This new release from Barracudacals provides markings for two Spitfire Mk. VII and two Spitfire. IXs.  The HF VII was a specialized variant initially fitted with high altitude pointed wingtips.  The first is carrying the extremely dramatic wing bands for Operation Starkey, the first time this scheme has ever been offered.  The other Mk VII can be built 3 ways:  Before D-Day, during (with full bands), and after (with partial bands).  The third scheme is a HF IX painted in the striking PRU pink scheme, and the last is a standard Mk XI, as flown by Buzz Beurling, the highest scoring Canadian Ace of WWII. The decals are printed by Cartograf, and are very thin with minimal clear film and perfectly in register.  Instructions feature fully rendered and thoroughly researched colour profiles, with detailed painting and marking notes.  

• Spitfire HF. VII, Serial Number MD111. 131 Squadron, RAF. Pilot Unknown. Based at Culmhead, Somerset, England. Early August,1944. High Altitude fighter scheme of Medium Sea Grey upper surfaces with PRU Blue lower surfaces. 

• Spitfire HF. VII, Serial Number MB820. 124 Squadron, RAF. Flown by Flying Officer Barrit. Based at Northholt, Greater London, England. September 9th, 1943. Upper surfaces in Ocean Grey and Dark Green, with Medium Sea Grey undersurfaces. Spinner and fuselage band are Sky.

• Spitfire FR. IX, Serial Number MK716. 16 Squadron, RAF. Pilot Unknown. Based at Balleroy (A.12), France. Early September, 1944. The overall PRU Pink camouflage was developed for dawn and dusk operations.

• Spitfire Mk. IXc, Serial Number MH883. 412 Squadron RCAF, 126 Wing, 2nd TAF. Flown by Flight Lieutenant George “Buzz” Beurling. Based at Biggin Hill, Bromley, England. January, 1944. Standard Camouflage of Ocean Grey and Dark Green over Medium Sea Grey under surfaces. Sky spinner and fuselage band.

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The instructions are clear and includes all necessary views to assist painting and decal placement.  The decals are beautifully printed on 2 decal sheets.  The 4 pages of instructions also include black and white line drawings for stencil placement.  There are also step by step notes on proper decal placement included in the instruction sheets.

The Spitfire is a favourite of most modellers and the fact this sheet contains a Spitfire in D-Day stripes as well as a Spitfire on PRU Pink makes this a very attractive sheet that will sell out quickly.

Steve

I would like to thank Barracudacals for providing me with this review sample.

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