|
|
|
|
Last Updated: Nov 17th, 2009 - 17:02:08 |
Over the years, various publications have suggested ways of converting Spitfire kits to Seafire Xvs. Of late, I believe that a Ventura release caters for this need, obviating conversion for those able to get the kit and able to afford it! For those who cannot justify the cost, or who are unable to easily procure Ventura kits, there is an alternative: minimal conversion of the Academy Spitfire XIV should result in a reasonable replica of the Seafire XV. At a pinch you might also consider converting the Model News Spitfire XII, though this would seem to require rather more effort.
The Academy Kit
This represents a Spitfire XIVc, with the correct wing outline for the Seafire XV (except wing fold lines) and a very similar fuselage. When compared to other Spitfire XIV kits in this scale, I believe the Academy kit is marginally too short for a truly accurate replica of the Spitfire XIV (though when examined in isolation, who would pick it out on a competition table!). This is, however, advantageous for the conversion proposed, as the Seafire XV had the earlier single-stage Griffon which required a shorter cowling.
Because of this shortcoming (sic), using the Academy kit removes one of the bugbears of previous conversion suggestions, ie. shortening the fuselage. The Academy kit does appear to have some sort of outline error creeping into the upper rear fuselage line too (hard to fix), and the rear fixed transparency is too short as well. The latter can either be ignored (if you’re like me) or corrected at an appropriate stage in the conversion.
You will still have to remove some fin area, and revise the rudder to the correct Seafire shape, but this is relatively minor work.
The Academy Kit Conversion
Basically follow the instructions from Step 1 to Step 3. Then fill the angled, engraved upper-rear cowling line and rescribe a vertical replacement, as per the plans. Remove excess fin area to the correct Seafire XV profile, filling if necessary, and revise the shape of the rudder.
Continue through to Step 5. Before glueing the wings together, scribe in the inner and outer wing fold lines, as shown on the plans. Remove the outer cannon stubs, as Seafire XVs did not seem to have them. Fill the 5 location points for the propeller blades in Step 7 and allow to set, then revise the shape of four of the blades, drill four new location points and attach the blades to the altered spinner.
At Step 10 you may choose to extend the cutout for part C3, as this transparency appears too short, then replace it with a home-made item or a commercial alternative (I wouldn’t bother, but I’m essentially lazy).
At Step 11, check your references for the torque link situation with regard to Seafire XVs. I’m not sure whether they were fitted or not - to add or omit as you think best! Carry on to the finish of the instructions, omitting the rockets, and add catapult spools, appropriate hook and wire deflector, and other naval attachments. You’re now finished.
The Model News Kit Conversion
Generally this is not a bad kit of the Spitfire XII (it’s a short run injection moulded kit), though it has a lot of flash. It is a little crude in places (eg. exhausts), and the canopy is a little unclear, but the engraved detail is not bad. It has pros and cons when compared to the Academy item as a potential Seafire XV, which actually evolved from the Spitfire XII. You might think this makes it sensible to use the Model News kit as a starting point, but this is not entirely the case.
Certainly there is slightly less work in the fuselage part of the conversion. All you have to do is remove the characteristic Mk XII bump off the top of the cowling, reshape the rudder, add appropriate hook detail and add a bigger chin intake. You will need to add a cutout and doors for the retractable tailwheel, then poition the kit tailwheel accordingly.
Unfortunately production Spitfire XIIs had clipped wings, supplied in the kit, so normal wingtips will need to be restored. The Spitfire XII also featured the Spitfire radiator bath and oil cooler. You’ll have to replace these with alternatives from another kit, or scratchbuild them. The wing fold lines will have to be scribed too, and the superfluous cannon stubs removed ..... (etc.) The tailplane/elevator line is also pure early Spitfire V, so this will need correction. Fill and scribe in new lines for the larger horn balances, as shown on the plan.
This about wraps up the Seafire XV conversion process for both these kits. If one or other sounds like the way for you, why not give it a try?
© Copyright 2004-2006; VenturaPublications.com and contributors.
Top of Page
|
|
|
|
