ICM 1/48 SPITFIRE HF.VII, Shelf of Doom Save

[stikpusher]

So I started this kit back in November 2011 for a Spitfire GB on FSM. Needless to say it did not get finished in a timely manner, and was resumed and sidelined multiple times over the years. A few months ago I decided to knuckle down on this, and this past week I was finally able to get it over the finish line finally yesterday. This is ICM's 1/48 kit, and there are parts in there to make many different variants of the late Merlin Spitfires. The kit includes a nice engine on its mounts, but that is also the kit's weakness, as the cowling cannot be built around the engine. I was able to get the bottom and side panels on, but not the top... This boxing also included a set of ground crew and standing pilot figures, along with a few accessory items. I added an Eduard PE seat harness, and replaced the kit decals with a set from Aeromaster. Paint used were Humbrol Enamel (underside) & Acrylic (topside) for the main colors.





















All in all this was a nice kit, and I do look forward to doing another with the engine fully exposed, and adding some plumbing to really dress it up nicely!
Thanks for looking, comments & critiques are welcomed.

[TJ]

This is so cool. I really gotta find one of these pointy wing Spits

[kyledehart5]

Yeah. The pointy wings are super cool!! I’ve been looking forward to seeing these glamour shots. Turned out awesome Carlos!!

[jmarc]

LLLLLLLLLLLLLooking great , do not see this version built often , well done SIR and thank you for sharing it with us, it's quite appreciated !

[handiabled]

Gorgeous Spit Carlos! It must feel great getting all the shelf queens across the finish line you have as of late

[stikpusher]

Thanks guys for looking in and commenting! Your are too kind!

TJ, I think that only the Mk. VI and Mk. VII had the extended wing tips for high altitude interceptions. It sure does give a different look to the classic Spitfire wing.

Kyle, I like the term "glamour shots"! Im very happy that they did not disappoint you.

Jean, I can honestly say that I have never before come across a Mk.VII on any of the forums that I frequent... in any scale. That high altitude scheme with the invasion stripes looks pretty attractive too... at least I think so

Brent it is great to get some of these old shelf queens finished. I think the new one will have to be my oldest one, started in the mid 90's and long overdue to the finish line. But for now I need to finish up some rollover new starts from last year before any old self queens are back up on deck.

[kyledehart5]

My go-to term when I go to take photos in front of the white board. lol.

[deafpanzer]

Beautiful build! Now I think I want to get that kit too. Its body truly represents a body of a bird especially its wings!

[brandonk]

Holy cow! The wait was certainly worth it. This thing is spectacular!! Marvelous work, Carlos.

[stikpusher]

Andy & Brandon, thank you for your kind words!

Andy, If you know about the engine fit situation ahead of time, I think that this kit can be built quickly and easily enough. Aside from that issue, just beware of sink marks here and there. But this is my third ICM 1/48 fighter build, and I really like their kits now after this one.

Brandon, it was a long road getting here, but yes, the wait paid off. My skills improved and my abilities to do this kit justice increased over the years.

[fermis]

Looks good!

Good to know about the engine/cowl fit.
I have this kit on the short list, for the owner of the property I hunt. Doesn't have any figs with it though, which is okay...it'll be wheels up, for the ceiling.
I also did the other Spit....was that...??...Academy? (It's been a while!)

[stikpusher]

Feb 13, 2024 14:49:14 GMT -5 fermis said:

Looks good!

Good to know about the engine/cowl fit.
I have this kit on the short list, for the owner of the property I hunt. Doesn't have any figs with it though, which is okay...it'll be wheels up, for the ceiling.
I also did the other Spit....was that...??...Academy? (It's been a while!)

Thanks! Academy makes a pair of Griffon engined Mk. XIVs, the C and the E. I built their E this past summer, and that was what prompted me to get this one back out and finish it. Then of course there are oodles of other Spitfire kits out there in 1/48 in most every Mk. from just about everybody who make aircraft in 1/48. The wheels up build for the property owner of your hunting ground sounds good. This kit doesn't come with a seated pilot figure, so you'll have to pirate one from elsewhere.