Putting it all together

I’ve started work on the Spitfire again after a break. The break was partly due to work commitments and partly because I was overwhelmed by how much more work was left to do!

I’ve decided to get the model flying first in primer, then tackle some of the detailed panel lines and rivets later (if it flies!).

I’ve sorted out the rudder and tailwheel drive using one servo on the cockpit floor with two snakes running to the back with the outers fixed at three points. This seems to work well and means the tail can be removed in future as needed.

The tail is fitted with some tiny Mick Reeves screws through to nuts soldered to metal plates and glued inside. (See more pictures on the fuselage page.) I’ve filled the join and sprayed primer over it, but it needs a bit more work.

I’ve used spray can primer which has been really good over the proskin wing coverings. It has been a problem on the fuselage.

I rubbed the fuselage down with 400 wet-and-dry and wiped it with acetone before spraying, but the paint just rubbed off in a couple of places. I was a bit too cautious with the 400 grit – you really need to completely remove the surface shine from the fibreglass before the paint will stick.

There were a few pinholes and a couple of small patches with a slightly wavy finish, but overall the moulding is very good. It all fits together well but I need to do some more filling and rubbing back to get everything in reasonable shape.