Toronto Electric Model Aviation Club Forum

Toronto Electric Model Aviation Club (TEMAC) => Building / Construction => Topic started by: Michael on February 09, 2024, 01:01:53 PM

Title: Custom-painting a Freewing Spitfire
Post by: Michael on February 09, 2024, 01:01:53 PM
I bought this used Freewing Spitfire, with the intention of painting it as a 1948 Israeli Spitfire. The full-size plane, flown in the late 1940s, is still in good condition and flyable today.
Title: Re: Custom-painting a Freewing Spitfire
Post by: Michael on February 09, 2024, 01:02:30 PM
First step was to carefully remove as many decals as possible, and then paint those areas with grey primer paint. The primer is to make sure the surface texture is uniform before final painting.
Title: Re: Custom-painting a Freewing Spitfire
Post by: Michael on February 09, 2024, 01:02:59 PM
The only change needed to the shape of the plane was the top-rudder outline. I simply cut of the old one, then glued on a properly shaped foam replacement, and then sanded it to shape.
Title: Re: Custom-painting a Freewing Spitfire
Post by: Michael on February 09, 2024, 01:03:28 PM
I masked the canopy so painting the canopy frame would be easy.
Title: Re: Custom-painting a Freewing Spitfire
Post by: Michael on February 09, 2024, 01:04:04 PM
Then I started painting. I used water-based matte and satin paints from Home Depot, and then covered the model with water-based clear gloss coat.
Title: Re: Custom-painting a Freewing Spitfire
Post by: Michael on February 09, 2024, 01:05:14 PM
I then decorated the model with various coloured trim and custom decals. The canopy came out looking good.
Title: Re: Custom-painting a Freewing Spitfire
Post by: Michael on February 09, 2024, 01:06:12 PM
Next is programming the radio stuff, and then to wait for a nice weather day to fly it.
Title: Re: Custom-painting a Freewing Spitfire
Post by: sihinch on February 09, 2024, 01:08:16 PM
Nice job Michael
Title: Re: Custom-painting a Freewing Spitfire
Post by: GuyOReilly on February 09, 2024, 03:09:03 PM
So cool looking.
Great job on the paint.
Title: Re: Custom-painting a Freewing Spitfire
Post by: Frank v B on February 09, 2024, 04:53:46 PM
Neat!

Looks like the black one you had about 10 years ago.  Sometimes a paint scheme just won't go away.
Should be easy to see in winter clouds.

Frank
Title: Re: Custom-painting a Freewing Spitfire
Post by: Michael on March 13, 2024, 05:04:37 PM
Successful maiden and 2nd flight today. Thanks to Glenn N. for his help and tips. Once my plane safely airborne and trimmed, he brought his Spitfire up to fly with me, both flights.
Title: Re: Custom-painting a Freewing Spitfire
Post by: sihinch on March 13, 2024, 07:34:29 PM
Very nice Michael