No. 485 (NZ) Sqn
Presentation Spitfires

DK Decals, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Mark Davies

Xtradecal's 1/72 scale Junkers Ju 87 B/K/R Stuka decals
are available online from Squadron.com

As a Kiwi modeller I know this sheet will be welcomed by many of my fellows, but hopefully for DK Decal’s sake it will find favour with Spitfire fans globally. From the title I presume that these aircraft were funded by subscription, and several feature the names of NZ provinces.

The decals are supplied in the ubiquitous A-5 zip-lock plastic bag, although the packaging method is more unusual in that the single A-4 page of instructions are folded in three to enclose three decals sheets and their protective talcs.

The instructions are very nicely produced in colour on glossy paper, and clearly indicate markings placement. A brief note regarding the aircraft and its station location is listed in a separate box and keyed to each subject. Colour call outs are listed using RAF and further cross-referenced to the Humbrol and Agama paint ranges.
Each scheme is illustrated using a single side-profile view, except for scheme No9 which has two illustrated as personal markings appear on both sides. These profile views are about as small as one would want them to get, but are fit for purpose; they can be improved by scanning an enlargement as I have done here.

Plan views are much smaller, but include panel lines to aid correct placement of national insignia, and so again are adequate.

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Thumbnail panels:

Although the set advises twenty-two options scheme Nos20 & 21 are for the same aircraft, one with full fuselage invasion stripes covering the serial number, the other with partial stripes exposing it. Another scheme, No22, has three-and-half serial numbers, as there is the option of a partially over-painted serial number.

A note mentions that all camouflage patterns are a reconstruction of possible appearance. I take this to mean that the patterns apparent in reference photos has been extrapolated to correspond standard patterns, as only rarely will photos showing all sides of a particular subject be available.

The schemes covered by this set are listed in the scanned image below:

The decals are printed by BOA Agency appear to be of superb quality, with excellent registration, good colour density, and a gloss finish. I also suspect that they may be a little thicker than some Czech decals as it is possible to feel them raised from their backing paper. I am confident they are not too thick by any means, just that I suspect these will be less fragile and prone to folding over on themselves than some other Czech decal brands.

The decals come supplied on two sheets. They include serial numbers covering twenty-one options, with sufficient codes for eighteen subjects (some codes are repeated on different aircraft), and sufficient national insignia for two aircraft (obviously kit decals will provide for these in the majority of cases). This is an ideal set an interesting group build with your mates.

These are superbly well produced decals. They provide some interesting and attractive markings in ‘The One True Scale’ for Spitfire fans and Kiwi modellers alike. They also represent excellent value.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Red Roo Models for this sample.

Text and Images Copyright © 2016 by Mark Davies
This Page Created on 30 August, 2016
Last updated 30 August, 2016

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