Build log, Spitfire Mk-1a

[Markylee]

Hi, new to this forum so please be patient.

Has anyone received their display case cover yet?
Had mine yesterday, to say I’m disappointed is an understatement!
£170 for 5 pieces of Perspex that hopefully will interlock together. I was expecting a one piece moulded cover for that price!
Still contemplating sending it back!

Secondly I received an email on 23rd Dec telling me to hold up on the build as there’s an issue with the pcb on the plane, I’ve heard nothing since. Even with only 2 mags arriving today there was no additional explanation.
I phoned Hachette and another board will be released with issue 100, so all on standstill till then.
Considering the amount of money this project is costing I feel this is pretty shoddy customer service, they could at least send the occasional email update.

Sorry for the moan

Mark

[Morris]

I’m holding at issue 93 myself until further word given….as per their email. Your post is the first news I’ve heard…thx

[Morris]

I need to correct my thread concerning the gas patch on the port wing…as per the below it was used till spring 1941….

[Morris]

I will complete issue 91 by mounting the PCB in the base assembly…sorry for moving to and fro…after mounting the PCB, the step next was relabelling the speaker wire and then plugging in the various functions…

[Morris]

Okay…..I’ve received issue 100 which contains issues and parts to alleviate some control and reaction problems with my Spitfire. I have to replace the whole control board in the base and re-plug in the wiring. Also have to go back into the landing gear up/down manipulator and replace parts…big job as all the cockpit areas and associate wiring and parts have to be removed…..will start this process today hopefully….

Hats off to Hachette for coming up with a fix, just wish it was simpler ….

[Morris]

Basically I had to replace the original board in the base with a new one and re plug in the wires.
I added a small battery PCB and a send battery bank and that was the base re-worked….

[Morris]

Next up was to strip the kit back to the landing gear gear box. Remove and open the gear box. Replace the plastic gears with metal ones….close it all back up and reassemble the parts.

[Morris]

Okay, issue 93; mounted the main PCB behind the cockpit section and sorted/plugged in the multitude of wires….then closed up the bay.

[Morris]

Issue 94 was the left fuselage panels. The more of these I add, it starts becoming apparent the rumours of poor panel fit are true. The radio wires are not great either. Will be replacing them I’m sure…

[Morris]

Issue 95 was the other side fuselage panel….

[Morris]

Issue 96 onwards the struggles started. I struggled with alignment on the tail surfaces. They’re still not properly aligned…

[Morris]

The issues onwards from here until no. 100 is mainly finishing closing up the Spitfire..you’ll see the fit issues increasing. I hope to test run it tomorrow maybe…then carry on with the support equipment. I will change the radio wires for sure…

[Morris]

Removed the steel radio wires and replaced them with EZY-line. Next is the hand remote assembly from issue 100…

[Morris]

Issues 100, 101 and 102 bring me up to date.

Issue 100, I assembled the remote control. It has a cool paint scheme.


Issue 101 is the armorer. The figure comes painted.


Issue 102 starts the tractor. It’s coloured in what I thought was the post war colour of RAF blue. I thought during the war flight line equipment was painted military green or sometimes Mickey Mouse ear shaped camo blotches added. I will leave it as is…

[Morris]

Received issues, 103-106 which further covered the assembly of the Fordson tractor, more support personnel, some wheel chocks…

[Mark]

I like the way you get to make a simple diorama. (But tell the armourer to get off before start-up )

Was replacing the u/c parts much hassle? I see that Wayne gave up when his replacing the main circuit board didn’t go smoothly.

The paint work on the remote does look cool.

[Morris]

Hi Mark. Congrats again on the Agora recognition. The back up and rebuild went okay. It was very slow. (Rather I was slow) I’ve test run the unit and everything works at present…..

[Morris]

Next 4 issues covered more ground equipment including finished tractor, mechanics and ladders. The last issue covered starting the trolley.

[Mark]

Love the tractor and trailer to complete the diorama. This is looking really good.
Nothing like that with the Zero.

[Morris]

Thx. Mark, 10 more issues and that’s it…more airfield stuff I think…