The Spitfire PRXI(T), the conversion that doesn't need a conversion......

[PR19_Kit]

For along time now I've had an idea for a whiff of a PRXI Spitfire with a second seat behind the cockpit like a Mk IX(T). This was because flying a PR aircraft required a totally different set of flying skills to flying a fighter, as my Dad never failed to tell me on more than one occasion. Thus a trainer PR aircraft to show the budding PR pilots 'how it's all done properly.

To this end I've had a KP Spitfire PRXI kit stashed in The Loft for some time, and a thing of beauty it is too, a really lovely kit. What I didn't have was the ancient M&E models Spitfire trainer conversion kit fuselage, until Modelsforsail had a 2nd hand one in stock last week. so now I've got both parts needed, or so I thought.



Opening the boxes/bags I set off to compare what needed to be chopped/sawn/cut etc. and found that the M&E conversion, being intended for the old M'box Spitfire IX, is NOTHING like the PRXI! It's maybe 6 mm too short, and the lengths of the fuselage fore and aft of the cockpit don't match either. I don't have an M'box Mk IX with me so can't compare its lengths so I've no idea which is right, but my money would be on the KP kit, it just LOOKS right.

But bizarrely it doesn't look as if I actually need the conversion anyway as comparing the positions of the 2nd cockpit with the KP fuselage shows that it's not only EXACTLY where the cameras would have gone in a 'normal' PRXI, but the only difference is the cutout for the 2nd cockpit!

So why not just cut the slot out of the rear of the PRXI kit and use the M&E canopy over it? I think that's what I'll do as well, after adding a bit of rear cockpit detail etc.

What to do with the M&E fuselage halves now though?

[kitbasher]

IIRC there were no fuselage plugs added to the Mk IXs converted to Tr9s, Kit.

[PR19_Kit]

That what I figured too, from what I've read. And the M&E fuselage is too SHORT by 5-6 mm or so!

It'll only be the odd shaped canopy that'll be worth using, with its almost vertical windscreen.

[The Rat]

Or you could pick up the AZ Models 2-seater. https://www.scalemates.com/kits/azmodel-az-7603-supermarine-spitfire-tr9-raf--1182119

[PR19_Kit]

Hmm, yes. I must admit I didn't know they did one!

Converting their Tr.9 into a PRXI would be child's play, specially as the KP PTXI kit comes with two of the extra deep nose oil tanks, no idea why.

Thanks for that tip, I'll see if I can find one. 

[PR19_Kit]

Hmmm again.

That'd be OK if anyone actually had one. Everywhere is 'out of stock' or they don't know what I'm talking about.

There is one for sale from a shop in Japan, but they want £97.00 for it! Dunno who they think they're kidding, but this a 1/72 scale kit!!!!

[major]

I got the M&E conversion, many years ago, and its a dog!!! 

The Tr.9 front cockpit is 13 & one half inches further forward of Mk.IX.

An email to AZ? The worst they can say is, no! 

I know 'The Wooksta!', may have a few AZ Tr.9;s, In his stash,
If you are able to contact him, coz' he alerted me to the AZ kits,
when the came out!
 
I bought SIX of them, at the time, for my Irish air corps builds.

But, that was when we were ALL Europeans, and weren't punishing
each other, with ridiculous postage rates, and duties! 

Cheers... Ray
 

[Gondor]

CMR also did a Tr.9, so that's another possibility. AZ also did a Tr.8, though that will be harder to find than the Tr.9.

Gondor

[PR19_Kit]

The Tr.9 front cockpit is 13 & one half inches further forward of Mk.IX.

Really? I've not heard that before.

So are the 'new build' ones that they've been churning out at Duxford over the last few years the same, or are their cockpits in the normal place.

I know the 'Grace Spitfire', ML407, has a standard positioned front cockpit as the late Mrs. Grace told me so herself one memorable day at Duxford.

I've got Lee's email and I'll try him for sure, thanks for the tip. 

I've got my eyes on a Brigade Models conversion too, so may try that route as well.

[major]

Image nabbed from Britmodeller.You cannot view this attachment.

[major]

Oopps! meant to be this. 
Also from BM.
You cannot view this attachment.

Converting a Mk.IX to a Tr.9.

[The Rat]

Hmmm again.

That'd be OK if anyone actually had one. Everywhere is 'out of stock' or they don't know what I'm talking about.

There is one for sale from a shop in Japan, but they want £97.00 for it! Dunno who they think they're kidding, but this a 1/72 scale kit!!!!

Bloody 'ell! There's one cheaper and closer: KingKit

[PR19_Kit]

Bloody 'ell! There's one cheaper and closer: KingKit

That one's a Tr.8 which is why it didn't show up on my search. It's still expensive, over twice as much as the price when it was new.

[Freightdog862]

I've got my eyes on a Brigade Models conversion too, so may try that route as well.

I have the Brigade one somewhere, although a step up from the M&E one (which looks like the fuselage was based on the Frog Mk.VIII, not the Matchbox one it is supposed to fit?), it isn't very good. It is designed for the Italeri Mk.IX which isn't a great starting point. The best part is the shape of the rear canopy.

I have three of the M&E ones, goodness knows why!

Colin 

[PR19_Kit]

Ah! And I've just put an order in with you Colin! 

Could I add the Brigade conversion to my order and you invoice me for it please?