas Probert, on Flickr Work has continued on the wing, with the gear bays being scratch built, the shell casing ejector ports filled and the radiator and oil cooling housings blanked off and sanded flush. The whole wing has been sanded extensively to remove panel detail in preparation for my own details to be added: S1030089 by Thomas Probert, on Flickr S1030096 by Thomas Probert, on Flickr And with a dry fit of the Griffon, the graceful lines of the PRXIX become apparent: S1030082 by Thomas Probert, on Flickr S1030078 by Thomas Probert, on Flickr Now, if momentum stays with me I think I'll have a bash at the tail. Until next time, Tom 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spitfire Posted August 28, 2015 Share Posted August 28, 2015 Looking good, I have fond memories of the original kit, it was the first model that I tried to improve with some basic scratchbuilding, but a PR conversion should be pretty awesome. Cheers Dennis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodshedwings Posted August 28, 2015 Share Posted August 28, 2015 You have my attention! Looking good already. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
One-Oh-Four Posted August 28, 2015 Share Posted August 28, 2015 Wow, quite an involved conversion, I'd say! Eager to see your progress! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
youngtiger1 Posted August 29, 2015 Share Posted August 29, 2015 Wow, great start to an old lady. Your scratch building skills are looking superb. Can't wait to see more Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wingco57 Posted August 29, 2015 Share Posted August 29, 2015 Love that scratchbuilding. Interesting to see a Griffon nose fitted to that ancient ( but with fantastic skin detail) kit. Great project. Cees Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators JeroenPeters Posted August 30, 2015 Administrators Share Posted August 30, 2015 Uhmm..... that is pretty impressive. Following along! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThomasProbert Posted September 27, 2015 Author Share Posted September 27, 2015 It's been a while but there's a little more progress to update you on... I've got the interior finished off with some paint and etch belts etc, as well as some "let's raid the spares box and see what we can find to represent some cameras" type scratchbuilding in the rear fuselage. Forgive the horrible lighting in the picture below - it was dark and wet outside when I took this so stayed indoors instead! S1030107 by Thomas Probert, on Flickr With the fuselage halves joined I then added the nose section, removed the kit's original Mk1 tail fin and inserted the Grey Matter resin replacement, then made the joins good. The parts needed a quick lick of filler, but on the whole fitted really well to the Revell donor kit. The wings have finished their modifications (note the filled in and primed gun bay covers) and have also been joined to the fuselage, again with the joins made good: S1030113 by Thomas Probert, on Flickr S1030117 by Thomas Probert, on Flickr S1030119 by Thomas Probert, on Flickr S1030122 by Thomas Probert, on Flickr S1030124 by Thomas Probert, on Flickr The next task will be to add the stabilisers before embarking on the radiators etc. I'm having a lot of fun with this! Tom 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wingco57 Posted September 27, 2015 Share Posted September 27, 2015 Looking great Tom, Will you keep the surfacedetail, or sand everything off (wings obviously yes). Cees Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KiwiZac Posted October 13, 2015 Share Posted October 13, 2015 This is a fascinating conversion, bravo Tom! I'm excited to read your next update. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wingco57 Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 Tom is now working on a 1/24 Combat Vacform British Spey Phantom, what a Modeller. Yes with a capital M. Cees Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KiwiZac Posted October 14, 2015 Share Posted October 14, 2015 Thanks Cees, I just saw that it's the same user...wow! Go Tom! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now