Tupolev SB-2/Avia B.71

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

This is a welcome set to compliment the either the leading SB-2 kit by ICM, the now aging and out of production MPM kit, the very old Frog offering that has appeared re-boxed under various brands (Ark Models, Chematic, Eastern Express, Novo etc); or even a Gerald J. Elliott vac-form if you have one. The Avia B.71 was a Czechoslovak licence-built version powered by licence-built Hispano-Suiza engines.

Both Soviet and Czechoslovak produced aircraft served with quite a variety of nations.

The Decals

The decals are supplied in Xtradecal’s usual polythene zip-lock bag. The instructions are very nicely produced in colour, and clearly indicate markings placement. A brief note regarding the aircraft and its station location is given for each subject. The side profiles are possibly little small, but adequate. Only the Finish machine in disruptive camouflage would perhaps benefit from scanning and enlargement to guide painting.

Colours are mainly described by generic names, and a list of Xtracolor and Xtracrylix paint codes is also provided for the colours required, as well Soviet and RLM codes in the case of even of the Soviet or German schemes respectively.

The decals appear superbly printed, with excellent colour density and registration. The sheet reviewed here covers ten options; some of which are quite colourful, and all interesting in my opinion.

The specific subjects covered are:

• SB-2M-100A, Red 1, 13th SBAP, Soviet AF, 1941;

• SB-2M-100A, Yellow 9, 41st SPAB, Soviet AF, Finland, 1939;

• SB-2M-100A, Chinese Nationalist AF, 1939;

• Avia B.71, SE+DP, KG200, Luftwaffe, Rangsdorf, 1944;

• SB-2M-103A, SB-14, 2/LeLv 6, Finnish AF, 1942;

• SB-2M-103A, SB-13, 2/LeLv 6, Finnish AF, 1942;

• Avia B.71, 10K, 73rd Flight, III Squadron, 6 LP, Czechoslovak AF, 1938;

• Avia B.71, V3, Slovenske Vzdusne Zbrane - SVZ (Slovak Air Arms - SAA);

• SB-2M-100A, No 2, Spanish Republican AF, 1936-37; and

• SB-2M-100A, 20W-10, Spanish Nationalist AF, 1939.

These are superbly well produced decals. They provide some interesting markings for any of the available Tupolev SB-2/Avia B.71kits in The One True Scale. They also represent excellent value.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Hannants for this sample.

Text and Images Copyright © 2016 by Mark Davies
This Page Created on 9 August, 2016
Last updated 13 August, 2016

Back to HyperScale Main Page