Supermarine
Spitfire Mk.Vb

Xtradecal, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Mark Davies

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Like its Bf 109 nemesis, the Spitfire is a subject many can never get enough of. Recognising this, Xtradecal has released a decal sheet dedicated to the Spitfire Vb, covering twelve colour scheme options.

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Thumbnail panels:

The decals are supplied in Xtradecal’s usual A5 window envelope. The instructions are nicely produced in colour and clearly indicate markings placement. A brief note regarding the aircraft and its station location is given for each subject. The notes also advise where colour speculation is still open to debate, such as with the Malta-based options. The decals also include a fair amount of stenciling. Not surprisingly a list of Xtracolor paint codes is also provided for the colours required. The decals look to be superbly printed and with excellent colour density.

The subjects covered are as follows:

• W3380 / RN-S, No.72 Sqn, 'Basuto', presented by Basutoland and named after the main tribe, S/Ldr B.F.B.Sheen, RAF Acklington 1941;

• AA926 / YO-E, No.401(RCAF) Sqn P/O I.C.Oranston, presented by W.A.Blake of Montreal named 'Jersey!', Biggin Hill 1941;

• BL751 / BP-H, No.457(RAAF) Sqn, S/L Johnny Gibson, RAF Jurby 1941;

• AB262  / GN-B, No.249 Sqn, Robert McNair, Takali, Malta 1942 (delivered on HMS Eagle);

• BM124 / LO-W, No.602 Sqn, S/Ldr B.E.F.Finucane 'Queen Salote', presented by Queen and residents of Tonga, RAF Kenley 1942;

• EP166 / JU-N, No.111 Sqn, CO S/L P.B.W.Wickham 'OBanderante', RAF Kenley 1941;

• AB502 / IR-C, Wg.Cdr Ian Gleed, CO No.244 Wing, Tunisia 1943;

• EP829  / T-N, No.249 Sqn, American CO S/L Joseph Lynch, Malta 1943;

• W3834 / YO-Q, No.401(RCAF) Sqn, P/O T.K.Ibbotson, presented by Sir Henry Holt named 'Corps of Imperial Frontiersmen';

• EP120 / AE-A, No.402(City of Winnipeg) Sqn RCAF, CO S/L Geoffrey Northcott, RAF Merston 1943;

• BL370 / SH-J, No.64 Sqn, 'Gurgaon' presented by Gurgaon District of Punjab, flown by Fl/Lt Tony Cooper, RAF Harrowbeer, 1944; and

• BL734 /SH-B, Fl/Lt John Plagis, RAF Harrowbeer, 1944.

This is a superbly produced set of decals. It provides some interesting and appealing options for Spitfire Mk.Vbs - Highly recommended.

Highly recommended.

Thanks to Hannants for this sample.

Text and Images Copyright © 2014 by Mark Davies
This Page Created on 24 April, 2014
Last updated 24 April, 2014

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