fündekals | Spitfire Mk.XVIe: Zary
Reviewed by Kevin Williams
fündekals :) has provided here, a very interesting set of markings for one particular pilot, Hank Zary, flying one specific Mk.XVIe Spitfire, TB752, 2nd Tactical Air Force, Belgium. Impressive PDF of instructions for this machine, are two pages, and contain all that the modeler should need to complete this rather attractive Spitfire, and are replete with plenty of notes and reference documentation, as well as capsulized biographical data of the pilot himself. Also worthy of note, is the fact that the color renditions of this machine (as indeed is the case with all of the fündekals :) instructions), are done to a very high standard, and are quite attractive documents unto themselves.
These decals (wonderfully printed), are really quite interesting, appearing to be in perfect register, very thin and quite opaque. Given the apparent fine quality of the printing, I see no need to dwell further on this particular aspect. Complete national and personal markings for Zarys' machine as depicted in the instructions, are included.
(Worthy of note, is the inclusion of the aircraft serial number for starboard side, that has voids in numbers for locating underneath aircraft codes. This might prove to be a tricky operation, so great care is suggested for placing this serial correctly, as location of other decals (codes) directly related to proper positioning, are essential.) I initially took this as a printing error, but when comparing to accompanying drawings and note, realized it was designed that way intentionally.
Note
fündekals :) also offers up downloadable instructions, that are very often great references unto themselves, with illustrative examples of the products featured, as well as a breakdown on the interpreted data depicted, a very nice touch indeed, and may be an industry first, as I know of no other decal companies that go to such great lengths to provide the modeler with such in depth documentation. This approach undoubtedly saves on overall expenses, and that's always a good thing.
Summary
All things considered, if you're looking for a very attractive set of markings for your Type XVIe Spitfire (more than likely the Tamiya kit, since that's the best extant kit there is on the market), this set may just fill the bill for you quite nicely. I've long preferred the Gray/Green schemes over the others, but that's just me, so this one is right up my alley, so to speak.
This product is highly recommended.
Thanks to fündekals :) for the review sample.
Additional recommended (by me), reference/reading material:
Airlife Spitfire Mks VI-F.24
Osprey Late Marque Spitfire Aces 1942-45
SAM Publications The Supermarine Spitfire
© Kevin Williams 2015
This review was published on Monday, September 14 2015; Last modified on Thursday, September 17 2015