Supermarine Spitfire IXc

by Chuck Zellmer

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Ever since myself and Johnnie Johnson's son, Michael Johnson, successfully convinced JEJ to visit the Pacific Northwest a couple of years back, I've longed to build one of his mounts (Johnnie's subsequent illness and eventual death, prevented the visit from occurring). I spoke with Michael about which Spitfire version and paint scheme was his dad's favorite, and the following is what we decided upon.

Johnnie's Black Lab "Sally" was never far from his side during the war years, and was very dear to his heart, so I felt compelled to include her on the base.

The kit is the Hasegawa 1/48 scale Spitfire Mk.IXc. I decided not to "fuss" with lengthening the fuselage.

I added Eduard's Cockpit Detailing set, and also used Moskit's hollow exhaust accessory. Both after market kits were quite good, although the Moskit exhaust's required trimming to fit properly. The final results were pleasing. There were several challenging sink-holes which need to be repaired in the cockpit tub provided in the kit, otherwise fit/finish of all sets used was very good.

The cockpit interior was painted with Tamiya Acrylics, with an oil wash consisting of Raw Umber and rectified Turpentine as a thinner. The aircraft exterior was painted with Model Master Enamels, and flat-coated with Model Master "Flat Clear Lacquer".

AeroMaster decals were employed, and set down with Gunze "Mr. Mark Softer". Pastel's and a silver pencil were used to add some weathering. The IFF "antennae" were made using 1lb (.002" diameter) nylon fishing line, and heated with my wife's blow-dryer to make the line taunt. The figure is from ICM, although I need to darken up Johnnie's hair some (more brown than blond in color).

I plan on giving this model to Michael Johnson after I enter it in a few IPMS contests.

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Model, Images and Text Copyright © 2003 by Chuck Zellmer
Page Created 30 June, 2003
Last Updated 25 March, 2004

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