Spitfire Mk.I / II and Prototype

Xtradecal, 1/72 & 1/48 scales

Here is another excellent sheet from Xtradecal in 1/72nd scale, this time for the old but accurate Airfix Mk 1 Spitfire or the better detailed but less accurate Tamiya kit. Personally, I would prefer the Tamiya Mk I but that’s just me, a lazy sod when it comes to detail and accuracy.

There are also markings for the Spitfire prototype K5054 after it was painted in French Grey. Again, the two kits above could be use with appropriate modifications or the very nice CMR kit.

These subjects are also available from Xtradecal in 1/48 scale, and will be appropriate for the Tamiya and Airfix Mk.I Spitfires in that scale. You'll need the Paragon conversion to depict the Spitfire prototype in 1/48 scale.

The Decals

As we've come to expect from one of the premier decal suppliers in the hobby, the sheet is near perfection and there is enough markings to build all five of the aircraft involved plus some spares.

Although there are no stencils, good Spitfire stencils are available from other decal suppliers. All the other markings are supplied for all five aircraft including codes, serials and any special markings like presentation names.

The prototype, K5054 has a complete set of roundels plus a spare set and there is a spare set of fuselage and under-wing roundels for one of the Mk Is.

All three-colour roundels have separate red centres.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

The five aircraft covered are:

• Spitfire Mk I, P9386, QV-K from No. 19 Squadron, Fowlmere, from March to September 1940, flown by Sqn.Ldr Brian Lane. This Spitfire is in the “A” scheme with a Yellow spinner.

• Spitfire Mk.I, N3249, QJ-P from No. 92 Squadron, Biggin Hill, September 1940 in the “B” pattern with a Black spinner.

• Spitfire Mk.IIa, P7840, GW-E, of No. 340 (French) Squadron, RAF Turnhouse, December 1941 also in the “B” scheme with a Sky spinner and fuselage band.

• Spitfire Mk.IIa, P5822, RF-W from No. 303 (Polish) Squadron, RAF Northolt, in June/July 1941, in the “A” pattern also with the Sky spinner and band. Both of these Mk.IIas are presentation aircraft with the appropriate markings.

• Spitfire Prototype, K5054, shown after repainting with French Grey. There are notes on the colour French Grey plus some conversion tips
   

This sheet is obviously only the start of marking for the early Spitfires and with the recent Xtrakit Mk.XII having only four No.41 Squadron options, I would expect to see some Mk.XII markings for No.91 Squadron soon. In the meantime, we have this very nice Mk.I/II set to go on with.

Enjoy.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Hannants for the review sample

Xtradecals are available online from Hannants' website