Kit/Product: FSD72010
Scale: 1:72
Price: £9.00 approx
Reviewed by Geoff Coughlin (February 2011)
Our thanks to Freightdog Models for supplying our review sample. Get this excellent decal sheet here now at www.freightdogmodels.co.uk.
Subject choice
You certainly can’t fault Freightdog for their innovative decal choices and resin conversion subjects. This approach continues with this recent release by the manufacturer. No less than 6 subjects feature on this sheet:
- Hawker Hurricane Mk.IV, LE-292 ‘JV.L’ of 6 Squadron, RAF Ramat David, Palestine 1946. Faded Dark Green and Ocean Grey camo over Medium Sea Grey undersides
- Republic Thunderbolt Mk.II, KJ348 flown by Group Captain F.R. Carey of 73 Operational Conversion Unit, RAF based Fayid, Egypt, Spring 1945. Night overall with Identification Red flash markings on forward cowl and fuselage sides
- Gloster Gladiator, K7914, of 80 Squadron, RAF based at Ismailia, 1938. Overall Silver Dope with natural metal engine panels
- Dallas built North American Mustang IV, KM296, ‘AK.D’ flown by Flight Officer ‘Jock’ Lucas of 213 Squadron, RAF based at RAF Ramat David, 1946. Overall natural metal with Silver lacquer wings and tailplanes and Olive Drab anti-glare panel above engine
- Handley Page Halifax Mk.VII, PP575 ‘D4.X’ of 620 Squadron, RAF based at Aqir, Palestine circa 1946. RAF Bomber camouflage scheme of Dark Earth and Dark Green upper surfaces over Night undersurfaces and tailfins
- Hawker Hind, PP575 ‘AO.N’ of 211 Squadron, RAF Based at El Daba, Egypt, October 1938. Overall Silver dope finish, natural metal engine cowling, Red spinner and wheel covers.
With most, if not all, of the subjects featured on the sheet available as 1:72 scale kits, you’ll have plenty of choice, with the only decision being which one to start with! Ok, you might have to search around a bit under tables at model shows or on the Internet, but you should be able to track down all the subjects. The instructions give suggestions for the kits to use and that’s helpful.
Quality
Out of the top drawer – with the decals being printed by Fantasy Printshop, there is almost no carrier film visible on each decal and any that is should vanish if you apply suitable decal softening solutions like Micro Set and Sol or your preferred brand. Colour density is very good and all markings are in perfect register with accurate colouration. It’s not often that you get so many different aircraft types featuring on one sheet and Freightdog are to be applauded for this approach. Model Alliance are also good at this, as are Hannants with their Xtradecal range.
Instructions
Amongst the best out there – full colour, all aspect and good colour references to model paint manufacturer colours – impressive and very helpful.
Conclusion
This is an excellent decal sheet that comes highly recommended at every level.
Geoff C.