RAF Update 2014-2015-2016 Pt. 2

Xtradecal, 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 decals reviewed here cover a selection of current RAF types, albeit with a Tornado emphasis, several of which are adorned with colourful and eye-catching special schemes. I would be surprised if most builders of modern types did not find at least one or two schemes to spark their interest in this sheet.

The decals are supplied in Xtradecal’s usual A5 polythene zip-lock bag. The instructions are nicely produced in colour, and clearly indicate markings placement. A brief note regarding the aircraft and its station location is given for each subject. Unsurprisingly, a list of Xtracolor and Xtracrylix paint codes is also provided for the colours required along with BSC381C numbers.

Some modeller’s notes are included covering things like spine aerials for the Tornados, and the fact that some unspecified scratch-building is required for a true representation of the Chinook HC-4 (which at least is a prompt to check references I guess).

The set reviewed here covers seven options; all of which are quite appealing in my opinion. The subjects are:

• Eurofighter Typhoon GR.4, ZK315, 41(R) Sqn 100th Anniversary, Wg Cdr S.A. Berry, RAF Coningsby, 2015;

• Boeing Chinook HC.4, ZA683, 27 Sqn 100th Anniversary, Maj G.J. Malcolm, RAF Odiham, 2015;

• Tornado GR.4A, ZA412, 12 Sqn 100th Anniversary, Flt Lt S.A.Jenkins/ Wg Cdr Nikki Thomas, RAF Lossiemouth, 2015.

• Tornado GR.4A, ZA548, 31 Sqn 100th Anniversary, Wg Cdr J. Freeborough/Flt Lt Lamb, RAF Marham 2015;

• Tornado GR.4A, ZG750, XV(R) Sqn 25 Years service since Op Granby, Desert Pink with shark mouth, RAF Lossiemouth, 2016.

• Tornado GR.4A, ZD788, 40 Years of Tornados, Gp Capt H. Smyth/Wg Cdr R.A. Connor RAF Marham 2014; and

• BAe Hawk T.1 XX188 or XX256, 208 Sqn 100th Anniversary Wg Cdr C. Kidd/Sqn Ldr Arlett RAF Valley, 2016.

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The decals look to be superbly printed and with excellent colour density.

Each scheme has an additional modeller’s note advising to use the kit’s stencils. However a full-sized decal sheet containing extensive Tornado stenciling is supplied. A full page of instructions is dedicated to their placement and explains they are for the ‘current’ Tornado scheme (Presumably camouflage grey) and that for the ‘Gulf” airframe in Desert Pink to use the stencils with black numbers unless a choice is indicated, in which case the stencil indicated by a red number should be used. In reality this is quite straight forward; for example, stencil decal number 2 in black has a Gulf alternative indicated by number 2a in red in the instructions, although on the decals sheet these numbers are both printed black as 2 and 2a.

These are superbly produced decals. They provide some interesting and colourful options for a variety of current RAF subjects, I highly recommend them.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Hannants for this sample.

Text and Images Copyright © 2016 by Mark Davies
This Page Created on 1 August, 2016
Last updated 1 August, 2016

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