Aviaeology Decals by SkyGrid Studio of Canada has a new release in the three major scales for a unique Hawker Typhoon of 245 Sqn, RAF (2 TAF and post-war BAFO). They are intended for the MDC kit in 1/32 scale, the Hasegawa kit (bubble canopy releases) in 1/48 and the Academy kit in 1/72 scale. The options presented are the same in all three scales: the subject sharkmouthed Typhoon, MP197, in two different iterations and another Typhoon from the same squadron, SW460 in contemporary markings. SkyGrid, with the assistance of aviation historians and researchers such as Brian Musson and Chris Thomas has prepared an outstanding decal sheet, noteworthy for its extensive research and attention to detail.

The featured aircraft wears a huge sharkmouth in red, black and white around the Typhoon’s characteristic radiator chin inlet and is in either the late-war Second Tactical Air Force scheme or a slightly more colourful variation from the immediate post-war British Air Forces of Occupation, which retains the sharkmouth. The configuration of the aircraft (propeller type, tailplane size, armament carried etc) is precisely noted, as are the necessary modifications for the kits in each scale. This is quite important to the modeller trying to navigate the many airframe and armament differences present in late Typhoons. A contemporary aircraft from the same squadron, named ‘Zephyr Breezes’ and marked as MR-Z, is the bonus option on the sheet.

The two pages of double-sided instructions are worthy of special mention. They are printed in black and white (the SkyGrid website notes that a home-printable colour PDF version is available via email after purchase.) and give clear indication for painting and decal placement via well-printed diagrams and supporting text. The guidance contained within the instructions is among the most extensive seen and rewards close reading. Furthermore, the notes on the research conducted by Mark Proulx of SkyGrid, Chris Thomas and others (including the pilot of ‘Zephyr Breezes’, Geoff Murphy) help the modeller to appreciate just how much effort has gone into the decals’ preparation.

The decals are superbly printed and are in perfect register in 1/32 scale. The smaller scale sample showed the red centre of the roundels to be very slightly off-centre; this reviewer would be happy to use them as printed as the misalignment is so small but the modeller could replace them with aftermarket alternatives.  The carrier film is ultra thin and will disappear under a coat of clear.

The three schemes provided in this sheet are as follows:

1. Hawker Typhoon Mk.1B (late) MP197 MR-U, 245 Sqn western Europe, Jan-May 1945. Day Fighter Camouflage scheme of Dark Green and Ocean Grey uppersurfaces over Medium Sea Grey undersides, with Night (black) spinner.

2. Hawker Typhoon Mk.1B (late) MP197 MR-U, 245 Sqn, BAFO, summer 1945. Day Fighter Camouflage scheme of Dark Green and Ocean Grey uppersurfaces over Medium Sea Grey undersides, with blue spinner with white backplate.

3. Hawker Typhoon Mk.1B (late) SW460 (probable) MR-Z ‘Zephyr Breezes’, 245 Sqn in western Europe, Apr/May 1945. Day Fighter Camouflage scheme of Dark Green and Ocean Grey uppersurfaces over Medium Sea Grey undersides, with Night (black) spinner.

Review Sample Compliments of Aviaeology