Instructions and decals
These are in the usual exploded-stage format and all looks to be clear and well illustrated. Colour diagrams are included at the end of the booklet for the 3 aircraft featured:
- Gloster Javelin FAW.9R, No.64 Squadron, Royal Air Force Tengah, Singapore, 1960s
- Gloster Javelin FAW.9, Aircraft flown by Squadron Leader George H. Beaton, Commanding Officer, No.228 Operational Conversion Unit, Royal Air Force Leuchars & Binbrook, 1966 PIC 4
- Gloster Javelin FAW.9/9R, No.33 Squadron, Royal Air Force Middleton St George, County Durham, England, 1962. Aircraft now preserved at the Jet Age Museum, Gloucestershire Airport, Staverton, UK PIC 5
Lots of variety here to suit any taste and, as ever, there are already two aftermarket decal sheets available (from the Hannants Xtradecal range) at the time of writing. My personal favourite is the all-metal finish of the CO’s mount of No. 228 OCU.
The decals included though are high quality with minimum carrier film. The best bit though is that precise, tiny holes have been made in the large over wing roundels to allow them to slip over the beautifully delicate vortex generators and there are lots of those all over the wings.
To sum up
I like this release a lot for all the above reasons and it seems like Airfix’s decision to tool this kit nearer to home (I believe) has paid dividends; gone are those nasty heavy sprue gates and heavy panel lines. The fact that you can currently get this kit for nearer £40.00 GBP if you look around makes it very good value and even at the RRP that’s nearer £50.00 I think that it still offers a lot of modelling for your money.
Highly recommended
Geoff C.
PS – keep a close eye on Build Now and if you want to follow progress on my build – I’m really looking forward to this one and then Finished Now when the project is finished.
SMN Quick summary Star rating out of 5
| FEATURE | STAR RATING (out of five) |
|---|---|
| Quality of moulding | **** |
| Accuracy | **** |
| Instructions | *** |
| Decals | *** |
| Subject choice | ***** |
| Overall | **** |
