Backing up just a tad, here is BarracudaCals 48004 for the Spitfire IX. Of course, this means for most of us the ICM or Hasegawa kits are the ones to choose. I should also mention that though it is for the Spit IX, many of the options are for a Spit VIII, which is basically the same airframe, just a tad more refined. Three of the four options will require some plastic card or putty work to make the variants listed and we'll get to that when the time comes.

First up is an HF VIII from 131 Squadron. Note that this has a retractable tail wheel, four spoke wheels, short span ailerons and extended wing tips. There is also a cabin intake that needs to be added. This one is in Medium Sea Grey over PRU Blue. A note states that standard wing tips were added after June 17 1944 and all were eventually repainted in standard day fighter camo.

In fact, that is how the next subject of 124 Sq is painted. This one has full Operation Starkey stripes and the extended tips.

The pink spit is an FR.IX from 16 Squadron. These were armed, but had an oblique camera window on the left side. Covered wheel hubs. Apparently the color was quite effective.

Finally, a standard Spit IXc from 412 Squadron as flown by 'Buzz' Beurling in 1944. Aside from his considerable score, this is a pretty standard Spitfire.

The sheet is superbly printed by Cartograf of Italy, and apparently, they made the Roundel Blue too light so an additional sheet of darker blue roundels is included. I can think of many decal companies who'd have said 'Eh' and left it go so it is nice to have one that cares.

My thanks to BarracudaCals for the review set. Visit them at www.barracudacals.com for more information and to order your set.

June 2009

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.