In September 1937 the Spitfire prototype was extensively modified and became the standard MkI.

The model

This model is based on an excellent Spitfire MkI kit by Tamiya in 1/48 scale (kit Nº 65032). Most of the modifications introduced to this model are quite simple.

I started with the construction of the cockpit, and since there were no modifications to be introduced I just followed the instructions.

The water radiator was extended up to the border of the undercarriage well and these modifications were made with some small plasticard sheets and putty.

On the rear part of the fuselage I added a "cut wires"  produced with a piece of plasticard while on the right side I added a spare "Venturi" taken from a Macchi 202 Folgore.

All navigation lights were added before starting the painting process. These were produced with some pieces of clear plastic taken from the original cockpit sprue.
The propeller is produced with wood, similar to the original one.

The cockpit is a vacformed part based on a homemade original part in wood. The wheel covers are turned plastic and were added to the original wheels.

Painting

This model bears a standard camouflage for type "A" day fighters, composed by Dark Earth FS-30118 and Dark Green FS-34079 on the upper part, and natural metal on the lower surfaces.

The upper badges on the wings were painted with an airbrush with the help of autoadhesive masks.
The ID numbers were painted on a clear decal, which was subsequently cut out and applied in position.

As a last step, the model was varnished with glossy varnish X-22 with a 15% of Tamiya's X-21 acrylic, thus achieving a satin finish.

Bibliography

Spitfire, The history / Eric B. Morgan y Edward Shacklady/ Key Publishing LTD.
Scale Aviation Modeler vol. 4 numero 2 por Andy Seager
British Warplanes of World War II / Aeroespace Publishing Limited