 MPD 1/48 Czechs in the RAF: Spitfire Mk. Vb
This latest release from MPD provides markings for three Spitfires
flown by Czech pilots during WW2. Each option includes a complete set
of national markings, allowing you to build all three from this sheet,
with nothing extra needed (other than stenciling: there is only one complete
set of that on this sheet).
The first option is a Spitfire flown by F/O Frantisek Perina while
with 312 Squadron. The instructions provide a very detailed history of
Perina's career, which is a fascinating one. His Spitfire, AD572, is
finished in standard RAF camouflage, with the codes DU-C on the fuselage.
A Czech roundel is under the windscreen.
 Second up is a Spitfire flown by W/Cdr Frantisek Dolezal while with
310 Squadron. Again, the instructions detail his history quite thoroughly,
including his service in the French air force, where he flew MS 406s.
His Spitfire, camouflaged in dark green and ocean gray over medium sea
gray, carries the code FD on the side, and has Type C roundels on the
fuselage sides and undersides of the wing.
The final option on the sheet is the Spitfire flown by S/Ldr Frantisek
Fajtl, with 313 Squadron. Interestingly, Fajtl was one of a handful of
Czech pilots sent to the USSR to become the squadron leader of the 1st
Independent Fighter Regiment, an La-5 unit made up of Czech pilots to
fight the Germans on the Eastern Front. Through this unit Fajtl returned
to Czechoslovakia, becoming one of the first of the exile army to return
to Czech soil. His Spitfire, MB210, is coded MT-F, and like the others,
is camouflaged in standard RAF fashion.
The decals are well printed, with excellent register. This is very
apparent with the roundels, which are printed as one piece, rather than
separate pieces, which seems to be the norm these days. For those who
like Spitfires, this sheet should offer some interesting options.
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