C-47 Dakota in RAAF and RNZAF Service

DK Decals, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Mark Davies

Xtradecal's 1/72 scale Junkers Ju 87 B/K/R Stuka decals
are available online from Squadron.com

The C-47 was widely operated by a number of Allied air forces, including the RNZAF and RAAF. This is a most welcome set providing no less than twelve interesting options.

I know that DK Decals used a number of global contacts to assist in the research of this and several other recent RAAF & RNZAF releases. DK Decals acknowledges the assistance of Ed Russell of Red Roo Models and Steve Mackenzie in this set’s case.

The Decals

The decals are supplied in the ubiquitous A-5 zip-lock plastic bag, although the packaging method is more unusual in that the single A-4 page of instructions are folded in three to enclose three decals sheets and their protective talcs.

The instructions are very nicely produced in colour on glossy paper, and clearly indicate markings placement. A brief note regarding the aircraft and its station location is listed in a separate box and keyed to each subject.

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Thumbnail panels:

Colour call outs are listed using RAF/RAAF names as well cross-referencing them to the Humbrol and Agama paint ranges.

Each scheme is illustrated using a single side-profile view, except one that has both sides shown due to non-symmetrical marking application. These profile views are about as small as one would want them to get, but are fit for purpose; they can be improved by scanning an enlargement as I have done here.

Plan views are much smaller, but include panel lines to aid correct placement of national insignia, and so again are adequate.

The schemes covered by this set are listed in the scanned image below:

It is apparent that one scheme is neither Kiwi nor Aussie, this being Option No 9, a New Guinea based USAAF Skytrain with a Directorate of Allied Air Transport call-sign.

The decals are printed by BOA Agency appear to be of superb quality, with excellent registration, good colour density, and a gloss finish. I also suspect that they may be a little thicker than some Czech decals as it is possible to feel them raised from their backing paper. I am confident they are not too thick by any means, just that I suspect these will be less fragile and prone to folding over on themselves than some other Czech decal brands.
The decals come supplied on four separate sheets, and include sufficient national insignia for about nine schemes; making a good excuse for C-47 group build with your mates.

These are superbly well produced decals. They provide some interesting and attractive markings in ‘The One True Scale’ for C-47 and RNZAF or RAAF fans alike. They also represent excellent value.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Red Roo Models for this sample.

Text and Images Copyright © 2016 by Mark Davies
This Page Created on 23 August, 2016
Last updated 23 August, 2016

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