Victory Models

1/32 Spitfire - Aces Of The Empire

Sheet Number: 32003

Reviewed by  Ed Kinney, IPMS# 2989

MSRP: $24.95 Website: www.victorymodels.com This timely release is specifically tailored to fit the all new Tamiya 1/32nd scale Spitfire MK IX. For once, something arrived just in time to be used in my kit review found elsewhere on this website. The 8 by 10 decal sheet covers choices for a total of 14 aircraft in numerous color schemes and markings. As in the past, the decals are beautifully done in terms of color, registry and thinness and I am looking forward to them adorning this spectacular kit. The choices for the aircraft are as follows: Spitfire Mk. VII, MD 188 Culmhead Wing, June 1944, Wing Commander Peter Brothers. Spitfire Mk. VIII, A58-484, No. 452 Squadron RAAF. Morotai, early 1945, Group Captain Clive R. Caldwell. Spitfire Mk. VIII, A58-602. No 457 Squadron RAAF, Morotai, Early 1945, Wing Commander Robert "Bobby" Gibbes. Spitfire Mk. IXb, EN398, Kenley Wing, Summer 1943. Wing Commander J.E. "Johnnie" Johnson. Spitfire Mk. IXc, MA585, No 403 Squadron RCAF, September 1943, Flight Lieutenant George "Buzz" Beurling. Spitfire Mk. IXc, MH883, No. 412 Squadron RCAF, 30 December 1943, Flight Lieutenant George "Buzz" Beurling. Spitfire Mk. IXc, BS410, No. 315 (Polish) Squadron, Northolt, January 1943, Captain Frances "Gabby" Gabreski. Spitfire Mk. IXc, EN520, No. 81 Squadron, Tunisia, April 1943, Squadron Leader Colin Gray. Spitfire Mk. IXc, MA408, No. 322 Wing, Sicily, July 1943, Wing Commander Colin Gray. Spitfire Mk. IXe, MK392, No. 144 Wing, St Croix-sur-Mer, Normandy. Summer 1944, Wing Commander J.E. "Johnnie" Johnson. Spitfire Mk. IXe, MK392, No. 127 Wing, Eindhoven, Holland, January 1945 Wing Commander J.E. "Johnnie" Johnson. Spitfire LF.Mk. IXe, RR201, No. 411 Squadron. Heesch, Holland, 29 December 1944 Flight Lieutenant Richard "Dick" Audet. Spitfire Mk. IXe, MK329, No. 144 Wing, St. Croix-sur-Mer, Normandy Summer 1944, Wing Commander J.E. "Johnnie" Johnson. Each numbered aircraft and profile contains a detailed explanation of which parts included in the kit to use on the specific aircraft…an exceptionally nice touch! Additionally, there is an 8x10 full color sheet of both right and left side profiles showing decal placement for each machine. And, as they say "but wait…there is more!" The list of contributors to the existence of this sheet reads like a veritable "who's who" of Spitfire experts. In short, many choices for an absolutely outstanding kit. In terms of which set of markings I have chosen, see Part 2 of the kit review coming in the near future to this website (can you handle the anticipation?) And while you are surfing, check out Victory's website to see not only this fine product but others as well. This sheet is available direct from Victory as well as at various distributors worldwide. Many thanks to Victorys' owner, Bob Busby, for the review sample. Most highly recommended.