Barracuda BC-72004 1/72 Spitfire Mk IX Series Part 1 Decals

Spitfire HF. VII, Serial Number MD111. 131 Squadron, RAF. Pilot Unknown. Based at Culmhead, Somerset, England. Early August,1944. Engaged in escort duties for Bomber Command daylight raids. High Altitude fighter scheme of Medium Sea Grey upper surfaces with PRU Blue lower surfaces. Note non-standard narrow D-Day striping under the wings and fuselage. Model can also be finished with full wrap around bands to represent MD111 as it looked in mid July. Note most HF VIIs in this unit changed to standard wingtips after June 17th. These aircraft were soon overpainted in standard fighter gray/green camouflage. Note round mirror, short span ailerons, 4 slot wheels, retract. tailwheel, cabin pressure intake on stbd nose.

Spitfire HF. VII, Serial Number MB820. 124 Squadron, RAF. Flown by Flying Officer Barrit. Based at Northholt, Greater London, England. September 9th, 1943. Part of this specialized high altitude interception unit, MB820 is painted in special Operation Starkey markings. Starkey was a feigned invasion to misdirect the German Command's attentions. On September 9th, MB820 shared a victory when an Fw-190 was intercepted and shot down at 31,000 feet. Note bands are only carried on the wings. Upper surfaces in Ocean Grey and Dark Green, with Medium Sea Grey undersurfaces. Spinner and fuselage band are Sky. Note round mirror, short span ailerons, 4 slot wheels, retract. tailwheel, cabin pressure intake on stbd nose.

Spitfire FR. IX, Serial Number MK716. 16 Squadron, RAF. Pilot Unknown. Based at Balleroy (A.12), France. Early September, 1944.This armed Photo Reconnaissance squadron flew low altitude PR missions. The overall PRU Pink camouflage was developed for dawn and dusk operations. It was found to be highly effective, but proved unpopular with the men who flew them, who felt very conspicuous, and must have been razzed mercilessly! As with MD111, wrap around D-Day bands can be painted to represent MK716 during early July of 1944. Note single oblique camera port, round mirror, and covered main wheels, which could be Pink or Medium Sea Grey. Aero Vee carb intake.

Spitfire Mk. IXc, Serial Number MH883. 412 Squadron RCAF, 126 Wing, 2nd TAF. Flown by Flight Lieutenant George "Buzz" Beurling. Based at Biggin Hill, Bromley, England. January, 1944. George "Buzz" Beurling was the highest scoring Canadian Ace in WWII. He finished the war with 31 kills and 1 probable. 27 of his kills were achieved when he was flying in defense of Malta. MH883 was one of two personal aircraft he flew during the winter of 43-44. Standard Camouflage of Ocean Grey and Dark Green over Medium Sea Grey under surfaces. Sky spinner and fuselage band. Note 5 slot wheels, early style elevators, small carb intake.

How to apply water-slide decals:
1. Preparation: to achieve better result, a gloss or semi-gloss coat is very important. It will make a smooth layer which the decals will suction to and make it much easier to apply and set them.
2. Cut out the decal you need (do it on cutting mat)
3. Grab the decal with tweezers, place it on the surface of the water and leave it for about 20 seconds.
4. Remove the decal from the water and place it on paper towel to remove any excess water.
5. Apply decal solution to the part where the decal is to be placed.
6. Slide the decal off the backing paper on to the model. Using a paint brush or cotton bud is a good way to do this without damaging the decal.
7. Use the brush, knife or cotton bud to position the decal. Using your paper towel, gently dab the decal and soak up the excess water (decal softner is also recommended at this stage. After applying softner, the decal will suction to the part and flatten out smooth.)
8. When the decal is completely dry, give another coat of varnish or Klear/Future to seal it.