Reviewed by Mark Davies

 
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Many Hyperscalers will be familiar with the excellent series of 4+ publications covering individual aircraft in detail. They may be less familiar with 4+’s cooperation with Mark 1 Ltd in the production of their “dozen set” Colours & Markings series. This series includes decals in either most of the popular scales for individual aircraft types.

The “dozen set” format consists of a very nicely produced A4 landscape booklet and decals for a dozen different aircraft of the type covered. The EF-2000 Typhoon example reviewed here is typical, and possibly well timed for the recent 1/48 EF-2000 release by Hobby Boss.  The same booklet is available with four scales of decals as separate issues (1/32, 1/48, 1/72 & 1/144) to cater for the various EF-2000 kits currently available.

The booklet has an attractive front cover, whilst the rear cover has colour profiles of the 12 schemes covered by the colour plans and decals. Inside consists of two pages dedicated to each of the 12 colour schemes. The first page for each set of markings has a photograph of the subject scheme and some brief notes concerning its background. Also on this same page are walk-around photos of a museum example and/or photos of service aircraft. This walk-around sequence flows onto the first pages for each subject and rounds out the last three pages of the booklet. The second page on each scheme has clearly printed and attractive 4-view colour plans.

The 12 schemes offered are for both single and twin-seaters of current operators including the UK (5 subjects), Germany (2 subjects), Italy (2 subjects), Spain, Austria and Saudi Arabia (all 1 subject). The decals themselves come together on one sheet sealed in cellophane. Markings for each subject clearly defined by a border and identification number. I have yet to use the decals, but they appear to have very good registration and opacity.

The quality and attractiveness of production of the “dozen set” is obvious to see. It’s appeal and value will no doubt lie with those who want a simple all-in-one decals and reference package to finish their Storch model. I suspect that decal collectors will also be tempted where this “deluxe” combination of decals, colour plans and photos. Given that these “dozen sets” are being produced as a series on several aircraft it would seem that there is potential to give some buyers the “collector bug”.

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Where I struggle slightly is that this very high quality production must add cost for those who may only want to finish one model, when compared to decals accompanied by simpler markings guides. The booklet of course has some residual value as a reference in itself, but there are more comprehensive single-aircraft references by other publishers for similar prices (but of course without the decals).

To be fair the price is comparable to other premium presentations of decal packages, and as I have said, both the booklet and decals are produced to very high standards that will be enough justification for some.

Possibly modern jet subjects such as this do not offer the variety of colour schemes earlier periods do. However there are always those who want something different to the kit decals, regardless of how bland the basic colour scheme is.

Mark 1’s EF-2000 Typhoon “dozen set” is an ideal solution for modellers who want an all-in-one reference and decals. They will be able to complete their Typhoon kits in attractive schemes supported by photos, and may want to exploit the walk around to add more detail to their finished model.

Purchased by reviewer

Review Copyright © 2010 by Mark Davies
Page Created 4 January, 2010
Last updated 4 January, 2010

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