Spitfire IXc 664/L, Royal Egyptian Air Force, 1948

This kit is half of a pair built as part of our club’s theme build representing both freind and foe. The challenge was to either build two subjects that represented both friend and foe, or a single subject that mixed the two, as in a BMW engined Spitfire, or Merlin engined Messerschmitt. Since I wanted a pair of Spitfires I chose this one and an Isreali Air Force Spitfire. As an added bonus, I can do a comparison build between Airfix and AZModel.

The Subject

The Royal Egyptian Air Force was founded in 1930 and became an independent air force in 1937. Seeing little service during World War II, post-war Egypt acquired a few surplus Mk IXc from the RAF after they departed Egypt. All were in the Desert Scheme of Dark Earth, Middlestone and Azure.

The REAF Spitfires saw action against Isreali and even RAF fighters during the Isreali war of independence in 1948. Once Isreal began receiving front line fighters via Czechoslovakia, such as their surplus Spitfire IX and XVI, it was the beginning of the end. The REAF replaced their Spitfires with more modern Mk 22 and jets once peace was established.

The Model

I started with the relatively new Airfix IXc kit. I used the late Vokes filter and because the subject had narrow cannon bulges on the outer side (sort of like an ‘e’ wing configuration, but the inner cannon was simply removed instead of the more typical .50 cal gun) I removed the wide bulge. I used the 3D-Kits Mk IX upgrade set to replace the cannon bulge and while at it used the better prop. I also boxed in the wheel wells to improve the appearance.

I used the shorter cannon barrel for the outer cannon as photos indicate shorter barrels. Otherwise this was a standard build and was very quick. I was ready for exterior paint by the end of the day having primed and cleaned up seams using Halford’s Grey Primer.

I used Peewitt’s canopy masks for this kit. Very inexpensive and very easy to use. I’ve since purchased quite a few more and plan to pick up enough to do all my Spitfires. I’ve found they are close enough to be used on pretty much any kit canopy.

Painting was done using a combination of Tamiya and Humbrol Acrylics. Hu29 Dark Earth, Hu225 Middle Stone and a mix for Azure using Tamiya (X16:2 + XF2:10 + XF18:5). I applied Future/Kleer before the decals. Decals are from the Techmod sheet, 72-122. They went down ok with water, but I put some DACO medium softener to ensure they laid down well; unlike most of my Techmod decals, these are very fragile. Unfortunately they silvered just a bit in places, but I put that to my decal skills, not the product.

The fuselage band gave me a bit of trouble; it kept ballooning at the crest, leaving a bubble of sorts under the decal right at the top of the fuselage. Eventually I trimmed the decal a bit, then applied some white and black paint to touch it up. Looking back, I should have simply masked this and painted it, as well as the wing stripes. That’s what I typically do with stripes, but decided to use the decals. Lesson learned.

Summary

This was a relatively easy build and quite enjoyable. Had the club not done this theme, I likely would not have done this subject. Having built it, I’m glad I did as it makes for a different take on the Desert Scheme and looks good on my shelf. The comparison with the AZModel build is the subject of a future post.

Thanks for looking…