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Nieuport 28s of the USAS 1st Pursuit Group

Red Gecko Productions, 1/48 scale

S u m m a r y :

Catalogue Number:

Red Gecko Productions Item No. RG-014.48 - Nieuport 28s of the USAS 1st Pursuit Group

Contents and Media:

Waterslide decal sheet and instructions.

Price:

USD$15.00 plus postage available online from Lone Star Models

Scale:

1/48 scale

Review Type:

First Look

Advantages:

Wide range of colourful subjects; reliable reference material used; decals in perfect register with ultra-thin carrier film.

Disadvantages:

 

Conclusions:

The perfect alternative to kit markings. It’s a well-researched collection that goes on easily with no decal softening solutions needed. Highly Recommended.

Reviewed by Rob Baumgartner


HyperScale is proudly sponsored by Squadron.com

FirstLook

 

Almost 10 years ago Roden released a 1:48 scale kit of the Nieuport 28, and it was well received by the modelling public.

There was an issue with the decals however. The “Hat in the Ring” insignia was found to be too big for the fuselage. To their credit, the company’s excellent customer service kicked in and replacement decals were soon available to purchasers of the original release.

 

 

For those that missed out on the offer, or want a different scheme from that contained in the kit, Red Gecko have produced a set of interesting subjects.

There are 12 aircraft catered for on the A4 sized sheet. The carrier film is amazingly thin and all colours were in perfect register.

 

 

Aircraft portrayed are from the 1st Pursuit Group and thus incorporate the 27th, 94th, 95th, and 147th Aero Squadrons. Three aircraft represent each Group and a wide variety of markings are available to choose from.

27th Aero Sqn.

  • Nie28 N6157, 1Lt. by William J. Hoover
  • Nie28 N6234, 1Lt. Edward B. Elliott
  • Nie28 N6301, Maj. Harold E. Hartney

94th Aero Sqn.

  • Nie28 N6148, 2Lt. Thorne C. Taylor
  • Nie28 N6168, 2Lt. John Wentworth
  • Nie28 N6184, 2Lt. Alan F. Winslow

95th Aero Sqn.

  • Nie28 N6150, 1Lt. Edward P. Curtis
  • Nie28 N6160, 1Lt. Waldo H. Heinrichs
  • Nie28 N6177, 1Lt. Quentin Roosevelt

147th Aero Sqn.

  • Nie28 N6145, 2Lt. Ralph O’Neill
  • Nie28 N6199, 2Lt. Thomas J. Abernethy
  • Nie28 N6334, 2Lt. William E. Brotherton

 

 

Conclusion

 

This is a marvellous sheet from Red Gecko and the attention to detail is first class.

For instance, the “Kicking Mule” insignia of the 95th Aero Squadron is not a generic example for all subjects. A silhouette of the emblem reflects that used on N6150 and N6177 whereas the one used for N6160 is of a more detailed type.

Similar thinking applies to the other insignias as well. Period photographs show that there are distinct tonal differences between some of these markings and accordingly it’s been reflected in the source material. Kudos to Red Gecko for transferring those interpretations onto their decal sheet.

Although the instructions are for decal placement only, it would have been nice if the diagrams were a bit sharper. For those wanting a clearer look at their subject, the references used for this release are included in the documentation.

This is a quality product and should appeal to all Nieuport 28 fans.

Highly recommended.

Thanks to Lone Star Models for the sample

Text and Images Copyright © 2014 by Rob Baumgartner
Page Created 20 March, 2014
Last updated 20 March, 2014

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