Cutting Edge Modelworks

1/48 Spitfires Eagle and Aces Part 1 decal sheet

Product # CED48235 for $9.99

Product Article by Steve Bamford on Dec 2 2004

 

 

 

This new decal sheet from Cutting Edge Modelworks includes markings for 4 different 1/48 Spitfires MkVb's.  Three of these Spitfires are Eagle Squadron Spitfires and one is Commander Robert Stanford-Tuck's mount. 

The first Spitfire Mk.Vb MD-A is an American Eagle Squadron fighter flown by Sqn. Leader Eric Thomas with 133 Sqn, out of Biggin Hill in June 1942.  This Spitfire has a Dark Green and Ocean Grey camo on top and Medium Sea grey on the underside.  Interesting markings include a tankard of Bitter on the left side under the cockpit with the white script under it that reads "Mine's a Bitter" and on the right side under the canopy  is the script "The Lord Mayor (York)".   There is also a flag under the chin of this Spitfire.

The second Spitfire Mk.Vb RS-T flown by Commander Robert Stanford-Tuck ("Lucky Tuck") 29 kills, out of Biggin Hill in January 1942.  In January 1942, "Lucky Tuck" was shot down and as he attempted a gliding landing, he came under German AAA fire.  He gave the gun a short burst from his own gun and later learned  he sent a bullet down the barrel of the 20mm gun and split the barrel.  This Spitfire on this decal sheet has Dark Green and Ocean Grey camo on top and Medium Sea grey on the underside.  Interesting markings include a 29 kills markings 

(German Crosses) on the left side in front and below the windscreen.    There is also a "T" under the chin of this Spitfire, but it is unclear if it was even applied or whether it was Sky or Black in colour.....both options are included.  

The third Spitfire Mk.Vb MD-C is an American Eagle Squadron fighter flown by Sqn. Leader Eric Thomas with 133 Sqn, out of Biggin Hill in May 1942.  This Spitfire has a Dark Green and Ocean Grey camo on top and Medium Sea grey on the underside.  Interesting markings include a medieval Knight on a horse with a lance.  It is unclear the colour of this knight, so this knight decal comes in light blue, yellow and white.  There is also a "C" under the chin of this Spitfire, but it is unclear if it was Sky or Black in colour.....both options are included with black being the most likely option for this aircraft.  

The fourth Spitfire Mk.Vb DL-H is an American Eagle Squadron fighter flown by Sgt. A.C. Younge with 91 Sqn's B Flight out of Hawkinge in the summer of 1942.  This Spitfire has a Dark Green and Ocean Grey camo on top and Medium Sea grey on the underside.  Interesting markings include a bird of prey on the left side of the fuselage in front and below the windscreen with the script "My Marion".  This artwork comes in 2 ways....on a white background or without the background in case you want to paint the white background yourself.   There is also a black "H" under the chin of this Spitfire.  

The decals were flawlessly printed and in perfect registration and the clear carrier film is trimmed very close to the crisply printed colored areas. 

The instructions are clear and include 3 view colour drawings and well as 2 pages of b&w instructions including line drawings showing stencil placement and text about 3 of these planes. 

A very nice decal sheet and highly recommended for anyone with a passion for Spitfires....especially Eagle Squadron Spitfires.

I would like to thank Cutting Edge Modelworks for providing me with this review sample.

Steve

Click on images below to see larger images of the instruction sheets

Photos and text © by Steve Bamford