Biggus Spittus Airfixii

David Taylor
I'm in.

Andy Ball
Cheers David, I fear this may be a while....

David Taylor
I have yet to build a Spit believe it or not.Thinking about a 1/16 rc conversion of a MAN sx44 army truck.

Patryk S.
Following!

István Szücs
As I see, challenge accepted.

Gordon Sørensen
Looking forward to watching your progress, Andy.

Munkyslut
Ahh yeah I'm on this one!!!! This is gonna be good!👍

Slavo Hazucha
Nice project, will surely watch! Is it actually bigger than the Fiddler? 🙂

playtime 222
Oh I recognise that box art. *sits.

Andy Ball
Thank you all. Now the outside studio has warmed up, the mojo has returned. So notice is served - back on the polystyrene!

Andy Ball
@Slavo, yes this will take the behemoth crown from Fiddler! (Assume I complete it!)

Augie
Ohh may god have mercy on you.. I remember this kit well.. Its... sporty

Andy Ball
@Augie: "suit-up for the game"...you need your melons twisting every once in a while....

Augie
Words to that effect.. 🙂

Guy Rump
Can't wait for the chocks away on this one, following 👍

Andy Ball
Oh cheers Guy!! The chocks won't be pulled away for quite some time! I've removed an equal weight of the flash to that of the kit!!

Spanjaard
really curious about it. i will peak a bit 🙂

Andy Ball
Thanks Spanjaard, I'll update some progress soon. It isn't going to be a walk in the park this one!

Spanjaard
sure about that! but satisfaction will be bigger at the end😉

Andy Ball
I admire the optimism Spanjaard!

David Taylor
Starting to come together Andy,looking good.

Andy Ball
Thanks David, appreciate the encouragement....I'm now beginning to try and throw most things at this - just to make the silk purse out of this styrene sow ear

Munkyslut
That Merlin is beautiful Andy, the plumbing & extra detailing are perfect, engine paint is spot on 👍

Andy Ball
Bless ya Munkyslut....it's pure fantasy/artist's impression. So long as it looks like a Merlin surrounded by spaghetti, I'm happy!

Maciej Bellos
Following this big Spit!

David Taylor
Are you putting the pilot in Andy.

Andy Ball
@David: I've heard it's tricky getting Flt Lt Farquharson-Smyth into his seat and positioned so, no. It'll be open cockpit. Got the Sutton harness to try out

Andy Ball
@ Maciej thanks for popping by! How's the F-117s? ?

Peppy
This is one of those kits from my youth,
that I didn't think I'd ever own, but have one in
the stash and watching you build yours Andy.
Of course I'm all in. Watching and learning from
a trailblazer. I have heard it was quite the bugger.

Jim J
Looking good so far.

Andy Ball
@Peppy: you're not far wrong!, although there is a paradox insofar as the actual coming together of the parts (on dry fit) isn't too bad. The shape, well it looks 'Spitfire' to me too. It's just those tired, of-their-time moulds that means you need to spend so much time on, and the details that are missing.

Andy Ball
@Jim J, thanks for the comment!

Maciej Bellos
Hi Andy, about the F-117s I am focused right now on the Su-57 prototype and the Mirage 2000 prototype, but I have plans to at least reset on old Italeri kit with some added details in the armament bay taken from an Academy kit.

Patryk S.
Looking very good so far!

Andy Ball
Appreciate that Patryk!

Munkyslut
After some fiddling I got the pilot to fit with the left arm arm removed, so I sunk a small magnet in the the shoulder socket & a steel pin in to the arm.
I think I had to heat up & bend the right arm in towards the stick which is no bad thing anyway.
It's a bit floppy but it fits, I still like it better without him in it tho! 😉

Andy Ball
I've popped by Monkyslut and had a look at your 'Vb - it looks great for having Symington-Fanshawe in the office, I too am going to paint Biggles in this kit and donate it to my mate's young lad.

Munkyslut
You didn't look too hard did ya???? 😄 😄 😄

Andy Ball
Ha ha Munkyslut! Don't be too hard on yourself! It's a complicated kit to get right!

Gordon Sørensen
Like the engine detail, Andy! The guitar strings look the part for the hoses and pipes.

Andy Ball
@Gordon: it's "Air on a G-string" - seriously guitar strings have some uses for those pipes we often see in cockpits and u/carriages

Alexander Grivonev
You are stepping up your detailing game, Andy. Great work!

Andy Ball
Cheers Alexander! There are some on here whose work inspires us onto making those improvements! 😉

wilky
Nice work

David Januska
Nice job so far👍. Tak8ng a seat with great interest.

Daniel Klink
Looking very promising and still seats free?
I surely want one to follow this👍

Andy Ball
Thank David, as ever, I appreciate you in the audience!

Slavo Hazucha
Big bird - lot´s of things to do 🙂 Lovely playground & it´s quite obvious you´re having your share of fun - great looking details & big parts! 👍

Alex Rodionov
Superb detalisation. Look nice.

David Taylor
Detail coming together in the hole Andy.

Andy Ball
@Slavo: thanks for popping by, appreciate this and you're right, a larger scale means you can try more opportunities- the 'fix kit is of its time - poor by modern standards - but that still makes it all the more challenging. Aspiring to have a different Mark of Spitfire in all the major scales....

Andy Ball
@Alex: I've done too much on the 'pit....and hope it will all "pop" when it comes together. Not totally accurate, but that's the attraction of modelling sometimes!

Andy Ball
@David: thanks for the comment- I'm channelling 1970s Morpeth Model Shop - I even though of only using Humbrol enamels to paint it with, but I'm going to make it easy on myself !

Patryk S.
Impressive detailing troughout the kit! Looking really nice.

Andy Ball
Thanks for calling in on me Patryk!, it's becoming a bit of a slog at the moment so appreciate those words!

Guy Rump
It's looking good Andy, notice you mentioned Morpeth Model shop in the 1970s, mine was Crisps in Ashington (in the 70s) 🙂

Aleš Štika
Great job 🙂

Gary Kitchen
Keep going Andy. Looks like you've got your hands full there. 👍

Villiers de Vos
Impressive detail

Andy Ball
@Guy, I guess there was something in the Northumbrian water in the 70s that makes you keep coming back to the hobby! I never knew Ashington had a m/shop, there's a guy in Widdrington that has a great online shop too.

Andy Ball
@Aleš appreciate you popping over with encouragement!

Andy Ball
@Gary: it's a testing build, but I think all model makers need to tackle these 'bête noires'!

Andy Ball
@Villiers: thank you for the comment, some of it is a flight of fantasy- but looks better than the Airfix's offering

David Taylor
Guy and Andy.Theres another model shop popped up in Morpeth JJ Models in the last couple of Years.The model shop in the arcade in Morpeth was always stuffed to the gunnels with kits.

Andy Ball
@David: I remember the smell in the Sanderson Arcade so well, my mum knew the lady who worked there as she worked pretty much opposite the store. The new m/shop is long overdue for the town!

Charlie Spitfire
how did you do that my mind is blowen right out of the cockpit i happen to love the spit more than other aircraft and the detail in that thing is definitly on my top 10 detailed spitfire i love the flight control wireing

Munkyslut
I loved looking at this again, it's just beautiful work 👍

Guillaume Blanchet
Wow that a fantastic build!! Great attention to details. I like the wiring.

Lochsa River
Great stuff....one question....how did you get that shadow effect on the walls? Is that with paint or was it done with a wash or a combination. It looks so realistic.

Andy Ball
@Lochsa- apologies for the late reply. I undercoat with black, then you can apply the interior green-grey spraying in one certain direction which means you leave the black to dominate (like a shadow) then a bit of panel washing (I mix a little red into black) and finally a bit of a dry brush to highlight any raised surfaces to add depth. I'm sure others do it differently, but they all have a similar result.

Andy Ball
@Guillaume @Monkyslut @charlie: apologies for the late acknowledgment- I don't know how I've missed these posts. I appreciate the kind words, I'm resting this just for now, (and, psst…..Airfix have just announced the new tool Mk.IXc so I'll be spending some pocket money on that one)!

Munkyslut
Yeah looks interesting! For want of a better phrase, I'm looking forward to seeing the new tool too 😄

Andy Ball
@Munkyslut fnaaar fnaaar...

Munkyslut
😄 😄 😄

Charlie Spitfire
looking foward to the new spit dont think i will ever get it so if you make it i will definitly follow the build

Andy Ball
@Charlie: I'm pushing this mould/build to it's limits, and I think if I get it right, we may end up with a pretty decent subject. Save your pennies for the IXc, I'm sure it'll be superb!

Guy Rump
I really like the harnesses Andy, they look very realistic. 👍

Charlie Spitfire
what did you use did you buy them or did you use bits of marsking tape like i have seen some modelers of YouTube use i am talking about the harnesses

Andy Ball
Cheers Guy, I've done a lot to it over the last couple of days, tried my hand with painting decals/roundels-throwing all limited skills at this one!!

Andy Ball
@charlie- if you look at the project there's the Sutton Harness from RB Productions- the issue, for me, was no harnesses provided in the kit (unless you had the pilot sitting). At this scale you really need the details of buckles/grommets/quick release accompanying the harness itself. Apparently they were used on many RAF types, so buying a few sets will help if you were to make a Hurricane or Mosquito in this scale !!

Gareth Windsor
Sorry I'm late to the party Andy. Looking great so far. That cockpit really pops with the extras.

Andy Ball
Thanks for popping by Gareth. Can't wait to see you tackle the 24th Hellcat?….

Gareth Windsor
I'm a little nervous, it's quite the kit. I need to finish my Little one and my phantom first.

Andy Ball
@Gareth: talking of nerves, I'm hoping the masked decals work on this, and that I can sort the mating of the wings to the slight-warped fuselage.....

Gareth Windsor
I've read about the warping and fit issues with the old Spit and Hurricane. Not a regular fill and rub job at the wing for this scale as you want to prevent cracking after the fact. I make my own filler with liquid glue and chopped up sprue then slowly build it up.

Charlie Spitfire
have you put the decals on and marsked them up

David Taylor
Might have to purchase a MK1 now Andy,which will make two for all my years modelling.LOL

Andy Ball
Hiya @charlie: all masked and painted (roundels and the fin flashes plus the black-lined walkways)…the rest will be the decals - I'm not that good!!!😂

Andy Ball
@David: or wait for the IX? although I have to say I'm enjoying the brutal experience of 1971 and this mould!!!, geometrically it's pretty impressive

David Taylor
Just in 48 for me I'm afraid.

Andy Ball
@David. Wise

David H
OMG Thankyou for this build , I have a vb in the loft which, if I admit, I'm scared to start 😬 , lovely job.

Munkyslut
@David H …….. I did a VB couple years back, it's on here. Wasn't even in the same league as Andy's efforts but really enjoyable despite its ancient tooling & appalling fit!

Andy Ball
@David H thanks for popping by. I'm so determined to sweat this for what it's worth!, I think if you tried your Vb it would bizarrely reward you!…jump in!…

Andy Ball
@Munkyslut a great Vb sir, borrowing from aspects of it!! Roll on IXc ?…

Munkyslut
That's praise indeed Andy! ……. new tool IXc is on order 👍

Andy Ball
@Munkyslut- mine too….for a build in the next decade!

David H
You know.. I might just open that box !😵

Andy Ball
@David H….you know you want to!…..😉

Charlie Spitfire
at last it is starting to take a spitfire shape

David H
Looking good, mine has made it out of the loft .!!!

Andy Ball
Probably wise, David!

David Taylor
Looks good.

Villiers de Vos
Full steam ahead Andy.

Andy Ball
Thanks David and Villiers, I'm sorry about the narration...I wanted this catharsis to warn anyone of trying out this kit....but you know...everyone should have their skills stretched once in a while!

Spanjaard
i only have one suggestion... change the teaser from picture one to one of the last ones 😉

Robin (WhiteGlint)
Beautiful work so far, Andy 👍
Because of the album's name at first I thought you are building a Spitfire with markings of the Roman Empire. 😄

Guy Rump
Looking impressive 👍

Andy Ball
@Spanjaard....done!, and thanks...

Munkyslut
That's looking so bloody good! Camo is perfecto……. the soft edge & pattern are just bang on! 👍

Andy Ball
Thanks Robin for taking a look- now there's a thought!?....
😉

Andy Ball
Thanks again Guy, real 'care in the community' from you!

Andy Ball
Cheers Munkyslut, I'll attack the camo some more once I'm satisfied with the fitting of it all.

David H
So much useful info here .. that wing root /scoop join looks … um.. interesting.

Andy Ball
Well if it ever descends from your attic…?….

David H
Nope, it's on the bench…😵😵

Николай Романов
Красиво покрашен👍

Andy Ball
thanks NIK, (not sure of the translation of the second word!)

Guy Rump
Beautifully decorated (or painted) translation of NIK666 message.

Peter de Bruin
Spectaculair job Andy!

Andy Ball
Thanks Guy for the explanation! And thanks Peter for viewing both the projects - I have a lot going on at present!!

Maciej Bellos
Looks really good Andy! Looking forward for the end result!

Andy Ball
Maciej, I'm hoping it will be in this century at least! But over the last few days I've got over that mental block of the grind and lack of reward- it's beginning to look better than I thought!

Gary Victory
Really nice progress on your Spit Andy. Keep up the good work. Hopefully you will finish quicker than the end of the century..!!?

Sergej I
1:24...
[img1]

Andy Ball
@Gary: I didn't specify which century!… but I'm aiming for Battle of Britain Day- 11th September -seems apt!

Andy Ball
@Sergej I've seen that image before, "Honey, you'll never guess what I bid on and won on eBay?…" hilarious!!

Wouter Roerdink
Looks nice! But it really is an old model. Can't wait for the new one! I built all the 1/24 kits so far.

Andy Ball
@Wouter, my dad never managed to finish this kit for me in the 1970s, now I understand why. That said it looks impressive in this size. Yep, sucker that I am I have the IX on order too. I've built the 24th Harrier and Hurricane in my time too- alas they are in a land-fill somewhere in the UK….

Robert Podkoński
That's quite a journey, Andy. I admire your perseverance and dedication. Keep it up!

Andy Ball
Thanks Robert, "just keep on keepin' on"… (I reckon another 5-10 hours and I'll be home)

Andy Ball
I'm all done!! Well ahead of Battle of Britain Day. I will go outside and take some decent photos with my Canon 5D-4, soon.

Patryk S.
Congratulations! Great paintjob on this one!

David H
Gr8 news . Can't wait for the photos 👍🏻

Spanjaard
congrats, very nice job

David Taylor
Looks smart Andy.

Guy Rump
Very impressive job Andy. 👍

Maciej Bellos
Excellent result Andy! I would certainly be proud of such a result. Congrats!

Munkyslut
You know when we were kids at skool & someone pulled off something so impressive we used to say "ahh….. you jammy git!"? …… that's what you just done 👍

Robert Podkoński
Absolutely fantastic work, Andy! Chapeau bas!

Neuling
Excellent result indeed!

Andy Ball
@Patryk, Spanjaard, David T, Guy, Maciej, Robert and Neuling: many thanks for the compliments!

Andy Ball
@David H: I'm going to practice my photography skills on this one, it deserves a good lens.

Andy Ball
@Munkyslut: I think that was the same in our school! Thanks for your support throughout and at on landing….

Andy Ball
OK, finals. Complete with EOS 5D-4 and 135mm lens.

Robin (WhiteGlint)
She looks great, Andy! 👍

Andy Ball
Thanks Robin, she's pretty Spitfire-like!

Andy Ball
thanks @toberg for the 'like'

Andy Ball
Thanks Pietro -et al, for taking a look!

Andy Ball
Appreciate the look-like Shar

Andy Ball
Thank-you Michael S, it's still a prominent kit for its time and scale.

Andy Ball
Thanks Alex K too!!

Bozzer
Nice work, Andy mate! I walked into this kit, like a virgin, straight from heaven.
Needless to say, it bit me in the ass!
I found the Hurricane, less of a challenge, but the 109, I made work, with me? I'd still love to do the Mustang, however, as a true Brit, I long for the 1/24 Lancaster 100%

Gary Kitchen
Great finish Andy. 👍

Andy Ball
@Bozzer: thanks for looking in. It's a real challenge of a kit- no wonder my dad abandoned it in 1974 feeling he'd let his kid down! I've done the 24-HH in 1978, can't remember having any issues with it. I'd love to try the '109. Depending on how much life I have left, I wouldn't mind the 24-Mossie...but so many competing projects in my mind....

Andy Ball
Thanks Gary, its easier in bigger scales to play with the finishes, I noted that in my 32nd Bird Dog currently.
Noël: appreciate the visit.

Bozzer
The 109, I put in the wheel wells. The hurricane, you have to build wheels up, or down. Kinda left me feeling deflated? The Mossie, my brother is building. Looks bloody fantastic, r kid 👍

Munkyslut
Bozman have you seen the fresh tooling of the big Airfix Spit? It's proper good, I got one for the stash but I'm gonna leave a lot of time free to tackle that.
My version of this pales next to Andy's masterpiece 😜

Bozzer
Munky mate! How's it going, old chap?
Unfortunately, I've not had chance to see the new spit? Being my old man's favourite, no doubt I'll end up, with one? I do fancy a dabble. I did have the Hellcat, but I sold it to my brother, to keep his mind occupied. I was actually thinking about building it for a trailer load? I'm now searching for a 1/25 Sherman, but they're not popular. However, there's a Takom 1/16 version, that's caught my eye? At £155 though, I'm waiting for a lottery win 🙂

Andy Ball
@Monkeyslut, thank-you for the comment- I've not seen yours, but anyone who manages it has my admiration!!
@Cortex- thanks for the visit!

Andy Ball
Thanks Henry Ch

Andy Ball
Thanks Edward!!!

Andy Ball
Thank-you Lukas and others for taking a look!

Andy Ball
Stéphane and others...again thanks for the look/like