The Spitfire is arguably the most beautiful fighter ever created and it sported a wide number of camouflage schemes throughout its career that offer something to suit every taste in terms of modelling, but there's something particularly special for me about a silver Spitfire, whether that's a natural metal or painted finish. So, Iliad Design's latest 1:48 release is very welcome - a reprint of an earlier sheet, but with three new colour schemes in its selection of five interesting Spitfires chosen for one thing in common - their spectacular silver finishes.

Of course, many post war Spitfires were painted overall aluminium as camouflage was no longer deemed necessary and a return to brighter colour schemes was possible, but the beauty of Iliad Design's chosen subjects is that four of them are wartime aircraft, and so somewhat rarities among the countless camouflaged machines around them.

The five colour schemes now included are:

 1. Spitfire LF IXc, "UF-Q", of 601 Sqn., Italy, 1943 - n/m finish

2. Spitfire IXc, "EP-A", XIX TAC, France, October 1944 - n/m finish

3. Spitfire Vc, "SH-Z", 85 Sqn. RAAF, February 1945 - n/m finish

4. Spitfire Mk. VIII, "MX", squadron hack for 307th FS, 1944 - painted aluminium finish

5. Spitfire LF XVIe, "FD-AA", No. 1 (Pilots) Refresher Flying Unit, 1950 - painted aluminium finish

The inclusion of both n/m and painted finishes is excellent, both in terms of looks and to offer something for modellers who don't want the added challenge of representing bare metal, and the choice of subjects really offers something for everyone and increases the sheet's appeal.

As you'll expect from Iliad Design, the decals themselves are superb - gloss finished, beautifully thin, with pin-sharp registration and no excess carrier film except where it's used to add support or to group elements. The colours look spot on, with convincing drab wartime national markings contrasting with their bright post war counterparts.

Full markings are included for each colour scheme, so all five Spitfires can be completed without resorting to kit decals except for servicing stencils where appropriate.

The decals are accompanied by a sheet of full-colour instructions with high-quality side profile views on one side and smaller plan views on the reverse. Each scheme includes notes highlighting specific colour details, such as remaining areas of previous camouflage where an airframe was otherwise stripped back to natural metal. 

Conclusion

This is an excellent re-release from Iliad Design and the perfect way to add some real head-turners in any line-up of 1:48 Spitfires. The sheet represents great value for money and five 1:48 Spits is a manageable number for an individual display, but it would also be perfect as a theme for shared club/group project. 

Many thanks to Iliad Design for providing the sample sheet for review.

Set #48007a - Silver Spitfires - is available now from Iliad Design - Price: $14.00

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE