'The Spitfire Story: The Sweeps'
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This is the latest addition to Eduard's range of Spitfire kit and follows on from their initial release of the Mk V series with this special edition covering pilots of different nationalities, flying in the RAF over the occupied western part of Europe during WWII.
Being a 'Dual Combo' edition, this kit contains two complete models, so inside the box you will find two clear and eleven dark grey-coloured sprues, plus two sets of die-cut, self-adhesive paint masks and two frets of pre-painted photo-etched. The kit only offers the MK Vb, but you do have the option of standard or clipped wings. The interior is mainly plastic, but etched is used for things like the seat belts and instrument panel, although you get a plastic alternative for the latter as well. The 'B' wing halves have the cannon bulges moulded in situ and the control surfaces are all separate. The carburettor, oil cooler and radiator all use etched detail parts and the clear sprues contain a mass of options for both the main canopy and windscreen, dependant on the particular option you are building plus there are a lot of unused parts that can go in the spares box. The sprues still contain four types of propeller and spinner combination, although the two-blade Watts option is not used for the Mk V, so again, this can head into the spares box. The kit has the option of a closed or open canopy and/or access door and die-cut, self-adhesive masks are included for all elements of the canopies, gunsight lens, downwards identification light and tailwheel hub, but not the main wheel hubs.
Markings
The kit offers the following decal options:
• W3257, FY•A, flown by Flt Lt E.S. Lock, No.611 Squadron, RAF Hornchurch, July 1941
• W3320, QJ•N, flown by P/O D.E. Kingaby, No.92 Squadron, RAF Biggin Hill, August 1941
• BL793, RY•S, flown by Flt Lt S. Fejfar, No.313 (Czech) Squadron, RAF Hornchurch, March-May 1942
• BM124, LO•W. flown by Sqn Ldr B.E.F. Finnucane, No.602 Squadron, RAF Kenley, April 1942
• BM324, GW•S, flown by Flt Lt B. Dupérier (Baron Léon Sternberg de Armella), No.340 (Free French) Squadron, RAF Westhampnett, July 1942
• BM564, MN•J, flown by P/O A.M.A.F. Plisnier, No.350 (Belgium) Squadron, RAF Redhill, summer-autumn 1942
• EN951, RF•D, flown by Sqn Ldr J. Zumbach, No.303 (Polish) Squadron, RAF Kirton in Lindsey, September 1942
• EN824, FU•U, flown by Flt Lt J. Yarra, No.453 (Australian) Squadron, RAF Ipswich, December 1944
• W3518, FF•M, flown by Sqn Ldr Count F.F. Colloredo-Mansfeld, No.132 Squadron, RAF Newchurch, September 1943
• EM921, YO•A, flown by F/O J.E. Sheppard, No.401 (Candian) Squadron, RAF Biggin Hill, October 1943
Options 1 and 2 are Dark Earth/Dark Green over Sky, whilst the rest are all Dark Green/Ocean Grey over Medium Sea Grey. The decal sheet is beautifully printed and includes all the unique markings and national insignia, with two additional smaller sheets offering a complete sets of airframe stencils for each model.
Conclusion
This is a stunning kit, which offers some excellent decal schemes and being a limited edition, it should be one that sells rather well and quickly! It is therefore highly recommended to all RAF or Spitfire fans.
Our thanks to Eduard (www.eduard.com) for the review sample, UK modellers can obtain this kit from Hannants here.
