Print Scale 72-516 Decal 1:72 Supermarine Spitfire Mk lV (Low Backs) Over Europe

Print Scale 72-516 waterslide decals are intended for 1/72 scale plastic model kits of the Supermarine Spitfire Mk.XIVe in low-back configuration, including several FR Mk.XIVe reconnaissance-fighter subjects. This sheet focuses on aircraft based in North-West Europe and nearby stations during 1945, with additional options extending into the immediate postwar period.

The Spitfire Mk.XIV combined the Spitfire airframe with the Griffon engine family and appeared in late-war and postwar RAF and Commonwealth service. Low-back airframes with bubble canopies are a distinctive branch of Mk.XIV production, and they often carried clear squadron codes and serials that are well suited to accurate 1/72 builds.

For modelers, this set helps you model specific, unit-identified Spitfires with documented serials, code letters, and base locations. The decals are listed as universal for 1/72 kits, so they can be used with most compatible Spitfire Mk.XIV toolings; due to small code elements and tight spacing around the cockpit and fuselage roundels, careful planning and a gloss base coat are recommended.

• Aircraft: Supermarine Spitfire
• Variant / Family: Spitfire Mk.XIVe (low-back); Spitfire FR Mk.XIVe
• Scale: 1/72 (also written as 1:72)
• Product type: Waterslide decals
• Type of equipment: for Aircraft plastic model kit
• Recommended kit: for Any / Universal
• Service / Subject country: United Kingdom (RAF) and Canada (RCAF)
• Manufacturer: Print Scale
• Country of manufacture: Ukraine
• Material: Paper
• SKU: Print Scale 72-516

Included aircraft marking options

• Spitfire Mk.XIVe NH745 “EB V”, No. 41 Squadron, B.78 Eindhoven (Netherlands), March 1945; name associated in notes: Sqn Ldr D. I. Benham.
• Spitfire Mk.XIVe MV263 “GCK”, No. 125 Wing, B.106 Twente (Netherlands), April 1945; name associated in notes: Wg Cdr G. C. Keefer.
• Spitfire Mk.XIVe MV256 “AE K”, No. 402 Squadron (RCAF), B.108 Rheine (Germany), April 1945; name associated in notes: Sqn Ldr D. C. Gordon.
• Spitfire FR Mk.XIVe NH648 “P”, No. 414 Squadron (RCAF), B.156 Lüneburg (Germany), April 1945; name associated in notes: Sqn Ldr J. B. Prendergast.
• Spitfire Mk.XIVe MV260 “EB P”, No. 41 Squadron, B.160 Kastrup (Denmark), May 1945; name associated in notes: Flt Lt F. A. O. Gaze.
• Spitfire Mk.XIVe MV257 “JEJ”, No. 125 Wing, B.160 Kastrup (Denmark), May–June 1945; name associated in notes: Gp Capt J. E. Johnson.
• Spitfire Mk.XIVe MV263 “JEFF”, No. 126 Wing, B.174 Utersen (Germany), Sept 1945–Mar 1946; name associated in notes: Wg Cdr G. W. Northcott.
• Spitfire FR Mk.XIVe TZ136 “XC P”, No. 26 Squadron, Chilbolton (UK), June–July 1945; name associated in notes: Sqn Ldr J. F. Roberts.
• Spitfire FR Mk.XIVe MV375 “DB E”, No. 411 Squadron (RCAF), B.174 Utersen (Germany), late 1945 / early 1946.
• Spitfire FR Mk.XIVe TZ198 “HMS”, RAF Armament Practice Station, Lübeck (Germany), 1947; name associated in notes: Wg Cdr H. M. Smith.

This decal set is part of the Print Scale range and belongs to the Decals and Waterslide Decals categories. It is designed for use with 1/72 scale aircraft model kits and complements builds within the aircraft model kits collection.

FAQ

Is this set for Spitfire Mk.XIV (Griffon) aircraft rather than early Merlin Spitfires?

Yes. The marking options listed are Mk.XIVe and FR Mk.XIVe subjects, which correspond to Griffon-powered late-war Spitfires.

What does “low-back” mean for this Spitfire sheet?

It refers to the rear fuselage profile used with a bubble canopy on certain late Spitfire variants. Compare your kit’s canopy and rear fuselage shape to the low-back configuration before choosing an option.

Do the options include postwar markings?

Yes. Several subjects are dated after May 1945, including options that extend into 1946 and one listed for 1947.

Any placement tips for code letters around roundels in 1/72?

Test-fit the roundels first, then position the code letters with equal spacing and level alignment. Applying decals over a gloss coat helps reduce silvering and improves repositioning control.

Are these decals compatible with all 1/72 Mk.XIV kits?

The set is listed as universal, but kit dimensions and panel layouts vary. Dry-fit and compare the code/serial spacing to your chosen kit to confirm the best placement.