This may seem like it is a bit repetitive, but so it goes. Moving down to a scale that I know I prefer for modeling, we now have the 1/72 sheet for the Spitfire IX. Finding kits in this scale is a lot easier than in 1/48 or 1/32, I'd think and there are a whole raft of aftermarket bits for it. Hasegawa and Airfix have good Spit IXs as does CMR with its resin line. Three of the four options will require some updating/conversion work 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 pair of strip sheets of darker blue roundels are 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.

Those with good eyes will notice that these markings have been repeated in 1/144 scale, a real bonus for those with limited shelf space or who just like building in the scale.

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.