1:48 Supermarine Spitfire - National Markings Late (2 TAF / 1945 Variation 1)

Supermarine Spitfire - national insignia, late variation 1, 2TAF 1945, 1:48 - Aviaeology

This is a sheet of national insignia, that is, of roundels and the fin flash. They are not airframe stencil markings, tail codes or serial numbers, and the sheet does not belong to one particular machine. The manufacturer defines it as late variation 1 for the RAF Second Tactical Air Force, 2TAF for short, in 1945; in July 1945 that force was renamed the British Air Forces of Occupation in Germany, BAFO for short. The second late variation has its own sheet, ADD48C109-3, and according to the manufacturer carries large roundels on the upper wing surfaces, while the earlier standard period comes on sheet ADD48C109-1. Compare the difference between those three before you buy.

The real subject

The Supermarine Spitfire was a British single-engine fighter with an elliptical wing and a Rolls-Royce Merlin engine, and in the late versions a Rolls-Royce Griffon. With the Second Tactical Air Force it served in 1945 mainly over western Europe, including in reconnaissance versions; once the fighting ended, some of the machines stayed on occupation duty in Germany.

Application tips

Decals hold best on a smoothed gloss varnish base. Trim the carrier film close to the motif, soak the sheet in water and slide the motif into place. On a broken surface a decal fixer and a decal softener applied with a brush will settle it: the fixer before it is seated, the softener only once the motif is exactly where it should be. Seal with varnish once it has dried completely.

Who the sheet is for

• builds of Spitfires of the Second Tactical Air Force from 1945
• modelers whose markings from the box belong to an earlier period
• builds of machines over western Europe and on occupation duty
• collectors of period British markings in 1:48 scale

This is an accessory for a model, not a kit. The base kit, glue and paints are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.