NOTES: Just about the first kit I finished in 1999, the Academy kit goes together well and features some good detail, including nice fabric effects. Accuracy has been questioned, the tail planes being most odd and needing the front edge reshaping - I used Milliput formed and sanded to shape. The camouflage was done using paper masks held in place a mm or so from the fuselage on card spacers, this produces a soft edge but one that is much "tighter" than possible freehand, as overspray is greatly reduced. I think it creates a much better finish on 1/72nd scale aircraft than freehand spraying or hard-edged masking for RAF types. This, together with the Revell LF Mk Vb Spitfire, were recently combined in a display case as a present for my Grandmother-in-law, who served in the WRAF in WWII.

Extras: Reheat WWII RAF seat straps, replacement sliding canopy section (Aeroclub), reformed tailplanes (Milliput)

Finish: Xtracolour Enamels, Johnson's Klear, Oil wash, Cryla Artist's Acrylic Matt Varnish, Artist's Oil Pastels

Brush: Badger 150 copy, with direct compressor (no tank or pressure regulator)