1/48 Tamiya Spitfire Mk. 1a 

by Tolga Ulgur

--------------------

 

Here is my 1/48 Tamiya Spitfire Mk 1a finished in the markings of  Turkish Air Force (TuaF).   

Click on images below to see larger images

Turkish Air Force decided to replenish its ageing fighter force  just before World War Two.   Procurement of Spitfire Mk1’s  was one of these attempts. Although securing  a  deal for fifteen machines, by the out break of  war  in September 1939 only one would be   delivered   from stocks destined for Poland. Two more would be delivered by Supermarine  in may 1940 ! These  lamentable three designated  as   “2901”, “2902”, “2903” and allocated to 42nd  Fighter Company of 4th Air Regiment.  Delegated to  training duties alongside company’s Hurricanes. However, thanks  to  spare part bottle necks  all three machines  were discarded  by  December 1940. Serials  “2902” and “2903” returned to England in 1942. Later utilised by RAF as HK 954 and HK 956 respectively. * 

Finished model is, Spitfire Mk1a with  Turkish  serials 2901 

Pilot office painted with RAF interior green and the seat to the backallite color.

It s out of box only addition of seatbelts from Eduard and a gunsight from Cutting Edge. 

The painting was done with Gunze Sangyo acrylics . (Dark earth –Dark green /  Black) 

I used some after market products which are as follows: 

  • Ultracast exhaust set  (# 48040)

  • Ultracast propeller set (# 48112)

Click on images below to see larger images

Bi color square national insignias on the wings are painted . The code number (1) on the fuselage is converted from a couple of black fours from deep in my spares box.

The flags on the tail are from Turquoise decals.

The rear view mirror is omitted according to reference pictures. 

Click on images below to see larger images

Finally some weathering  and a Gunze matt coat applied to the model. 

*Reference: Turkish Military Aircraft since 1912- Ole Nikolajsen

Tolga

Click on images below to see larger images

Photos and text © by Tolga Ulgur