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My modeling interests focus on 1/72 scale aircraft, but my daughter inspired me to try something outside my “comfort zone.” Like a number of young Americans, she faced a difficult time during the COVID pandemic. During that time, she lost her job. Despite this set back, she didn’t give up, and within a few months of searching, she found a career path that continues to the present day. I wanted to do something for her to celebrate her determination and perserverence. As a modeler, I thought…build her something. As I thought about it, the idea of building a 1/72 scale model wasn’t going to cut it. I mean, if I was going to build her something, I needed to show detail. I wanted to build her a fighter, because in facing all that adversity, she was a indeed a fighter. I decided to build a Supermarine Spitfire, because it was not only a first-rate fighter plane, but one of the most aesthetically beautiful aircraft ever built. The Tamiya 1/32 Spitfire Mk IXc certainly fit the bill. It’s well engineered, the instructions are clear, and the kit includes photo-etch parts and canopy masks. I didn’t like the photo-etch seatbelt harness, so I bought a cloth seatbelt harness made by HGWModels. That was a kit all by itself. I also added cabling for the throttle, radio, cockpit lighting, and on the control column that support the guns. I added an oxygen hose on the cockpit side-wall for additional interest. The kit provides three different versions to build including a clipped wing model. I built the model representing the aircraft flown by Wing Commander James Edgar “Johnnie” Johnson, Officer Commanding, Kenley Wing , RAF Fighter Command during the Spring of 1943. The Osprey Aces series stated that Johnson achieved 12 victories and 5 shared victories flying this aircraft. It took a while to complete this model, but it was worth it. To those attending the upcoming Nationals in San Marcos, safe travels and enjoy! We now return you to our regularly scheduled 1/72 scale model aircraft programming.

James; I want to be first in line NOT to volunteer for that committee. It will take some brave people with a lot of time on their hands all year.