Hi all, I decided to build up my spare Avios Spitfire Mk1a into the Prototype version.
Still a work in progress but the majority of the work has now been done.
I had to make new cockpit canopy parts to match the original plane, was easy enough to do and I used the clear plastic from an Easter Egg packaging I save from last year! I knew it would come in handy at some point!
Flipped the wheels around so the flat side was facing outward as the prototype appears to have had covers over the wheels.
Also had to make a set of the flush fitting exhaust stacks, I used balsa wood sections painted black as the backing and the clear plastic with holes punched out for the exhausts and paintes them the same colour as the plane.
So now there is just a few small things to do such as paint the prop and spinner and to find a sticker set for it. I have reached out to Callie Graphics but if anyone has any ideas or options I could go with for the markings I would greatly appreciate it as the turn around time for Callie Graphics has proven very slow in the past.
I also wanted to have the skid type tail wheel setup like the prototype had but when I did some taxi tests, the plane didn't respond well to the skid and was difficult to control. So I refitted the tail wheel.
I also trimmed up the landing leg fairings for better ground clearance and to prevent damage if the plane noses over. I won't be attempting the fully enclosed fairings like the prototype had as it will be too complicated to achieve and to ensure reliable operation.
I have attached some photos of the build process.
Hope you like it!
Still a work in progress but the majority of the work has now been done.
I had to make new cockpit canopy parts to match the original plane, was easy enough to do and I used the clear plastic from an Easter Egg packaging I save from last year! I knew it would come in handy at some point!
Flipped the wheels around so the flat side was facing outward as the prototype appears to have had covers over the wheels.
Also had to make a set of the flush fitting exhaust stacks, I used balsa wood sections painted black as the backing and the clear plastic with holes punched out for the exhausts and paintes them the same colour as the plane.
So now there is just a few small things to do such as paint the prop and spinner and to find a sticker set for it. I have reached out to Callie Graphics but if anyone has any ideas or options I could go with for the markings I would greatly appreciate it as the turn around time for Callie Graphics has proven very slow in the past.
I also wanted to have the skid type tail wheel setup like the prototype had but when I did some taxi tests, the plane didn't respond well to the skid and was difficult to control. So I refitted the tail wheel.
I also trimmed up the landing leg fairings for better ground clearance and to prevent damage if the plane noses over. I won't be attempting the fully enclosed fairings like the prototype had as it will be too complicated to achieve and to ensure reliable operation.
I have attached some photos of the build process.
Hope you like it!
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