Tamiya 1/32 Spitfire Mk IX

By Luc Janssen

With this model, I wanted to represent a Belgian Air Force (BAF) Spitfire Mk IX as they looked like after their first overhaul, without guns. With information I received from BAF-connoisseurs Daniel Brackx and Robert Block, I was able to make such a Spitfire.

The Tamiya kit is really excellent, so I only had to add some detail to the cockpit area. As I opted for a nose without engine panels, I had to show some more detail and I added the ignition cables and some supplementary wiring, etc.

To give the base a little dynamism, I added the wheel chocks and some equipment from the spare box. A young mechanic was painted by IPMS member Ben Pooters.

After Market Sets

The mechanic figure is the German Tank Crewman WWII (with a different head) from EVOLUTION MINIATURES. For the landing gear I used the set “Spitfire 5 slot mainwheels” from BarracudaCast.

Paints

With the first overhaul, BAF Spitfires received a camo consisting of Ocean Grey on the under sides and Ocean Grey/Dark Green on the upper sides. The Dark Green had a more Olive-Green shine, so I prepared a mix of these colors.

As usual, painting was done with ModelMaster paints. I applied a wash with strongly diluted enamel paints and weathering was done with pastel powders.