As the decals and instructions are the same in each set, except the scale of course, all my thoughts and conclusions refers to both of these sets until it is stated otherwise.
In 1/72 scale the decal sheet has the size of 9x13cm. For the 1/48 scale the size is 13x18cm.
The instructions are printed on A4 paper for the 1/72 set and A3 for the 1/48 set.
Each set is doubled which means it can be used on two models.
As the title says the set is dedicated for a wide range of Spitfire variants, from Mk.I do Mk.XVI.
Techmod has divided the instruction into two sections, each printed on the separate page of instruction. One section is dedicated to the Mk.I – V variants, section two for the Mk.VIII – XVI.
Many stencils, if not most, are replicated in at least two (sometimes four or even eight!) variants depending on the factory where the particular Spitfire was built. They differ a bit with the font, size, colour or spacing between letters.
Mk.I – V stencils
Let's focus on the first section with Mk.I – V stencils.
Techmod has shown the Spitfire from every side but the lower surface is given in two combinations: one is all grey (or sky) and half-black. For the half-black there are white stencils to be applied. The Spitfire replicated in the diagrams has the B type wing but I think that the stencils were the same even for the A wing version.
We can also find here the propeller diagrams for the Rotol and de Havilland logotypes application and three versions of the the cockpit door stencils. Unfortunately the decal no.69 is printed with error. Techmod has changed the lines in the stencil “Make sure door is locked before flight”. On the decal we have “locked before flight” in the upper line and in the bottom line “Make sure door is” what obviously looks unnatural and odd. We can fix it by cutting the decal into two halves and change the lines configuration. It shouldn't be a big problem in the 1/48 decal but in the 1/72 scale it will surely require a good eyes and firm hand armed with the new scalpel blade.
Mk. VIII - XVI stencils
Ok, now let's look at the Mk. VIII-XVI section.
We have a bit more drawings here. The upper surface is shown in three different variants of the stencils and long black stripes marking out the walking sections on the wing. There are also decals with the red stripes seen around the wheel bulges on the upper surface of the late wings.
For the propeller we have a much wider choice of decals to be used for the Jablo wood or hollow steel blades. There are eight different markings to be used here so we have to carefully study our references for the particular machine to avoid use of the wrong marking.
There are also the drawings of the cockpit door but the decal no.69 also should be used here. What's surprising this stencil is printed correct in the instruction. The pictures shows only the C wing Spitfires so I assume there were no differences between C and E variants (except wheel bulges).
Instruction sheet shows also the position of the roundels and fin flashes. These decals are not attached to the set but roundels are useful points of orientation for the other markings. As the upper wings roundels were overlapping the black stripes running along the wings (decals 78 or 79) the stencils have to be placed before applying roundels. It is clearly visible in the instructions of these sets so please keep it in mind: first stencils, then roundels.
conclusion
The quality of the decals is as usual very good. Carrier film is thin and subtle, sticks close to the replicated inscriptions. Well, it looks like Techmod has once again did a good job. Although placing all these stencils and markings may be a long and boring job to do it will pay of with the final look of your model. It's a very good rate between price of the set and final effect it gives to more than just one of your models.
The review sample was provided by Techmod Decals. Thank you!
SUMMARY
Highs: Doubled amount of stencils, good quality, good priceLows: Error in the print of one decal.Verdict: Recommended to all Spitfire enthusiasts, highly pays off the effort.
Our Thanks to TechMod! This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.
Oops! Someone at Techmod needs new glasses. According to these stencils Spitfires were painted with Material Specification DTD 305 - 30 ton steel tubes (suitable for welding).
At the beginning of the war there were two finishes used for camouflage, DTD 308 - matt cellulose and DTD 314 matt synthetic. The two finishes were not to be mixed together or applied over each other. That is, DTD 308 could only be painted over with a cellulose paint and DTD 314 with a synthetic paint. For this reason all components were required to have the material specification of the paint stenciled on them in Night (black). Underneath the letter 'C' if it was a cellulose paint or 'S' if it was a synthetic paint. DTD 517 was synthetic, quick drying, paint introduced later in the war. You would not have found it on Mk I and II Spitfires during the Battle of Britain for example. Because fabric areas (elevators, rudders etc.) were painted with cellulose dope DTD 308 was still used on these components and they were stenciled accordingly. Personally, they are too small for me to care very much but some people are sticklers for such small details.
Gas patches were either painted on (no red boarder) or came as a square of material that was stuck down with red doped tape.
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