The good news is, the new Eduard Spitfire Vb that came out as part of the double kit "Eagle's Call" is the best Spitfire Vb out there - like the Spitfires I, II, VIII, and IX kits are the best of their sub-type. Detail I haven't seen before.

The kit provides markings for USAAF Spitfires, and they're mighty fine decals of interesting topics. However, I discovered when I examined the plastic that everything is there for "other things." Like the Aboukir filter and lower nose that was seen on the Spitfire Vb "Figaro" flown by Wing Commander Ian R. Gleed in North Africa in 1943. Since I have the decals to do that airplane...

So, here is the first installment - cockpit assembled into fuselage, wing assembled, and the two brought together and then the Aboukir filter nose attached.

When the Vb is released on its own, I will be definitely getting some overtrees, and I am keeping these kit decals for "future effort."

4 attached images. Click to enlarge.

Sounds like a very interesting kit Tom @tcinla
Looking forward to this specific build.

The kit with canopy masked and gear attached, ready to proceed to the paint shop.

2 attached images. Click to enlarge.

Good progress, Tom @tcinla

A unique scheme, my friend @tcinla, very nicely reproduced.

Love this scheme, Tom @tcinla
Very well applied.

@coling - It's "Azure blue" as mixed in accordance with a series of color Kodachrome prints of two 308th FS Spitfire VIIIs in desert camo, published 50 years ago in the old Air Combat magazine. As is the Dark Earth and Middle Stone. Those four photos in that magazine have been my "color standard" for the desert scheme ever since a friend gave me the magazine back when I had to dodge the prowling Tyrannosaurs to get it home.

Finished. The new Eduard Spitfire Vb (late) is definitely the best Vb out there in 1/48. I've already ordered a couple of overtrees boxings.

@coling - I think you'll see that with the colors flattened, the Azure Blue is what you were thinking of.

3 attached images. Click to enlarge.