Airfix 1:72 Supermarine Spitfire Mk.I/Mk.IIa

This video is dedicated to "George Iatrou" who supplied this kit.
I really enjoyed this project, it was one of those "can I do this?" builds. I learned a lot along the way, and was very glad to build another one of these fantastic new tooled Spitfires from Airfix. I'm very pleased with how this project turned out. And I'll be adding a aerial line to the antenna once I get thin enough line to use. This Spitfire is going to sit very comfortably on my Spitfire shelf, thanks for watching :D
This Spitfire was a contribution to UK Scale Modeller's "Inter War Group Build" A thanks to Ian for hosting the build, I was glad to be able to take part in this one.

[@richardbreisch8049]

Best looking Mrk I early production Spitfire Ive seen... Your the best!

[@williamvasilakis9619]

Oh my gosh.That was amazing!!!! Thank you..I learned a lot from you. Thank you so much.

[@richardbreisch8049]

very nice. love those early twin prop craft....

[@stephanedavid3421]

Unfortunely, my english is too bad and poor to give my feeling about this wonderful build. The first thing i saw this morning gave me happyness for this day. Thank you so much for this wonder!

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

Thank you so very much Stephane, I'm glad that you enjoyed this video so much :D

[@MacMcCaskill]

Good to see the airbrush colour mixing & thinning and the weathering carried out on camera. So often they are rather "glossed-over" (!!) in videos and casually mentioned. Very helpful to see what is actually involved.

[@josecesar5952]

Beautiful work!

[@brucejeanduc841]

I'm really impressed with 1/72 AIRFIX model kits. It is very detailed and accurate. Nothing is perfect but I do enjoy building them.

[@flugjung]

Excelent build! I liked your painted roundels and markings. I’m building a similar Spitfire

[@paulgrendall5138]

Fantastic!!! Nice 1.

[@josecesar1639]

This is great work!

[@piotrekszczepanski5125]

love the finish, and thank you for putting in the paint mixtures as well!

[@leighrussell6083]

very nice, really good paint job, thank you

[@thetinfoilstetson402]

What an absolute treasure... You don't see too many Mk1's built... great job Rebel

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

Thanks for that Ian, the Mk I spitfire is my favourite variant of the Spit, I need to get a few parts, but in the near future I hope to build a 1:48th scale kit. And hopefully that new one will be out from Tamiya.

[@vortexmodeling]

i enjoyed watching the painting process.

[@VC27]

Bloody marvellous build!

[@Myfactory62]

Clear video along with a clean build

[@punkcabbage]

Wow, might be the cleanest build I've ever seen!

[@tictacofficial4354]

Didn’t weather too much or too little. Amazing job

[@johnbrown7858]

Excellent build. I really like the way you did the lettering, and insignia painting! Great job!

[@johnovandupper3810]

wow! i think it looks amazing! i love the camoflauge. great work with the decals and the pannel lines. i will be getting my new model soon.keep up the good work :)

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

Thank you very much Johnovan, I look forward to your new video :D

[@mladtheimpaler]

Very interesting. Nice build

[@darrylleggaviationart2927]

Great build as usual!

[@geoiat12]

Very nice!!! I am happy that you enjoyed it so much!

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

All thanks to you :D Sorry it took me so long to build this one. There was some stuff behind the scenes that prevented me from building it sooner.

[@geoiat12]

I think its time you build that seiran that has been on your stash for so long!!!

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

I think you are right, I'll keep it in mind for a winter project :D That being said, I really need to build a Japanese kit soon.

[@chancerNW]

That is lovely work. A beautifully painted and presented early Spitfire. Very well done.

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

Thanks Chancer, I was very glad I decided to at last build this one :D

[@GYRUSS]

Great work. There is something quite satisfying about peeling masks and tape from a model.

[@stevethefishdotnet]

Only when you peel off the masks and everything looks nice! Otherwise it sucks when you see where paint has seeped under the masking.

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

Very satisfying afterwards, but during the process incredibly stressful ha ha :D

[@boodlewoodle]

Great job very impressive and learned a lot thank you

[@brianliddle2197]

That is fantastic. I have this kit too thanks for the paint mixing tips, I may try it myself when its my turn, thank you, one artist to another.

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

No problem, good luck with your build :)

[@neilharrison1420]

That's amazing, thanks for sharing.

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

Thanks Neil

[@UKscalemodeller]

Will be saving this for tomorrow nights viewing.

[@UKscalemodeller]

Well I have watched the first half )I'll watch the rest tomorrow as I'm falling asleep) All I can say is WOW. I MEAN I know I've seen it finished already but watching it being unmasked was a real treat.

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

Thank you very much Ian, and thanks for hosting this GB, I was very happy to be a part of it :)

[@mrjockt]

A very, very nice build of an early production Spitfire, I built one similar to this many years ago by cross kitting the Airfix Spitfire Mk.I with the canopy and 2 bladed prop. from the old Hasegawa Spitfire Mk.I, I added an early two pronged pitot probe, an after market resin part, and painted it up as one of the first 19 Squadron aircraft with the Squadron number on the fin instead of a fin flash.

[@ModelNerd]

Great build - thank you for sharing. I really like the masked roundels - definitely something I will try after watching this.

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

Thank you for watching :) This was my first attempt at doing maskings. It was a tricky thing to accomplish, but very rewarding. I'm going to be doing it again with an upcoming build :)

[@BasicModelling]

Beautiful... and great to follow the process of masking and painting. The end result is stunning (as always!)and a great entry for the Group Build. I have packed away all my built Spitfires and Hurricanes very carefully in boxes up in the loft for now, apart from the Airfix 1/48 Spitfire Mk.Vb. I need the space for any new builds on the shelves and in my bedside unit drawers. :) Currently struggling with the Polish Lublin but it will get done.. :)

[@bartenz4307]

Love the paint mixology😁

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

Thanks Bart, I've got to admit it was pretty fun to mix the paints around.

[@brianc1701]

Exceptional build, each one gets better! From the custom mixed paints, painted markings, and subtle weathering with enamels, you really reached outside your comfort level with this one I'm sure. I think the "voice over" narration works well, as opposed to talking at the same time you're building. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

Thanks man, I had a very fun time mixing these paint. I really want to build a few more RAF aircraft as a result, maybe the Defiant, or Blenheim?

[@colinjohnston8519]

Very nice.

[@JDsHouseofHobbies]

Makes me want to work on my Airfix Spitfire. Mine's a Mk.22. Looks like a fun kit.

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

If there's one thing Airfix does the best, it's build a Spitfire. I think you would really enjoy your Mk.22. I should get one as well :)

[@ssgtslick]

Nice, simple clean build. Like it. Your grey enamel wash has taught me the use of the grey Panel Line Accent from Tamiya. (LOVE the Black and the Brown.)

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

Thanks Slick, I've got to order their Dark Brown and Grey. The Testors paint I used took quite a while to clean up :/

[@michaeltruhett4170]

WOW! You sure do nice work. Your model looks absolutely terrific!

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

Thank you kindly Michael :)

[@michaeltruhett4170]

You sir are quite welcome!

[@ronmac9522]

I love the smell of tamiya paints in the morning. I do like the black white under carnage. I'm going to see the film 'The darkest hour" and hope to see loads of spitfires " I've never had a problem with the revell aqua color. Happy New year rebels and look forward to seeing more builds.the rundals look amazing painted on. Took the model to a new level.

[@billbrowning3021]

Nice work....I’d also like to say that your video production work was great in this video. Welcome back!

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

Thanks Bill, it's been too long since I uploaded a video build :)

[@stevesmith9404]

brilliant.mate

[@TheWaggishAmerican]

Hey Rebel's! My channel just hit 100 subscribers today, which isn't a huge number to many, but is a milestone for me. I just wanted to thank you for getting me back into modelmaking and also inspiring me to start a channel of my own. Ps, really nice build.

[@b.e.bvlogs3981]

Best camo job.

[@michaelknott4361]

Yay you finally got it! 😁

[@tommyboyscalemodeling4988]

Fantastic build and video!

[@stevethefishdotnet]

Hey Tommy, you haven't uploaded anything in forever! I miss your stuff.

[@tommyboyscalemodeling4988]

Hey Greg! Yeah life went kinda crazy and modeling had to put on the back burner for awhile. Moving after the first of the year and plan to get back in the hobby quick as possible after that. I probably put up a video soon explaining my absence and future return. Hope all is well with you and your family buddy.

[@ghengiscrayon]

Woah, very info rich video.

[@MottysMilitaryModels]

Stunning work matey. I loved my 1/72nd aircraft when I first started but I must admit I'd much rather stay with my 1/48th scale definate ! Brill work matey , really great stuff !

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

Thanks Steve, I'm with you on that one. I've been collecting 72nd kits most of my life, but I'm branching into 48th scale more often now. It just allows for more fun painting :D

[@hueyJoe135]

Awesome build son. I hope mine comes out like that

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

Thanks Joe, I'm betting that yours will be a lot better than mine :)

[@alexandremarcelino7360]

Perfeito! Muito bonito! 🌟👍

[@thebobloblawshow8832]

Beautiful build. I’m building a different airfix 1/72 spitfire right now. France 1940.

[@mister_fjk1972]

Rebs, way to push the envelope here - welcome back.

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

Thanks Francis :)

[@michaelknott4361]

You've done a neat job painting the markings as opposed to using decals.

[@rurushu8094]

Very nice build! You don’t see many early spits on KZbin these days.

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

Yeah, I guess the MkV and IXc, get more of the glory.

[@richardbreisch8049]

assume work!

[@chelseaK11]

Great build!!! Better than what I could do. Lol

[@vasili1207]

I can see you put your all into this one , things will get easier much love vas

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

I kinda got carried away with this build painting wise. It was a lot of fun :)

[@vasili1207]

That's the whole point I think life can be supper complicated sometimes nice to lose yourself in a project and just think of that. Something you may be glad to hear is I picked up a my first zero kit :) a airbrush set and a few other kits , it is my 1 year modelling anniversary afterall. Take it easy Reb's

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

Hey, that's a great way to celebrate and anniversary :D Which Zero did you get?

[@vasili1207]

Only the airfix a6m2b-21 zeke, You came to mind so it came home with me. Also I bought a yellow orange paint may be a fit for your bell project ! The colour is called gamboge give it a Google have a good day buddy.

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

Awesome, that's a fantastic kit. I'm really sad that Airfix hasn't decided to build more Zero options. Thanks for the tip on the orange color. Based on a few examples, I'm looking at it's a pretty close color. I tested out a few paint mixes the other day and I think I'm close to the color. Just got it primed the other day, so I'm getting ready to paint it :D

[@BillHalliwell]

G’day Rebels, I really enjoyed watching your build. You have excellent masking skills, and airbrush talent too. A really cool job on a rare variant of the Spitfire. I’m ex-Air Force so I’m a bit picky about such things but one tiny little detail tip for your next RAF build; the RAF roundel has a yellow outer circle. It’s really quite clever if you think about it. The yellow, being thought at the time as being the colour that is most noticeable, was chosen to make the roundel stand out from the main background paint job, especially the ‘camo’ paint scheme. Later in WW2 it also aided in reducing ‘Friendly Fire’ from the USAAF who were prone to shoot at any roundel containing the colour red. This was not a huge problem in the European theatre, however, the ‘FF’ was so bad down in the Pacific theatre that the RAAF (Australian Air Force) had to totally remove the red dot in the centre of their roundels. That’s why wartime RAAF aircraft had just a white circle with a dark blue centre. Anyway, an excellent build! Cheers, BH.

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

Hi Bill, thanks for watching and for your comment. You are correct on the yellow outline on the roundels. However this particular Spitfire (1938) did not have that on the fuselage. It's an odd Spitfire, which was partially why I wanted to build it. It just doesn't seem to follow the rules of common Spitfires.

[@BillHalliwell]

G’day@@rebelsatcloudnine, Roger that. You’re right also, there were so many variants of the Spit. that it’s hard to keep up with them all. On paint jobs, that’s one that is a minefield. In so many kits you see painting directions for D-Day black & white ‘friendly fire’ stripes that are extremely straight and neat. Just about 100 per cent of the period photographs I have of ground crews preparing aircraft for the D-Day sorties shows people up on the wings with 6” or 8” brushes slapping on paint freehand. No templates or masks at all. Up close the divisions between the white and the black have huge ‘sharks’ teeth’. A stoned graffiti artist could have done better; but I guess some sqns had so many planes to paint up they couldn’t be picky. A lot or these blokes doing the painting don’t look like they came from the paint shop. I’m guessing most of them were General Hands who got stuck with all the crappy jobs. Anyway, excellent build! Cheers, BH (ex-486 Sqn, among others).

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

That is very true, however, when you are painting them on a scaled aircraft those same lines look terrible as the perspective has shrunk greatly. I've thought about doing a more "freehand " approach to d-day stripes, but it's very hard to make them look convincing. I've only seen one modeler do it right and he had a crewman painting them on. One of my next projects will have D-day stripes on it, and I assume based on the time this particular aircraft was used it's possible that they painted them on after d-day, as a sort of remembrance, that's just my speculation on the matter.

[@mckendrick4046]

Yellow wasn't introduced until late 1939 on the fuseage roundel. At the same time white was introduced as the middle ring. Also... RAF airraft in the middle and far east theatres had dk blue/middle blue roundels with no white or red - it wasn't an after-though by the RAAF, it was forethought for all aircraft operating in those theatres. Having said that, RNZAF retained a three ring roundel but it was middle blue/white/middle blue - a roundel sometimes adopted by the RN/FAA in that theatre. Something you *could* have pointed out to the builder, you being ex-Air Force and all, is that British and Commonwealth aircraft always carried roundels on both wings, not just on the starboard wing - which was a USAAF/USN peculiarity until only very recently. Hope this helps.

[@BillHalliwell]

@@mckendrick4046 G’day M.McK, Thank you but I was aware of the time period when RAF roundels incorporated a yellow ring. I have numerous photographs of aircraft that the RAAF did not fly that are, indeed, RAF aircraft (not RN/FAA) sporting a white central circle; flying in the SEA region. If you like I can send you the historical RAAF documentation that dictated the central red circle of our roundel, be removed in direct response to a ‘friendly fire’ incident involving aircraft belonging to the United States. I understand the natural impulse to reject this incident, as many in the US do, but I can assure you it was no “forethought” that caused the removal of the red centre of our roundel. I wish that it had been; but it wasn’t. Yes, I was in the air force “and all” and I could have mentioned that RAAF roundels appear on both wings; top and bottom, as do some other Commonwealth air forces, but I didn’t think it was worth a mention as not many people in the US are as well informed as you; besides as I was talking to a modeller I didn’t think it worth a mention as very few American modellers bother doing builds of RAAF aircraft because they either don’t know or care about the aircraft we flew; apart from that, kits of RAAF aircraft, or RAAF decal sheets, are difficult to source in American model shops. I also hope this helps. Cheers, and all the best. Bill H. P.S. In my original post I should have typed: 'a white circle with a dark blue 'EDGE' not 'centre'. My apologies. BH

[@mrjockt]

A very nice build, painting the roundels on as opposed to using the decals really improves the looks, however R.A.F. Fighters carried roundels on both upper and lower wing surfaces, it’s also a pity that Airfix didn’t provide the early two prong pitot probe to go with the early prop., canopy and aerial.

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

That is true, but this Spitfire only called for one on the top and bottom.

[@Ghostrider-lm9en]

I know it’s a late comment but I was wondering. How do you get your masking tape to the shape of the colour borders do you just cut it with like scissors?

[@ReluctantWarrior]

This was my first Airfix kit funnily enough, put it together early last year in its Mk.IIa variant.

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

I'm going to get another Mk.I and use the extra parts and decals to build that Mk.II later on. :)

[@PanzermansBunker]

Good work on the early war Spitfire. Painted on markings turned out well. KUTGW. Bill PS: Too bad you didn't use the kit supplied pilot figure. I think planes look better populated.

[@stevethefishdotnet]

He's gonna save up all the pilot figures and build a diorama of pilots sitting around doing nothing.

[@singningwongho]

Great job rebel. Your modelling skills have become very professional now. I love all your work and watch your videos as soon as I get the chance. I love what you did with the squadron lettering and roundels, they must look so better than using decals. You say you want to try it again sometime... well, I have an idea for you. Perhaps building one of the following, an F4U Corsair,, P-40 or an Avenger while doing a scheme from the RNZAF is ww2. The blue and white roundels with the banner on either side. I'd love to see someone from another country doing one. Perhaps I can look at doing a roundel with a maple leaf on one of my next models :)Let me know what you think.Thanks for the video.Enjoy yourself, Paul.

[@singningwongho]

Or a dauntless would be very cool :)

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

I was looking over New Zealand aircraft and found some beautiful A-4 Skyhawks. If I can find a decal set to one, I think I might give that a go in the near future. I really love your roundels with the Kiwi birds in them. Not sure about something WWII at the moment. I'm currently working on an F4U Corsair in Pappy Boyingtons markings. And I can't find any info that there are RNZAF F4U-4 Corsair's only F4U-1's.

[@singningwongho]

I did build a New Zealand Skyhawk. They were A4-K versions which I think had avionic and radar upgrades and a few visual changes. No avionics hump behind the canopy and small winglets up the vertical stabiliser. Sure do miss them flying around here. They also had 2 or 3 different paint schemes based on the era. There was an all olive green style. camo using brown and greens. camo using green and grays and an all gray scheme. Possibly more aswell. There's a ton of videos of them on youtube, aswell as other NZ aircraft from ww2. I did buy an aftermarket decal set for my Skyhawk but none of the roundels were the right size for the fuselage. here's mine.kzbin.info/www/bejne/ap7PiKaXppeWl5o

[@adamsawesomeprojects664]

Great job rebelsatclouenine on building that model also I love the voice recording you did. Do you know quick kits because he did it like you?

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

Thanks Adam, I know of his channel, but not personally. This type of video style is becoming fairly common. There are a few modelers that copy my style and even some of my dialogue, but again a speed build narration is common :D

[@adamsawesomeprojects664]

Rebelsatcloudnie what did you think of my panther g build video?

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

I haven't seen it yet, I'll be sure to check it out later today :)

[@philliprhodes2299]

Welcome back!! An excellent build. Very therapeutic to watch. Did you give the aircraft a flat coat before unmasking the canopy?

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

Thanks Phillip. Yes I flat coated the model first. Flat clears can often cause clear parts to fog or frost up.

[@acescalemodeling]

The camo is awesome ! Is this a newer afix kit ?

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

Hi Ace, it's the new tooled Airfix Spitfire, with and added sprue, to make either and early variant or a Mk.II. So now I need to get another so I can build a Mk.II :D

[@JDJLalor]

Some Mk Is, I believe largely issued to 54Sqn, had Rotol props. You can model one of those from the MkII boxing if you fit the Rotol prop but leave off the starter cartridge blister fairing.

[@richardbreisch8049]

Believe it or not pencil lead powder makes good exhaust weathering.

[@Kabul81]

I also use tamiya paints but found out using their lacquer thinner gives you a semi gloss similar to the old no longer available gunze acrylics!🤔 Jman👀

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

I've never had a semigloss finish with their Lacquer thinner, that's interesting, I'll have to keep an eye on that.

[@Kabul81]

rebelsatcloudnine Won't be as shiny as a gloss coat but enough to skip step of putting a coat on before decals are applied?🤔 Jman👀

[@richardc-ex7rt]

The sandy effect is due to spraying to far away. Move closer and turn down psi.

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

Thanks Richard :)

[@MacMcCaskill]

Great visual and voiceover, but the "music" is intrusive, especially when there's also voice. Needs to be faded down throughout, or at least whilst there is speech.

[@stephenport4768]

Try Hannants Xtracrylic or Xtracolor RAF Dark Earth and Dark Green Hannants claim to match their acrylics and Enamel paints to the actual colour along with a range of RLM and RAL colours for luftwaffe fighters and bombers

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

Thanks for the advice Stephen, I'll search around for someone who ships to Canada. How are they for airbrushing?

[@stephenport4768]

@@rebelsatcloudnine they have a semi gloss finish it's a bit hit and miss with airbrushing so I hear I personally flat brush my models so my Airbrushing is poor I'm not sure about the Enamel Xtracolor but eqivalent as a personal preference the colour accuracy I like a lot

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

@@stephenport4768 I'm glad to hear it, I've forgotten about that brand. I recently purchased the AK Interactive RAF Brown and Green, and tested them out. The Brown was really great, nearly exact to the color I had wanted. But the Green sadly was really bright, and I was hoping for something more olive in color.

[@stephenport4768]

@@rebelsatcloudnine I've heard good reports about the Vallejo model air sets the do RAF Battle of Britain set don't know to much about accuracy they also do an early Luftwaffe and late Luftwaffe RLM colours as well

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

@@stephenport4768 Personally I'm not a fan of the Vallejo paints, not the colors, but I don't like prethinned paints, as I've had too many instances where it's like spraying water, as they are too thin. It's a shame as I loved their Mecha color range. I do use their sntadard paint line for hand brushing, and their new Metal Color range is excellent for an acrylic metallic range.

[@jodyblackwell8340]

killer build i just cant do 1/72 and longer eyes just wont let me

[@rebelsatcloudnine]

I've been gravitating towards 48th scale builds this past year. I just have year collecting of 72nd kits.

[@FiveLiver]

Ominous music

[@renatoigmed]

I just did not like that background sound making it look like we're in a Buddhist temple.

[@realdaneben6512]

very relaxing though

[@mechagodzilla737]

There is another Lego version made by the same people it’s also a lot easier to build I built mine in around 10-20 minutes

[@ponymoore6140]

Great build, but why anyone produces dark panel lines on a Spit, is just beyond me - it is unrealistic and ruins the build

[@flugjung]

Excelent build! I liked your painted roundels and markings. I’m building a similar Spitfire