1:24 Supermarine Spitfire Stencils

The lettering that makes a model believable

A real aircraft is written on from the nose to the rudder. Arrows by the filler caps, warnings by the air intakes, the outlines of areas where ground crew must not step, markings of the jacking points, data on tire pressure and the lettering by the first aid kit all belong to the equipment of every machine in service. In 1:24 these small things are clearly legible and their absence shows at first glance, because a model without them looks like a freshly sprayed mock-up.

The scope of the sheet

The set is built as a universal accessory for the whole Spitfire family. The manufacturer's description lists a full dozen subtypes, from the early machines of the beginning of the war through the classic versions with the Merlin engine to the late aircraft with the V12 Griffon. A modeler therefore serves several builds from one sheet and does not need a separate set of lettering for every kit.

How to position the lettering

It pays to have a photograph or a period manual at hand, because the position of the service markings shifts between subtypes along with the shape of the panels. The small motifs settle better with flat-tipped tweezers, a drop of water is applied to the spot and the decal is tuned with a wooden stick.

The final steps

Let the surface dry, check against the light whether a bubble has been left under the film, and if there is one, pierce it with a needle and press it down. A clear coat will even the gloss of the whole surface out. The national insignia, the personal numbers and the kit are not part of this item.