3D-Kits Spitfire Mk.IIs “The end of the beginning” 1:48

Ref: 48-D002

Price: £7.95

Review by Geoff Coughlin (Jun 2012)

Our thanks to Stewart at 3D-Kits for supplying us with our review sample. Get this excellent decal sheet here now at: www.3d-kits.co.uk

A bit of background…

You’ve probably heard of 3D-Kits since their launch back in November 2010. We’ve reviewed a number of their high quality replacement parts and decal sheets already and this one builds their collection of relevant and interesting releases. Here’s some useful info from Stewart Meikle, owner of 3D-Kits…

“3D-Kits started in November 2010 with the aim of providing modellers with first class conversion and accessory kits that combine the detail of resin with the ease of polystyrene. Making use of the most modern design and manufacturing techniques we are able to provide full-run injection moulded parts with the detail and finesse that modellers usually associate with resin, but without its problems.

Our products are historically accurate, manufactured to high specifications and at affordable prices. We want to change the way that modellers view conversion and detailing, and make it simpler, more accessible and fun. Our first products are based around Rotol-propellered early Spitfires (especially the Mk.II) and offer parts and decals to produce these interesting, numerous, but rarely seen versions. 

Future releases are now being planned and are likely to include a two-stage Merlin conversion for 1:72 Mosquitos and a set of RAF/FAA WWII bombs and other ordnance in 1:72 and 1:48.”

Click on the images above to view in more detail.

Quality and content…

The quality of this sheet is assured because it is printed by the Fantasy Printshop. Colour and registration looks spot on and the yellow and white also look suitably opaque which is just what we need to avoid that see-through effect. Impressive all round in terms of quality.

The aircraft featured are:

• Spitfire Mk.II No.19 Squadron, September 1940
• Spitfire Mk.II No. 421 Flight, November 1940
• Spitfire Mk.II No. 222 Squadron, June 1941
• Spitfire Mk.II Empire Central Flying School, 1942

Instructions…

The all-colour instruction guide is excellent with decal placement and colour painting information clearly presented. The quality art paper makes you feel that the whole product is quality and has been carefully created.

Conclusion…

Great to have such a good quality product available, especially as the quality of some manufacturer’s decals is so variable at the moment. They have timed this release well and you could also do well to add this decal sheet to your chosen kit to create something different and that’s not so easy to do when talking about Spitfire models!

Highly recommended

Geoff C.