Spitfire Mk IXe Norway - 1945

Vingtor Decals, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Mark Davies

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Vingtor is a Norwegian company whose decals, unsurprisingly, often have a Norwegian focus.

The set that is the subject of this first look concerns two Norwegian RAF squadrons, Nos 331 & 332, that withdrew from 2nd TAF in Europe to return to Britain and prepare to liberate their homeland. The war’s end was clearly approaching, and it was unclear if German forces in Norway would continue fighting despite Germany’s obviously pending defeat. German forces in Norway surrendered on May 7th, 1945, and Nos 331 & 332 Squadrons flew to their homeland on May 21st wearing Norwegian tail flashes in pace of the standard RAF type, as well as in one case, in place of the sky fuselage recognition band.

The Decals

The decals are supplied in the often-used polythene zip-lock bag. The colour-printed instructions consist of a single folded A4 sheet using English text. The last page has useful notes on the subjects covered, and also guides kit selection. The information is easy to overlook, because of the small print and an initial assumption it is the usual blurb on how to apply decals etc. It does of course include guidance on decal use, but the extra information provided is most informative, and well worth reading.

The set reviewed here covers five options, for which the painting & marking guide has profile and plan views. Paint colours are mentioned in the rear page notes using military names, including guidance on the colours used for the Norwegian tailfin flashes.

The decals are printed in the Czech Republic by BOA, and appear to be of excellent quality in all respects. I was briefly puzzled by what like thin black and white invasion stripes, until I realized these were in fact dull roundel blue and white stripes to be superimposed over dull roundel red-painted rudder and fuselage stripes. Decals for the aircraft spinner bands are also provided.

The instructions mention that Micro-Set is all that is required to get the decals to conform with most surfaces; and a little Micro-Sol for really difficult areas.

This well researched decal set includes useful guidance and superbly produced decals. Whilst obviously aimed at RNoAF fans, the options are nonetheless appealing in their own right if you want something just a little different for your Spitfire collection.  I am happy to recommend them.

Thanks to Vingtor Decals for the review samples.

Text and Images Copyright © 2015 by Mark Davies
Page Created 26 March, 2015
Last updated 27 March, 2015

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