Revell 1/28 Spad XIII in Italian markings

[Epeeman]

All,

Completed this evening,  my take on Revell's large scale, ancient kit of the Spad XIII.
This kit was bought secondhand from ebay - no missing parts but decals had aged badly.  Decals were dried out and were  very cracked up.  This made applying them extremely difficult.  In fact, the colours and markings I first chose from  the kit proved a real problem.  In the end, I was forced to use whatever decal from the sheet would go onto the model.  Decals that I did get on required much touching up.  On the rudder,  I ended painting on the tricolour by hand. 
Therefore, you need to use your imagination regarding the markings which I have ended up with - they are a close (but by no means perfect) match for Francesco Barraca.  Please bear this mind, as this was the best I could manage with the kit supplied decals.
As regards the kit itself, building it presented no problems (good fit overall actually) and I have made an attempt at adding some basic detail - mostly the cockpit and MG's.
I really enjoy building these old, large scale Revell kits - they make for an easy going build and you end up with a nice large model when completed.
Overall, I am pretty pleased with the end result - what do you all think?

Regards

Dave

[Zabu]

Hi Epeeman.

Even after you told us that you had problems with the decals... i can't see no problem at all. The rudder it's very nicely painted and the overall look of Baraccas SPAD it's great.

Love the under weahering and the cooling grid at the front. Very nice. Congrats for it.

Cheers 

[Cimmerian]

Very nice. It's being re-released next year along with the Camel. Looking at this I'm even more tempted.

[IFF1418]

Beautiful Dave! I like your painting very much. A great job you did. Many congratulations

Kind regards
Patrick

[Nigel Jackson]

Very nice Dave, Well done!

I've got a SPAD lurking around somewhere that might just get started soon.

What paints/colours did you use for the upper surface camouflage?

Best wishes
Ngel

[Des]

Very nicely done Dave, the overall finish on this model is excellent and the issues you had with the decals are not visible. Congratulations on creating a great looking model.

Des.

[Ernie]

Beautiful SPAD, Dave!  Great modelling.  I really like the Italian markings,
and the weathering on the underside is perfect.  Well done!

Cheers,
Ernie

[GAJouette]

  Dave,
Congratulation my old friend she's one beautifully built SPAD XIII.
Highest Regards,
Gregory Jouette

[aviator01]

Hi Dave,
wonderful Spad, it's looking great. I really like the Italian colors on the underwings. The decals look fine.
Best regards,
ro

[lcarroll]

Dave,
   Very nice finish of a less then perfect Kit. You have definitely brought out the best in the Kit and your colours and decal work are exceptional. Very nice work and Thanks for sharing with us, Revell should be paying you advertising fees!!
Cheers,
Lance

[RAGIII]

Dave,
You have done a great job on that Old Kit! Lovely paint work and your fix on the decals came out great! Nice weathering on the undersurfaces. Well done!!
RAGIII

[rhallinger]

Dave:

I love Barraca's Italian scheme on the SPAD, and you've done a wonderful job of it on a venerable kit.  She really looks the part.     What paint did you use? 

Regards,

Bob

[Jacek]

Beautiful SPAD !
Very nicely painted. Congratulations!
Jacek

[Epeeman]

Many thanks, all, gentlemen -

I very much appreciate the positive feedback.  As regards paint and colours:

My paint of choice (it suits my brush painting method) are Revell 'Aqua colour' - very easy to work with (thin easily with plain water) and dries to a smooth finish.  Colours used were as per the instructions in the kit - mainly light olive, grey olive and anthracite. The brown and light green colours are Revell's suggested mix - light olive mixed with white; and brown mixed with biege.   Wood simulated with artist oil paint.

Interested to hear of Revell's pending re-issue of the Spad and Camel - will have the Camel kit when it arrives.

Regards

Dave 

[coyotemagic]

Simply gorgeous, Dave!  I'm blown away by the smoothness of your finishes every time I see one of your completed models.  Brush painting is truly an art form and you've mastered it.  Congratulations on another show stopper, mate.
Cheers,
Bud