This latest sheet from Euro Decals is one that should please a lot of modelers. It contains nine different markings options for Spitfires that operated over Malta. The majority of them are Spitfire Vc with a few Vband a Mk.IX thrown in the mix. Each of the options provides an interesting camouflage scheme with many of them being quite non-standard with others more appropriate for Seafires. All of the Mk.V options have a sand filter so you’ll have to choose a kit that includes this feature.

Option one is coded SN*A and was with 243 Squadron in 1942. It is dark Mediterranean blue on the upper surface with azure blue on the underside and an identification blue spinner.

Next is 3*M as seen on the USS Wasp during 1942. This one is in deck blue and intermediat blue over azure blue. Note that this aircraft has four cannon.

GL*T is with 185 Squadron and painted deep sky and dark slate grey over sky blue.

T*M is another four canon aircraft in identification blue over azure blue. Note that this one has upper wing insignia that have a brighter than normal blue.

GL*E was repainted at Gibralter in dark Mediterranean blue over sky blue. It also has four canon.

Next is a 229 squadron plane coded X*A. This one is deep sky and dark slate grey over light Mediterranean blue.

A*2 was with 603 squadron and painted extra dark sea grey and dark slate grey over sky, a fairly normal scheme.

In dark Mediterranean blue over sky blue is another plane seen on the USS Wasp. Note that this plane has a identification red spinner and there are areas behind the serial that are still in dark earth/middlestone.

Finally, the lone Spitfire IX. *N was with 126 squadron and painted deep sky/dark slate grey over medium sea grey with remnants of a sky band on the underside.

The instructions are well done and provide multiple paint brand options, though it is only with Humbrol and Xtracolor that you’ll find all the shades mentioned. Decals are superbly printed and you have all the codes and insignia provided for every option on the sheet.

The subjects are :

1. Mk. Vb Trop, BR586 ’T-M’ of 249 Sqn in 1943Â Â in Identification Blue over Azure Blue,
2. Mk.Vc Trop, BR124, ‘U-2’ , 20/04/1942, in Dark Mediterranean Blue over Sky Blue,
3. Mk.Vc Trop, BR126, ‘GL-E’ Gibraltar, June 1942 in Dark Mediterranean Blue over Sky Blue,
4. Mk.Vc Trop, Br344, ‘3-M’, April 1942, in Deck Blue/ Non-specular Intermediate Blue over azure Blue,
5. Mk.Vc Trop, JK715, ‘SN-A’ of 243 Sqn in 1942, in Dark Mediterranean Blue over Azure Blue,
6. Mk.Vc Trop, BR190, ‘A-2’ of 603 Sqn, April-May 1942 in standard Temperate Sea Scheme,
7. Mk.Vc Trop, EP691, ‘X-A’ of 229 Sqn in 1943 in Deep Sky/Dark Slate Grey over Light Mediterranean Blue,Â
8. Mk Ixc EN479 ’N’ of 126 Sqn , June 1943 in Deep Sky/Dark Slate Grey over Medium Sea Grey, and
9. Mk.Vb Trop, EP200, ‘GL-N’ of 185 Sqn , July 1942, in Deep Sky/Dark Slate Grey overSky Blue with a Light Mediterranean rear fuselage.

The decal sheet is large, 8” by 11 ½”. There are national markings, aircraft codes and numbers for nine aircraft. The decals for each aircraft are arranged in a line from left to right and each decal is numbered for easy reference.

Each aircraft has its own sheet where the decal’s locations are identified by number, The aircraft type, squadron and the year it was based on Malta are also noted.

Camouflage colors are noted along with the various model paint manufactures. Humbrol, Xtracolour, Xracrylix, Mr Color Aqueous (when applicable), MRP and Vallejo Model Air paints are noted, along with the specific color number for each manufacturer.

The camouflage schemes and colors are far different from most schemes seen on Spitfires. This will make for interesting subjects and will add something unique to the display shelves. The only challenge for the modeler will be which one to build first?

If you are into Spitfires, and want something different, you will have nine choices with this set. Very highly recommended.

I wish to thank Fantasy Print Shop and IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review these decals.