Supermarine Spitfire Mk.XVIe Part 1

Lifelike Decals, 1/32 scale

Reviewed by Floyd Werner

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The newest decals from Lifelike are designed for the gorgeous Tamiya 1/32nd scale Mk. XVIe kit.  This sheet contains markings for four unique aircraft.  The instructions are printed on two single sided A4 sized sheets.  The full color instructions show the opposite side view than contained on the cover sheet, as well as, the plan views.

The decals themselves are contained on three separate sheets the first is a typical 6x9 inch sheet that has the full color markings for the majority of national markings, fin flashes and rank pennants.  The second sheet slightly smaller contains the fuselage codes and the lighter blue markings for the one aircraft.  The final sheet contains the stencils for the Spitfire.  The decals are thin and in perfect register.

The first aircraft is the personal mount of Air Marshall Sire James Robb.  It is a pretty powder blue.  Now tell me that won’t stand out in 1/32nd scale.  Uniquely the aircraft has gold surrounds instead of yellow which are beautifully printed.  The gun barrels are ‘shortened’ which will be interesting.

The second Spitfire is the ‘standard’ camouflage of Dark Green/Ocean Grey/Medium Grey with sky fuselage codes.  These aircraft markings are also carried on the Fantasy of Flight Museum aircraft, as well as, those flown by Squadron Leader Raymond A.F. Lallemant, the 7th highest ranking Belgium ace.

The third aircraft is a Belgium aircraft.  I love the look of the Belgium roundels on the Spitfire.  There is something about red, orange and black roundels that adds a unique color to the camouflage.  This aircraft sports the normal Dark Green/Ocean Grey/Medium Grey with a red spinner.

The final aircraft is the personal hack of the Air Officer Commander and is painted gloss black overall.  This gloss overall color is really beautiful with pale roundels and yellow wing tips and spinner.  You don’t see this everyday and makes a nice departure from the basic camouflage colors.  It is possible that the yellow surrounds could be gold.  Now that would be flashy and colorful.

I’ve always enjoyed Lifelike’s releases and this set is no exception.  They are extremely well researched and very colorful.  Want something different?  This sheet has your different.  They will really stand out on the model table.

Highly recommended

Thanks to Lifelike for the review copy.  You can obtain yours by contacting them directly at http://www16.ocn.ne.jp/~lifelike/ .  While you are there check out the rest of their great decals. 

Text and Images Copyright © 2011 by Floyd Werner
This Page Created on 8 August, 2011
Last updated 8 August, 2011

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