The Czech company has reissued its delectable 1/72 Spitfire Mk.VIII in ‘Weekend edition’ format and added decals for four liveries.
When it comes to kits of the Spitfire Mk.VIII in 1/72 scale, Eduard’s offering provides the highest quality and accuracy. It has been released on various occasions in different kit formats (ProfiPACK, Limited etc), but ‘flies again’ as item 7462. This package supplies all the usual generic runners, and this is especially useful as the longer, pointed wingtips are provided, if you want to use other appropriate markings. There are other spares too, such as horizontal stabilisers, cockpit parts, wheel hubs, ailerons, a narrow-chord rudder and air-to-ground weaponry.
Tough choice?
The schemes offer great variety, especially as the Mk.VIII was noted for its overseas service. Standard RAF Day Fighter colours are represented, as well as the classic desert scheme of Dark Earth, Middle Stone and Azure Blue. You can also build Australian machines in camouflage or natural metal, the former example sporting a menacing sharkmouth. The options are:
• MT648/QJ-Z, Sqn Ldr John E Gasson, OC 92 Squadron, Bellaria, Italy, April-May 1945
• HL-K Fargo Express, 1st Lt Leland Phillips ‘Tommy’ Molland, 308th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group, Castel Volturno, Italy, December 1943-February 1944
• A58-606/ZP-W, Sqn Ldr Bruce Watson, OC 457 Squadron Royal Australian Air Force, Labuan, Borneo, August 1945
• A58-379/ZF-Z, Flt Lt Ernest D Glaser, 549 Squadron RAAF, Strauss airstrip, Australia, September 1944
Eduard’s decals are now printed in house and are thicker than they once were, but the colours are good and the markings look perfectly useable. Note that a dial decal is provided for the instrument panel, as well as seatbelts in decal form. A separate sheet of stencils is supplied too. At just £8.79 direct from Eduard, this is an absolute steal and should provide a satisfying build experience.
