Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vb

Xtradecal
1/72, 1/48 and 1/32 scales

Reviewed by Mark Davies

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A mid-war stalwart, the Spitfire Mk Vb was the first cannon-armed variant to be used in significant quantities and in more than one theatre of operations.

It’s representative of that period in the war where Britain and the commonwealth forces, whilst not completely on the back foot, had yet to see the tide turn fully in their favour. The Spitfire Vb gave notable service in the UK and over Western Europe, defending Malta and of course in North Africa.

Subjects from all of these theatres are included on the sheet reviewed here.

These decals are available in 1/72, 1/48 and 1/32 scales. All 11 subjects are included on the 1/72 and 1/48 scale sheets, while they are split into six and five subjects for two separate releases in 1/32 scale.

The aircraft covered by this sheet are from RAF and British Commonwealth squadrons. Unless otherwise mentioned spinners are Sky with Sky fuselage identification bands.

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Thumbnail panels:

The subjects covered are:

• W3380/RN-J of No 72 Sqn, RAF Acklington, August 1941. Dark Green & Dark Earth over Sky.

• AA926/YO-E of 401(RCAF) Sqn, RAF Biggin Hill, October 1941. Dark Green & Ocean Grey over Medium Sea Grey.

• BL351/BP-H of 457(RAAF) Sqn, RAF Jurby, Isle of Man, December 1941. Dark Green & Ocean Grey over Medium Sea Grey.

• AB262/GN-B of No 249 Sqn, RAF Takali, Malta, March 1942. With Vokes filter, Dark Earth & Mid-Stone over Azure Blue.

• BM124/LO-W of No 602 Sqn, RAF Kenley & Redhill, March to September 1942. Dark Green & Ocean Grey over Medium Sea Grey.

• EP166/JU-N of No 111 Sqn, RAF Kenley, August 1942. Dark Green & Ocean Grey over Medium Sea Grey.

• AB502/IR-G of OC No 244 Wing, Goubrine South, Tunisia, April 1943. With Aboukir filter, Dark Earth & Mid-Stone over Azure Blue or possibly Dark Mediterranean Blue, plus red spinner.

• EP829/T-N of 249 Sqn, Krendi, Malta, April 1943. Dark Earth & Extra Dark Sea Grey or Dark Blue Naval vehicle paint over Azure Blue, plus red spinner.

• W3834/YO-Q of No 401(RCAF) Sqn, RAF Redhill, July 1943. Dark Green & Ocean Grey over Medium Sea Grey.

• EP120/AE-A of No 402(RCAF) Sqn, RAF Merston, November 1943. Dark Green & Ocean Grey over Medium Sea Grey.

• BL370/SH-J of No 64 Sqn, RAF Harrowbeer, 6th June 1944. Dark Green & Ocean Grey over Medium Sea Grey with 10-inch rather than “regulation” 18-inch black & white invasion stripes.

In many instances the above aircraft have some notable pilots or histories, either in terms of kills or the background to how donations funded their production. This is a nice touch and shows that Xtradecal has gone to some trouble to select aircraft with varied and interesting backgrounds.

The decals are supplied in Xtradecal’s usual A5 window envelope. The instructions are nicely produced in colour and clearly indicate markings placement. These instructions are shared with the 1/48 scale release of the same subjects, with black placement numbers relating to 1/72 scale and red to 1/48 scale.
A brief written description of the paint scheme is given for each subject, along with various notes regarding unit, pilot and other points of interest. In some cases there are comments on areas of slight uncertainty regarding colours. This is a most welcome approach, as it points the modeller in the right direction to do further research if they so choose.

Paint references use RAF paint names and not surprisingly include Xtracolour and Xtracrylix paint codes.

The decals look to be superbly printed and with excellent colour density.  It’s pleasing that Xtradecal have provided national insignia and stencilling sufficient for just over half of the subjects covered. To have provided more would require additional decal paper and raise the price. However six sets should be plenty for most modellers to pick their favourite schemes from the sheet and not have to go hunting for roundels etc.

This is a superbly produced set of some attractive and interesting schemes. In many cases the brief historical notes serve to add to their appeal. I encourage you to buy this decal set, dig out any unbuilt Spitfire Vb’s you have, or buy one (some?) and get building! Definitely recommended.

Thanks to Hannants for this sample.

Text and Images Copyright © 2011 by Mark Davies
This Page Created on 10 August, 2011
Last updated 10 August, 2011

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