Wartime decals for 1/72 Spitfire Mk XVIE

[Madalo]

I got hold of the old 1/72 Heller Spitfire Mk XVIE kit as part of an old lot I purchased. As I understand it some saw combat over Europe during the final days of the war so I’d like to build it as one of those. Can anyone direct me to some suitable aftermarket decals?

[gingerbob]

Maybe spares from an Eduard kit?  Lifelike made a couple of sheets, not sure offhand how many wartime examples are on them.

[alt-92]

Wartime units were No. 127 (RCAF) Wing of 2 TAF (Nos. 403, 416, 421 and 443), while two Australian squadrons (Nos. 451 and 453) flew their operations from the British Isles under the authority of Fighter Command as well as 322 (Dutch) Sqn  - they returned their Mk.XVI's to the RAF despite having paid for the aircraft. 

Others include 145 Wing, with 340 Sqn / (GC) 4/2 “Ile de France”. and 131 Wing with Polish Sqns.

Options:

XtraDecal X72178  & X72182

Flevodecals FD72-006

Model Maker decals : MMD-72066 (Polish squadrons)

 

The LifeLike sheet LD72-024 has two post-war XVIs, of which one is TD248 with it's red stripe. 

[Madalo]

That is great, I think the second Xtradecal set might do the work. Much helpful, many thanks!

[draggie748]

 

Here's some Red Roo decals for 451 & 453 SQN RAAF

 

https://www.redroomodels.com/product/red-roo-spitfire-mk-xive-451-sqn-raaf-1945-1-72/

https://www.redroomodels.com/product/red-roo-spitfire-mk-xive-453-sqn-late-war-1-72/

https://www.redroomodels.com/product/red-roo-spitfire-mk-xive-falconer-451-sqn-1946-1-72/

[Madalo]

Thanks for the reply but to me that seems very pricey for a single aircraft decal sheet.

[alt-92]

And it's the wrong subtype - Mk.XIV with Griffon instead of the Packard Merlin XVI

 

Would work if you have either a Fujimi or Sword Mk.XIV though.

[The wooksta V2.0]

If you're doing a wartime XVIe , remember to remove the heart shaped blisters from the wings as they're a post war mod. In addition, replace the kit wheels with resin 4 spoke ones as the kit ones are an odd mix of wartime size with postwar 3 spoke hubs.  

 

A few other things that'll improve the build: 

Replace the canopy as the windscreen is odd.

The cowling under the engine is a bit too deep, so sanding it to a more shallow angle helps.

The radiators are too deep, being closer to Griffon ones. Saw them off an re-attach - the saw cut removes enough plastic to fix them.

Tailwheel is way too thick, so a replacement would help.

Finally, the tail is too tall. Cut off and replace the rudder with  a resin one then trim the fin to suit.

 

TLDR: Basically, a new canopy and wheels. The rest is a matter of choice.

 

The shape is largely fine and it's been regarded as one of the best Spitfire kits since it came out in the mid 70s, although the decals have always been awful. Best getting one of the black box Heller ones or the photo top Humbrol release as more recent ones in black plastic have had warpage issues.

[Madalo]

Thanks! That is helpful but I think I will only replace the wheels. Would the True Details four spoke wheels for the Mk XIV and later versions work?

 

 

Edited July 12, 2021 by Madalo

[socjo1]

Maybe polish Spitfires with interesting boxer-dog art nose or/and squadron badges?

(Modelmaker decals D 72066)

 

Regards,

Michał.

 

Edited July 12, 2021 by socjo1

[Madalo]

Thanks but I think the Xtradecal set I decided for gives me a greater variety of options.

[The wooksta V2.0]

4 hours ago, Madalo said:

Thanks! That is helpful but I think I will only replace the wheels. Would the True Details four spoke wheels for the Mk XIV and later versions work?

 

 

 

Yes.

[Crimea River]

This book comes with decals but beware if buying second hand - the sheet may not be there. http://www.hyperscale.com/2011/reviews/books/kagerotopcolors24bookreviewrk_1.htm

[Madalo]

1 hour ago, The wooksta V2.0 said:

 

Yes.

I went with Eduard Spitfire Mk.VIII wheels 4 spoke with smooth tire.

[Madalo]

Decided to get the Sword kit too (Spitfire MK XVIe international services). It looks like a terrific kit and I will build it alongside the Heller kit. It will be fun to be able to compare the two with each other.

Edited July 18, 2021 by Madalo