Vickers Supermarine
Spitfire Mk.IXe
Norway 1945

Vingtor Decals, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Martin Short

HyperScale is proudly sponsored by Squadron.com

This set covers 6 aircraft, 5 from the two RAF Norwegian squadrons, No 331 and No 332, which flew to Norway at the end of May 1945, after the German surrender, and 1 aircraft from RAF No 130 squadron which was posted to Norway a short time after.

This set comprises a full set of RAF roundels for one aircraft; codes and serials for 6 different aircraft, Norwegian spinner bands, fuselage, and rudder stripes.

The decals are well printed and presented on a B5 sized sheet. The decal instructions are comprehensive, covering a brief history of the three squadrons sent to Norway, placement profiles, modelling, and colour notes.

The modelling notes identify that both standard elliptical and clipped wing versions of the Spitfire MkIXe were flown, and both standard and pointed rudders fitted, all clearly identified for each choice offered. A useful section on application advice is also included.

All the examples offer interesting variations on Spitfire markings. 4 of the 6 offerings have prominent Norwegian ‘colours’ applied in the form of a varied combination of spinner bands, fuselage bands, fin flashes or full colour rudders.

Those versions with a fuselage band or painted rudder require the modeller to paint a base of RAF roundel red prior to application of the white and roundel blue stripes.

Study of the colour notes is important for the markings chosen, as the notes state there is some conjecture over the colours of the fuselage and rudder bands applied in the summer of 1945.

From a modeller’s perspective, the spinner bands look to be a challenge, but that could just be my chicken factor.

This set offers interesting variations on your standard RAF late war spitfire scheme, and if you are looking for something different and more colourful to decorate your Spitfire IXe, then this set could be just the ticket!.

Thanks to Vingtor Decals for the review samples.

Text and Images Copyright © 2015 by Martin Short
Page Created 8 July, 2015
Last updated 9 July, 2015

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