Spitfire Mk.IX Series Pt.1

BarracudaCals, 1/32 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

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Barracudacals has released a set of four alternative markings for Tamiya's landmark 1/32 scale Spitfire IXc kit.

The markings are colourful and varied. They even include a Mk.VII, which will require some modifications from the standard kit. If you are interested in such a project, Roy Sutherland's 1/32 scale Spitfire Mk.VII conversion is covered in detail in ADH Publishing's book, "How to Model Tamiya's 1:32 Spitfire Mk.IXc and Mk.VIII".

The two decal sheets are perfectly printed by Cartograf. Markings are in register, and the colours look very accurate. The instructions include high quality full colour illustrations and information on each subject.

To quote BarracudaCals' website, details for the four marking options are as follows:

Spitfire HF. VII, Serial Number MD111

131 Squadron, RAF. Pilot Unknown. Based at Culmhead, Somerset, England. Early August,1944. Engaged in escort duties for Bomber Command daylight raids. High Altitude fighter scheme of Medium Sea Grey upper surfaces with PRU Blue lower surfaces. Note non-standard narrow D-Day striping under the wings and fuselage. Model can also be finished with full wrap around bands to represent MD111 as it looked in mid July. Note most HF VIIs in this unit changed to standard wingtips after June 17th. These aircraft were soon overpainted in standard fighter gray/green camouflage. Note round mirror, short span ailerons, 4 slot wheels, retract. tailwheel, cabin pressure intake on stbd nose.
Spitfire HF. VII, Serial Number MB820. 124 Squadron, RAF. Flown by Flying Officer Barrit. Based at Northholt, Greater London, England. September 9th, 1943. Part of this specialized high altitude interception unit, MB820 is painted in special Operation Starkey markings. Starkey was a feigned invasion to misdirect the German Command’s attentions. On September 9th, MB820 shared a victory when an Fw-190 was intercepted and shot down at 31,000 feet. Note bands are only carried on the wings. Upper surfaces in Ocean Grey and Dark Green, with Medium Sea Grey undersurfaces. Spinner and fuselage band are Sky. Note round mirror, short span ailerons, 4 slot wheels, retract. tailwheel, cabin pressure intake on stbd nose.

Spitfire FR. IX, Serial Number MK716

16 Squadron, RAF. Pilot Unknown. Based at Balleroy (A.12), France. Early September, 1944.This armed Photo Reconnaissance squadron flew low altitude PR missions. The overall PRU Pink camouflage was developed for dawn and dusk operations. It was found to be highly effective, but proved unpopular with the men who flew them, who felt very conspicuous, and must have been razzed mercilessly! As with MD111, wrap around D-Day bands can be painted to represent MK716 during early July of 1944. Note single oblique camera port, round mirror, and covered main wheels, which could be Pink or Medium Sea Grey. Aero Vee carb intake.

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. George “Buzz” Beurling was the highest scoring Canadian Ace in WWII. He finished the war with 31 kills and 1 probable. 27 of his kills were achieved when he was flying in defense of Malta. MH883 was one of two personal aircraft he flew during the winter of 43-44. Standard Camouflage of Ocean Grey and Dark Green over Medium Sea Grey under surfaces. Sky spinner and fuselage band. Note 5 slot wheels, early style elevators, small carb intake.

A full set of stencil markings is also included.

This is an excellent release covering three interesting and varied Spitfire Mk.IXs and a Mk.VII for the more ambitious modeller.

BarrcudaCals' decal set will be the perfect finishing touch for a unique 1/32 scale Tamiya Spifire Mk.IX.

Thanks to BarracudaCals for the sample.

BarracudaCals decals are available online from their website

Text and Images Copyright © 2010 by Brett Green
This Page Created on 14 December, 2010
Last updated 15 December, 2010

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