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No.352 RAF Squadron Partisan Spitfires

Balkan Models, 1/48 scale

S u m m a r y :

Catalogue Number:

Balkan Models Item No. BM-4802 – No.352 RAF Squadron Partisan Spitfires

Scale:

1/48

Contents & Media:

Waterslide decals with colours & markings guide.

Price:

Available on-line from these stockists:

The above sites have English, but please see here for a complete list of distributors

Review Type:

First Look.

Advantages:

High quality decals and thoroughly researched, well produced painting and marking guide

Disadvantages:

None apparent.

Conclusion:

An attractive variation to standard RAF Spitfire markings – highly recommended.


Reviewed by Mark Davies


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F i r s t L o o k

 

Earlier this year Mark Davies reviewed Balkan Models’ 1/72 decal release featuring eight different Spitfire Mk Vbs and Vcs flown by No.352 Squadron RAF in 1944-45. Mark concluded the release appeared to have been well researched and produced to the highest standards, and recommended it to fans of World War 2 Yugoslav subjects and to Spitfire buffs looking for a variation on standard RAF markings.

Fortunately for 1/48 scale modelers, Balkan Models has now produced a quarterscale version of this release that includes decals for the same eight Spitfires:

  • Mk Vb, ES257 "SLOVENEC"

  • Mk Vb, EP886 "HRVAT"

  • Mk Vc, JK831 "SLAVONAC"

  • Mk Vc, JK608 "MAKEDONAC"

  • Mk Vc, JG948 "GORICAN"

  • Mk Vc, JK448 "OSVETNIK 5. OFANZIVE"

  • Mk Vc, LZ830 "POPOV", and

  • Mk Vc, JK790.

The decals appear to be an in-house production – Balkan Models is the only name printed on the decal sheet – and their quality looks as good here as Mark found it to be in the 1/72 release. I examined the sheet closely, and found now obvious flaws. Registration is perfect, notwithstanding the potential for mistakes with the complex red and blue or red, blue and yellow star-in-circle insignia. Colour density also seems good, although it is hard to know exactly how good until the decals are applied to a painted surface.

 

 

Enough upper wing insignia are provided to complete two of the eight featured aircraft, with a number of fuselage and underwing insignia and fin flashes left over for future projects.

The painting and marking guide appears to be identical to that provided with the 1/72 decals (apart from a slightly different background colour). As Mark noted the guide is very well produced, with full colour port, starboard and overhead views of each aircraft. Scrap drawings address key variables such as wheel, exhaust and rear view mirror types, while a front view of each aircraft shows the location of the small code letter that was applied immediately below and behind the spinner. Two generic undersurface views are provided – one for a Vb and the other for a Vc.

 

  • Balkan Models 1/48 scale Spitfire Decal Review by Brad Fallen: Image
  • Balkan Models 1/48 scale Spitfire Decal Review by Brad Fallen: Image
  • Balkan Models 1/48 scale Spitfire Decal Review by Brad Fallen: Image
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Rounding out the guide is a thorough paint cross reference chart and a history of No.352 Squadron’s brief existence between April 1944 and May 1945, during which time it flew 367 combat operations at the cost of ten pilots.

 

 

C o n c l u s i o n

 

It’s good to see these decals in 1/48 as well as 1/72 scale. Balkan Models has chosen subjects that are both interesting and colourful – and the latter is not easily achieved in relation to RAF Spitfire Vbs and Vcs. Highly recommended to any modelers who like their Spitfires with a twist.

Thanks to Balkan Models  for the review sample.

Text and Images Copyright © 2013 by Brad Fallen
This Page Created on 10 March, 2013
Last updated 10 May, 2013

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