1:48 Supermarine Spitfire Mk.VIII

Xtradecal 1:48 decals - Supermarine Spitfire Mk.VIII

A decal sheet from the British manufacturer Xtradecal in 1:48 scale, themed on the Supermarine Spitfire fighter in the Mk.VIII version. The sheet is a standalone accessory: it brings markings that the modeler transfers onto a finished painted model, and neither a plastic base nor paints are part of it. The extent of the markings and the individual variants follow the instructions supplied by the manufacturer.

The real subject

The Spitfire Mk.VIII grew out of the high-altitude Mk.VII version and was a planned, structurally finished type, unlike the Mk.IX, which came about as a quick interim solution. It was powered by a Rolls-Royce Merlin 60 series engine with a two-stage two-speed supercharger; the airframe received strengthened structure, a retractable tailwheel and additional fuel tanks in the leading edge of the wing. The machines appeared in the Mediterranean, Italian and Far Eastern theaters, commonly with a dust filter under the nose and in forms with both standard and clipped wingtips.

Application: start with a gloss base

The result is decided by the surface you lay the decal on. Matte varnish has a microscopically broken surface, air stays in it under the carrier film and the edges of the decal start to silver. Spray the areas where the markings and codes will go with clear gloss varnish first, therefore, and let it cure properly. Only then lay the decals on. Matte or satin varnish comes at the very end, over the dried markings.

Who the sheet is for

• modelers building Spitfires in 1:48 scale
• anyone interested in the Mediterranean and Far Eastern theaters
• those who are not satisfied with the markings supplied with a kit
• collectors of decal sheets to keep in reserve

This is a standalone decal sheet, that is an accessory for a model. The kit, paints and glue are not included in the package.