Eduard 1/48 Scale Spitfire Mk.I | Douglas Bader | Battle of Britain

Greetings everyone! Today's episode will feature Eduard's Spitfire Mk.I in 1/48 scale.
Great kit, fun build 10/10 would recommend!
Check out KitMasx.com for the masks I used on this build.
Check out @matts_modelling_den on Instagram for some great work!
Be sure to check out up to date work in progress content on my insta:
instagram: hammerheadmodelmaking
If you are interested in helping support the channel, check out my patreon:
/ hammerheadmodelmaking
Music: Bensound.com
Also be sure to check out Stonehaven Miniatures!
www.stonehavenmini.com/

[@FinsburyPhil]

That cockpit detail is so crisp! You've done a really lovely job. As a bit of a Spitfire geek, just a couple of points - the aluminium areas behind the cockpit are painted aluminium and not bare metal. There's also something not quire right with the Sutton harness - the reason that there is a slot in the seat back is that part of the harness passes through it. Anyway, that's just nit picking - it's a lovely looking kit that you've done a great job.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks for watching and thank you for the added info, I appreciate hearing from fans like yourself who can help me to improve for my next build!

[@Humbertusmarius]

Superb build! The movie about Bader is definitely worth watching.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

I'll be sure to check it out!

[@dandy193]

I met Bader when I was a 11, spent 15 minutes chatting to him about Spitfires and Hurricanes. That was the moment I began my life long love of this aircraft. Nine years ago my wife bought me a flight in one with Carolyn Grace, Spitfire T.IX ML407 twin seat. Let me tell you that was an experience. Anyway great build

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thats awesome, thank you for sharing! Very jealous you've had the chance to fly in a Spitfire!

[@dandy193]

@@HammerheadModelMaking The best birthday present I've ever received. And when you're in one its not hard to understand why the Battle of Britain pilots fell in love with it, and why German pilots wanted it

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

@@dandy193 I don't doubt that one bit!

[@potrzebieneuman4702]

Beautiful build and the Old Tin Legs Bader (pronounced Bahdah) figure is a definite bonus, great stuff. When he became a Squadron Leader ( I think from memory) his markings were DB and his call sign was Dog's Body. Read Reach for the Sky it's his biography. He was apparently a difficult man but that was what got him through.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks for watching and for the book recommendation. Much appreciated!

[@fizzyridertoo]

@@HammerheadModelMaking There's also a movie of the same name. He was eventually captured by the Germans and spent the rest of the war trying to escape, tin legs and all. He ended up in Colditz, from where he was eventually freed by the allies.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

@@fizzyridertoo Yeah, his story is quite interesting. I'll check out the film, thanks for the recommendation!

[@JohnyG29]

Yeah, definitely not pronounced "Bay-der".

[@potrzebieneuman4702]

@@fizzyridertoo Bader was played by Kenneth Moore.

[@wernerbrits5860]

Beautiful work! Can’t wait to start on mine. When my dad was still in the South African Airforce, they had the chance to meet Bader on one occasion. He told me he was a very interesting gentleman 😂

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Very cool! Thanks for watching!

[@jeffallen3382]

I think it is amazing the quality of these kits and products available to us modelers. When I started my first kit 43 years ago we didn't have such great products to work with.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

We do live in a great time for quality model kits!

[@kevinhedrich6026]

Beautiful build as always Brett!!! Thanks for the shout out!!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks Kevin, Looking forward to more shoutouts for you!

[@80GhostDog]

Great work! I learn so much from your work.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you, I'm glad you do!

[@ryanleng11]

Loved the video. Again, thanks for sharing the process. it looks great... keep them coming....

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks, will do!

[@richelias2973]

Excellent job and love the way you do your builds and talk thru the build. Thanks

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Glad you like it, thanks for watching!

[@septiccalling8341]

That is a beautiful build. In fact, I dont think that exquisite is too strong a word for that little masterpiece. A Spitfire is a thing of beauty and it is just as easy to get it to look 'wrong' as it is difficult to get it to look 'right'. Nothing is perfect, but that looks .......right. 👍🏻👌🏻👏🏻

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Very kind words, thank you very much!

[@darrenpaech1342]

Great build 👍

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you!

[@mikekutz5776]

I really enjoyed this build. Nice to hear the builder talking about the build and what you are doing as the kit comes to completion.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Glad you enjoyed it, I like hearing the commentary more than music.

[@dianaweidler5001]

great work, it really turned out gorgeous! ive had a Eduard Puma kit and have been intimidated by it but this has helped me!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you, glad I could help! I'm sure you'll do just great on your Puma!

[@DavidRamirez-ww5kv]

Great build, nice editing and presentation. Very enjoyable to watch.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Glad you enjoyed it, thanks for watching!!!

[@Mrlonely237]

Currently building that kit and its so famn awesome

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

I agree!

[@robertjensen1438]

She turned out really nice. Well done.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you!

[@Marie579]

It looks stunning really lovely work.😂😂😂

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you!

[@wombat_models]

Really nice build Brett.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Much Appreciated!

[@giancarloianniccheri4428]

Stupendo!!!!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you!

[@TommyEvans12]

I have an Eduard kit mark lla spitfire and it seemed a bit serious for me. It is in my stash I actually may build it now. Thank you, oh yes, great job! Beautiful!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you, and yeah, these kits can be a little intimidating, even for experienced modelers, but I'm just you can do just great!

[@joelovell9654]

Great build! I'm a Spitfire geek! Built many Spits over the years. Your build is undeniably high quality! It may not be 100% accurate, but no kit is! Our hobby - scale model military aircraft building, can be straight forward if you just follow the instructions verbatim, but for those who strive to build an accurate representation of an actual aircraft, research is vital. When the subject is an aircraft before the 1960s, it is a problem when it comes to colour accuracy, the obvious issue of lack of colour photos for the earlier aircraft combined with the poor colour accuracy of early photography, makes colour selection problematic. Other elements as you mentioned, the streaking on the wings due to gunfire is another issue, I have seen photos of this, but they are not common. Some historical points on the Spitfire & RAF, grey was not used until 1941, the red fabric on the gun ports was to stop moisture from entering the barrels and freezing, which happened at high altitude, As you accurately depicted, when the guns were fired, the fabric was torn & would be replaced. Regarding Douglas Bader, he is definitely a unusual character, to say the least. He lost one leg below the knee & the other above the knee, I think. This happened when he was with the aerobatic team of the RAF before WWII. His life is chronicled in the biography Reach for the sky by Paul Brickhill, which is a great read, Reach for the sky was made into a movie, which is worth a watch. Keep up the great work from across the pond, Not Great Britain, the other side - Australia! 😁🦘🦘

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Sounds like you're the go to for spitfire knowledge! Thanks for all the info you shared! Its much appreciated! Thank you for the kind words as well, cheers mate!!

[@Vibehawaiikid32]

I think it was only a few months ago I was telling you that I had started my spitfire and now you made the same and its amazing looks awesome man good work I’ve just started an F-16 Tamiya 1/48th Version

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

I wish I could say I have an F-16 in the stash as well, but unfortunately not yet!

[@themodellingmuppet]

Another awesome build 👏 there is an old film about Douglas Bader called Reach for the Sky. Proper old school film but a good little watch 👍🏻

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you, I will check it out!

[@martinplanes2053]

Hi Excellent build. I would like to comment on some of the questions you posed during the video. The black and white undersides were purely applied to aircraft for 'Friend or foe' purposes which enabled observation from the ground to identify which side they were on! This was then removed later on during 1940 and replaced by the standard Sky type 'S' colour, almost a duck egg green. Once the Battle of Britain had been won camouflage schemes changed from defence of the Homefront to the more offensive Ocean Grey and Dark Green as we took the fight to the enemy. Also, Douglas Bader hated his surname pronounced Bayder and always corrected people saying...It's Barder!! although it is spelt Bader. 🙃 Anyway if you watch the movie of his life Reach for the Sky this is brilliantly portrayed. A beautiful build my friend. Well done. Martin.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you for the additional context and info, I am always eager to learn! Thank you for watching!

[@thierryb9178]

Magnifique travrail

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Merci Beacoup!

[@normansmith8184]

From England, Interior grey/green sir. Your colour looks pretty good to me. By the time of the Battle of Britain or thereabouts the underside of home fighters was changed to Sky type 'S'. Interesting fact about Douglas Bader (eventually Sir Douglas), you may have read. When he was eventually shot down one of his false legs was trapped by the foot under a control pedal so he had to detach his leg to bale out of his burning "Spit". He was captured by the Germans and tried to escape so many times he was transferred to the notorious Colditz Castle. What a fine chap. Another really superb build sir. You have done a beautful service to a beautiful aircraft. Thank you.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Appreciate the affirmations and additional stories about Sir Douglas. Seems everyone has a great story to tell about him! Thank you for watching!

[@JohnyG29]

Bader flew Hurricanes during the BoB. This Spit is one he flew during the latter stages of the earlier Battle of France, hence the black and white wings.

[@angell328]

What an outstanding finish chap! So glad the paint recipies worked out well 😊👍 When you said you were going to build this kit I knew you would enjoy it and make a cracking recreation of an early war Spitfire, only thing is what are you going to do with the second on in the box?! I have some spare photo recon decals for the early Spitfire Mk's in the stash if you fancy a pink or blue Spitfire in the display case 😁 Thanks for the shout out, extremely kind of you Brett.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks Matt! When I bought the kit, I also bought a full engine and open gun bays from Eduard, I'll use those on the second Spit, but I hadn't considered marking options yet, but a blue Spitfire sounds intriguing.

[@angell328]

@@HammerheadModelMaking Ha, I have got the same engine for my second build! Maybe another buddy build in the making 😁

[@rutgaurxi7314]

Beautifully done. Eduard's models are gorgeous, even on the sprue, which is something I can say about very few models. I wonder though if you will do either Contemptor Dreadnought (or any other that tickles your fancy!), or something like a TAG from Infinity as a non-commission model/ diorama model?

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you, I agree, Eduard models are fantastic. As for your other question, its certainly within the realm of possibility. Just gotta find the right subject. Although, a Salamander Contemptor Dread would be pretty dope...

[@BuiltatBlackjacks]

There's a movie about Douglas Bader, it's black and white and called Reach For The Sky, it was made in the 50s so fresh in a lot of people's memories.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Yeah, its on my list of things to watch!

[@BuiltatBlackjacks]

@HammerheadModelMaking that's one thing Douglas Bader and I have in common the first time both of us saw the film was on TV. 🤣

[@boeing720b5]

Very, Very nice build, very straight and forward, simple but extremely effective and eye catching!!!! Very inspiring! Very interesting even the subject, the pilot, Douglas Bader! Was not the guy that was shot down, become POW and due to mutual "aviators" respect, the Luftwaffe, (I think Adolf Galland was involved?) managed to get the RAF to parachute a pair of new wooden legs for him? Beautiful war stories!!! Keep up the great stuff!! Greetings from Italy! 🙂

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Yeah, he ended up the personal guest of Galland at some point, quite facinating. Thanks for watching!

[@boeing720b5]

@@HammerheadModelMaking You're welcome! pleasure!!! Very fascinating indeed!! I also like a lot the story of Franz Stigler: the luftwaffe ace that spared the B-17, piloted by Charlie Brown! The war, in his horror, sometimes, shows the best personalities! Strange paradox. Keep up the great work!!! I am subscribing!!

[@philipsink9786]

It was a pre-war directive to do the black/white wings but it was maintained through the evacuation of Dunkirk. I think it was early June the "sky" color was directed to be painted over the black/white wings.

[@philipsink9786]

This definitely doesn't matter at all but since you asked I'm pretty sure the best approximation of the gray of the squadron codes is "Medium Sea Grey".

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks for the clarification!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Awesome, I'll be sure to have that color on hand for the next Spitfire!

[@septiccalling8341]

​@@philipsink9786.... The black was reintroduced in Nov '40 until about April 41 (I think) when (again, I think) it was thought to be a bit of a give-away as to the location of RAF fighters on sweeps.

[@philipsink9786]

@@septiccalling8341 Yep! I actually just finished a spitfire with that scheme. R6908 with 92 squadron - was a mk.IIb from that exact window of time.

[@zakalwe3]

Fantastic job. I'd love to see a WW1 plane on the channel.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you, not gonna lie, all of the rigging on a WWI plane scares me! But, I have been meaning to do one, so may be about time!

[@zakalwe3]

@@HammerheadModelMaking He who dares!

[@lukaszahra9959]

Amazing build! What do you thin your Vallejo primer with? I’m building the mk V Malta story right now!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you, if I use Vallejo Primer, I will typically thin it with acrylic airbrush cleaner.

[@ZinzanModelling]

Dear Mr Hammer, I was interested in the build up of this kit and it seems that Eduard (with their profi packs which enhance the areas you mention considerably) have a nicely researched product. I am greatly taken with the masked roundels and fin flashes as they have no real depth at all (compared to decals) which serves to considerably enhance the look of the model. I have used them for the first time on a Kotare 1/32 project and like the result. The colour mentioned in the air ministry instructions for the squadron markings was 33B/157 Medium Sea Grey. There were a number of changes made to the instructions for colouring of aircraft during the 1939/ 40/ 41 period, and this is evident in the number of variations visible in models that are available. Aircraft emerging from factories were painted a standard colour and more often and subsequent changes to colouring were made at OMU and Squadron. This of course meant that colours used were sourced locally which resulted in colouring variations which were sometimes quite significant. I like your finish and the care you have taken to retain the authentic look of this example. Thanks for showing the project! Regards, Z

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Hello Z, Yes, Eduard has a great kit in their Spitfire, I really enjoyed it. Thank you for all of the additional info/context on the colors used! As for the masks, I agree, really helps enhance the over all look and I plan on integrating masks like these into more of my builds. Cheers, Brett

[@jasonsharpe4996]

Absolutely stunning build, just wanted to ask. What is the blue masking stuff called? Many Thanks

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you, where I live its just called blue tac, also poster putty, I get mine from the local dollar store, but it can be found at most stores.

[@grantvanderpol5392]

Beautiful work. I can’t wait to start mine. There is a book about Douglas Bader called “Reach for the Sky” , written by Paul Brickhill. It’s a fantastic book if you would like to learn a bit more about Douglas Bader. It’s an inspirational read.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Awesome, thank you for the book recommendation!

[@r199ers]

....there's also the film starring Kenneth Moore called Reach for the Sky. Very, very good film....

[@mortenBP]

Great build. The black and white underside was indeed a prewar thing. It was used from 1938 up until June 1940, half white half black, for observation of friendly aircraft (IFF) from the ground. (Also, the yellow gas-patch usually went on the left wing, tilted 90 degrees for some reason. But now you know for the next time. :) )

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks for watching, and thanks for the additional info!

[@ryancook6452]

the gas marker was not always applied at a slant. it really depends on the aircraft. the most common explanation ive seen for why it is often seen at an angle is because it would be done by someone kneeling on the walkways but the marker needs to be far enough out for the pilot to see it. the idea was that there would have an indication of gas droplets if the detector changed colours, these didnt stay for all that long though and were pretty much done away with by 1941.

[@mortenBP]

@@ryancook6452 The agreed. The only thing I am certain of is that Spitfires are depicted with them on the left wing in a slant as you say, while Hurricanes have them "right way", also left wing. Other aircraft had them too and I think all on left wing. Even vehicles like the airfield trucks as the Albion fueltruck or other had these patches. As you say, somewhere the driver would easily see it, like the top of the wheel well.

[@vincentroelofs8908]

Masterclass! I'm heaving nothing but difficulties spraying Vallejo varnishes,what mixture/airbrush settings do you use?

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Yeah, I find that the Vallejo varnishes work best when thinned with Tamiya X-20A, I would start with about 80/20 varnish to thinner ratio and mix in more thinner until it sprays well. The Vallejo varnish is quite thick out of the bottle. I usually spray this at 20-25 psi.

[@vincentroelofs8908]

@@HammerheadModelMaking Thank you so much for your quick reply!

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

@@vincentroelofs8908 you're welcome!

[@tonygary7611]

👍👍

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks!

[@jameswoollard84]

I sat in a Spitfire at Biggin Hill near London and the seat was cockpit green. I think operational aircraft added seat cushions/padding etc which may explain the confusion about colours.....

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks for the first hand knowledge!

[@jameswoollard84]

@@HammerheadModelMaking No worries, I enjoyed the video.

[@bluegirl77777777]

The wing colouring was used early in the war as a recognition feature..........until the Germans decide to do the same on their fighters

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you for the additional info!

[@danwilliams1686]

What is the name of the blue roll up putty for the camouflage?

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Where I'm at its called blue tac, but also goes but poster putty or poster tack.

[@danwilliams1686]

@@HammerheadModelMaking thanks!

[@Historybuffm8]

How long did it take for you to get the masks for the insignia? I sent an email a week ago, and so far, I haven’t gotten a reply back from him

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

I'm sorry you haven't heard back from him yet. I know he sometimes can get a little backed up with orders, he's a one man operation, but I will reach out and see if we can't get you settled!

[@Historybuffm8]

@@HammerheadModelMaking thanks mate, I appreciate it! I had no idea he was doing it all on his own

[@GhostRider247]

Just thought id tell you , you have no audio and no resoulution options buddy ..Shaun.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks for letting me know, it should be working now if you want to try again.

[@GhostRider247]

@@HammerheadModelMaking will do !! and what an amazing build too !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@GhostRider247]

@@HammerheadModelMaking working a treat now !!!!!

[@andreaskohler4961]

Scale 1/48?

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Yes.

[@keithm9513]

I don't know how true this story is, but i hope it is! He was giving a talk at a posh girl’s school about his time as a pilot in the war. “’So there were two of the f***ers behind me, three f***ers to my right, another f***er on the left,’ he told the audience. The headmistress went pale and interjected: ‘Ladies, the Fokker was a German aircraft.’ Sir Douglas replied: ‘That may be madam, but these f***ers were in Messerschmitts’.”

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

I’ve heard the same story from different places,so I’m just going to believe it’s true, regardless, it’s a hilarious story!

[@keithm9513]

@HammerheadModelMaking 😅 I forgot to say I love watching your build videos. I haven't built a model since 2012, my last one is still unfinished, a Revell 1/32 Hawk what-if. Life got in the way of my hobby. Anyway, I can still enjoy watching other people do all the hard work.

[@sandgrownun66]

Bader is pronounced Barder, as in bar with a long "a".

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thanks for the correction!

[@lllordllloyd]

Bader was a bit of an idiot (of course brave and honourable, but...) your model is, as always, superb.

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

lol, good to know, thanks for watching!

[@LEESS1005]

It’s pronounced Douglas Barder,not Douglas Bayder,

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

Thank you for the correction!

[@a41166]

Dark Green and Dark Brown are absolutely wrong colors

[@HammerheadModelMaking]

You're not wrong, but I'm still satisfied with my end result.

[@glenmiller272]

'Sand and spinach' the colours were known in the RAF...

[@a41166]

@@glenmiller272 😂😂😂