Lifelike Decals

1/48 Supermarine Spitfire Part 3 decal sheet

Product # 72-023 for Approx $13.00

Product Article by Floyd S. Werner, Jr. on Feb 26 2013

 

 

One of the latest releases from Lifelike Decals is designed to fit Airfix, Italeri, or Tamiya 1/72nd scale Spitfire Mk.Vb.  Featuring four different Spitfires, Lifelike provides a little bit of something for everybody with this sheet.  

The instructions are printed on two 8x10 sheets in full color.  The front sheet contains the side profiles and identifies the pilots.  On the other side is a four side stencil template with the number call out.  The other sheet contains the information that Lifelike used to determine the markings and camouflage.  

 

Click on images below to see larger images

The decals themselves are gorgeous with perfect register and very thin.  There are two sheets.  The main sheet consists of the national markings with the code letters and fin flashes.  It also has the stencils which are beautifully rendered and perfectly readable even in this small scale.  The second smaller sheet contains the artwork for the personal markings.  

The first aircraft is from the Eagle Squadron and depicts the aircraft of Sergeant Jack Evans.  It is your typical Dark Green/Ocean Grey/ and Medium Sea Gray machine but what sets this aircraft apart is the skull and crossbones on the lower front cowling.  Very unique. 

The second aircraft is another American machine flown by F/O James Montgomery out of Sicily in 1943.  This is one of two “Impatient Virgin” Spitfires.  The other is covered on sheet 72-024.  This aircraft features nose art, pilot’s name and squadron emblem.  This accompanied with the Dark Earth/ Middle Stone/ Azure Blue along with white letters outlined in black make this a colorful machine.  It also has the Volkes filter installed. 

The third aircraft is flown by an Australian, P/O John Yarra.  It is painted in untypical European colors of Dark Green and mixed greys.

The final aircraft is also another desert machine with Volkes filter.  Flown by Neville Duke this machine is unique with its red spinner, light blue squadron codes and white aircraft letter.  Many will find the kill markings to their liking as there are plenty.

The wonderful research and perfectly printed decals make this a natural selection for even the most ardent Spitfire boffin.

Highly recommended

Thanks to Lifelike for the review copy.  To get your copy you will have to contact them at http://www16.ocn.ne.jp/~lifelike/ .  Let them know that I sent you.

Floyd S. Werner, Jr. IPMS# 26266

      

Photos and text © by Floyd S. Werner, Jr.