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Starfighter Decals 1/72 SPAD XIII A.E.F Showbirds Part 2

By Matt Bittner

The first release from Starfighter Decals for SPAD XIII Showbirds contained markings for "Diamond Dick" and "Flag Bus". This release is for "Shamrock" and "Barber Pole".

More colorful choices for the Eduard 1/72 "Late" SPAD XIII (which the decals are designed to fit). "Shamrock" was all-over white and included green stripes, green horizontal tail pieces, a green headrest and fin, green and white stripes, and green and white shamrocks. Coupled with the standard US cockades and 94th Aero markings, "Shamrock" is a very striking bird.

Next up is "Barber Pole". Again, all-over white, but this time with red stripes throughout the entire aircraft - hence "barber pole". As with "Shamrock", it also included the standard USAS cockade as well as teh 94th Aero "Indian Head" marking.

Decals are beautiful and in register (being printed by Cartograf). Not only does Starfighter include comprehensive decal instructions, but there is a whole sheet of instructions to help with the build for each specific aircraft. Note that both aircraft flew with what appear to be Marlin guns, and NOT Vickers. Unfortunately finding aftermarket Marlins will be difficult, with Aeroclub being still out of the market. If only Mini World would make some.

These are outstanding decals and if you're looking to build your Eduard 1/72 SPAD XIII into a colorful machine, then you definitely want these decals from Starfighter Decals.

Huge thanks to Starfighter Decals for sending these to review. Now to decide which SPAD to build first - "Diamond Dick", "Flag Bus", "Shamrock" or "Barber Pole"...