Hasegawa 1/32 Spitfire Ia "TuAF"

By Tolga Ulgur

This is 1/32 Hasegawa Spitfire Mk.Ia with TuAF markings circa 1942.

Turkey ordered 15 Spitfire Mk.I, but due to British Defense requirements after the outbreak of WWII, delivery of the aircraft was cancelled and only two of this order were received in May 1940. These were carrying Turkish serials 2902 and 2903.

And before that, on September 1939 a single aircraft ( L1066) from the Polish order had arrived in Turkey. Later in December 1940 they were withdrawn from service due to lack of spares. In 1942 two Mk.I (2902 and 2903) were returned to RAFME as HK954 and HK956 EX RAF Serial number of 2902 and 2903 were P9566 & 67.

In this kit, Hasegawa produced scribed wings parts with fuselage, cockpit, landing gear and minor parts from the vintage raised details plastic of the Mk Vb. So first step in build process is removing surface detail mismatching by scribing fuselage panel lines.

Cockpit enhanced by Eduard instrument panel and seat belts, Barracudacast seat and cockpit upgrade set.

I have used “Archer Fine Transfer” fasteners set for detailing engine cowling.

Other modifications are:

Master Details horizontal surfaces
Eagle Parts Mk.I oil cooler (the kit has Mk.V type oil cooler)
Barracudacast cockpit door
Quickboost exhaust and propeller set
Barracudacast wheels
Scale Aircraft Conversion Metal landing gear legs

Painting was done with Gunze Sangyo and Tamiya acrylics. Upper Surfaces were painted RAF Dark Green and RAF Dark Earth with Gunze paints. Lower surfaces painted black with Tamiya acrylic paint.

National insignias were painted by masking.

Number "2 " and early style crescent painted by hand made masks from Ozkan Turker. The star on the rudder is from Turquoise decals.

Happy modelling!

Hasegawa 1/32 Spitfire Ia "TuAF"

By Tolga Ulgur

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