Here is a most welcome set for Spitfire fans. I know that my collection has been lacking a good recce Spitfire and Pavla has now provided one to go with the Tamiya 1/48 kit. One can do either a Spitfire PR. II, VI, or VII. The set includes the deeper chin cowling for the PR II and VI along with underwing fuel tanks and a camera tank for the PR. II, For the PR.VI there is an additional oblique camera port for the fuselage side and for the PR. VII there is a modified oil cooler intake. For all three variants there is a new vac canopy; actually two as one is for canopy open and the other for it to be closed. On all versions, the lower fuselage camera ports need to be drilled out and covered in Crystal Clear or some other substance. A new seat and armor plate is also in with the package.

Markings are for three planes. The PR.III is from 1941 and in overall PRU Blue. The PR.VI is also from 1941 and is overall PRU Pink. The final option for the PR.VII is from 1943/44 and based in India. It has a Volkes filter and is also in overall PRU blue. The decals are very nicely done and should provide no problems at all. A complete painting and markings guide is provided for each variant. I already have plans for this one and am very pleased it is available.

September 2009

Review copy courtesy of the fine folks atPavla Models. Visit them at theirwebsite.

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