Airfix Spitfire Mk8

[Mattb45]

Hello
This is my first ever post and, like many, a return to modelling after a long 50 year break. So apologies in advance if I break any etiquette.

Am setting out on repeating the last model made, which was an Airfix (I think) 1:24 Spitfire, back in the 70's. The new Airfix 1:24, which I bought today, is for the RAAF 457 Squadron.

I had wanted an RAF UK livery, ideally. Does anyone know if there's an RAF colour chart I can pick up from somewhere and apply? Ideally 602 Squadron. Or is that a modelling no no?

Matt

[PaulTRose]

Welcome to the site matt

Where in the uk are you out of interest?

As for raf colours....what time period is this?......early or late ww2?

[Mattb45]

Thank you so much. Am in South Hampshire. AC Models is closest.

Not sure. But guessing nearer '45 than '40.

[PaulTRose]

Just been looking up 602 sqn (RAuxAF.....yay....my old mob )

They didnt fly the mk 8.....
they did fly the mk9 in 43/44 so it would have been the green/grey scheme....dont know what the diff was tween the 8 and 9.....cant have been much....depends on just how accurate you want to be....near enough is close enough for me

You might want to try Hannants to see if any one does a set of alternative decals

[Mattb45]

Thank you so much. Wow, amazing knowledge. Am on the same near enough page. I'll try Hannants. Thank you

[Airborne01]

I'm rolling out the Welcome Matt! Have a great time here with like-minded people!
Steve

[Mattb45]

Thank you. I feel very welcomed

[Tim Marlow]

Just been looking up 602 sqn (RAuxAF.....yay....my old mob )

They didnt fly the mk 8.....
they did fly the mk9 in 43/44 so it would have been the green/grey scheme....dont know what the diff was tween the 8 and 9.....cant have been much....depends on just how accurate you want to be....near enough is close enough for me

You might want to try Hannants to see if any one does a set of alternative decals

As I understand it from a quick read around, the 9 was a stopgap, basically a 5 fitted with a bigger engine. However, it was so successful it became the home standard. The 8 was a planned redesign based on the 7, with strengthened frame and, and actually came into service a year after the 9. It was purportedly the best spitfire from the viewpoint of flying characteristics.

As to colours, the 8 was used in the med and in the pacific, so would have used those colour schemes rather than the grey green scheme used for home based aircraft. Not sure about detail differences, but I’m sure there are some.

[Tim Marlow]

Thank you. I feel very welcomed

Sorry…..forgot to say hello 🙀

[Geoffers]

Hello Matt

Welcome to the forum 👍

The guys are spot on with their info, the Mk.VIII was only used abroad and was generally finished in the following 3 mains schemes depending where deployed.
Day Fighter Scheme - aircraft in the Italian campaign - Dark Green/Ocean Grey uppers Medium Sea Grey underneath.


Desert Scheme - Tunisia and I think early Italian campaign - Dark Earth/Mid Stone uppers with Azure blue underside.


South East Asia Command - India/Burma etc - Dark Green /Dark Earth upper Medium Sea Grey underneath. No red in the markings so as not to be confused with the Japanese markings.

These are your basic choices if you’re aiming for accuracy. There are some variations depending on when they were deployed etc. The Australians also used the Mk.VIII in the Pacific and had camo similar to the Day Fighter Scheme.

Whichever you choose enjoy the build and shout out if you need any help.

Hope this helps 👍

Geoff.

[Mattb45]

Amazing. Thank you

[Richard48]

Welcome Matt from me.Good to have you along.Feel free to ask questions as there are so many only glad to help here.
Enjoy your modelling.
Richard

[pjgtech]

Hi and welcome mate. No idea of spit colour schemes sorry, but hope you enjoy your modelling.

[Miko]

Hey Matt, welcome back into scale modelling, seems you're in the right demographic for this forum, most of us started modelling at least half a century ago!

If I were you, i'd set aside the the big ol' 1/24 scale and get yourself a few smaller 1/72 kits, lots of Spitfire kits to choose from should you be that way inclined, Airfix have quite a few to choose from. The reason I say this is a large 1/24 scale model with it's huge number of parts is an intimidating kit even for an experienced modeller, so after a fifty year lay off I might be a good idea to practice your modelling skills on smaller simpler 'cheaper' models just to build your knowledge base and confidence. As for paint and colours, go with what ever colours the kit instructions suggest, as for paint brand, personally I don't care for those suggested by Airfix, Humbrol paints had their day a long time ago, there are far better options these days, if you don't have a model shop local to you, buying supplies online is simple, this forum has a scale model shop above, just click the link at the top of the page, they have a great range of stuff and competitively priced too, service is good and postage is quick

One mantra of most modelling communities is 'it's supposed to be fun' it's all to easy to get stuck in tiny details while chasing the impossibility of perfection! Just enjoy adding glue and paint to plastic! Ask questions make comments, give us the benefit of your experiences and post lots of photos of your progress

Miko (modelling, part calling part curse!)

[HAWKERHUNTER]

Great advice Miko