Brits Abroad
Immediate Post-War RAF

Freightdog Models, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

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I was pleased and surprised to receive this latest release from Freightdog Models last week. Please because the interesting subjects of the immediate post-war RAF is rarely covered, and surprised because I had not heard that this decal sheet was coming.

"Brits Abroad - Immediate Post-War RAF" represents Freightdog Models' first foray into 1/48 scale, and provides markings for Thunderbolts (Mks. I and II), and Spitfires (Mks. XIVc, XIVe and 18e).

Specific subjects are:

• Thunderbolt Mk.I, 18 of 73 OTU based at Fayid, Edgypt in 1946. It is suggested that this aircraft is finished in US equivalent colours Olive Drab, Sea Grey and Light Grey. A large Ace emblem is supplied for the cowl, with an optional Skull for the black section of the spade.

• Thunderbolt Mk.II, RS-C of 30 Sqn based at Baigatachi, India in 1945. Overall natural metal with Roudel Blue ID Stripes and Olive Drab anti-glare panels fore and aft of the canopy. This aircraft features the emall two-tone blue SEAC markingsand a tiny palm tree emblem on the fin.

• Thunderbolt Mk.II, FL-O of 81 Sqn based at Java in 1946. Overall natural metal with Roudel Blue ID Stripes and Olive Drab anti-glare panels fore and aft of the canopy. This aircraft features the emall two-tone blue SEAC markings.

• Spitfire Mk,XIVc, RN185 of 17 Sqn. based at Miho in Japan during May 1946. This is a very interesting scheme of Dark Green over Medium Sea Grey with a yellow spinner and RAF A Type roundels, apparently in pre-war proportions but with wartime colours.

• Spitfire Mk,XIVc, RN135 of 17 Sqn. based at Miho in Japan during May 1946. As above, but this time with a red spinner and large Squadron Leader's pennant under the windscreen This was Ginger Lacy's post-war mount.

• Spitfire Mk,XIVe, MV357 of 11 Sqn. based at Miho in Japan during May 1946. As above, but with bare metal lower surfaces and spinner.

• Spitfire FR.XIVE of 28 Sqn,, Kuala Lumpur 1946. This aircraft is finished in the Temperate Land Scheme of Dark Green, Dark Earth (labelled "Yellow though on the instructions) and Medium Sea Grey. Broad white bands adorn the wings and tailplane, and the spinner is also white (watch out though, as the colour key also labels these yellow - but the diagram shows the correct colours in all cases).

• Spitfire FR.Mk.18e of 32 Sqn, Palestine 1948. This aircraft is finished in European colours of Dark Green, Ocean Grey and Medium Sea Grey. C1 Type roundels are featured on the fuselage and upper wings.

Instructions are very well done. Every subject is treated to large four-view drawings plus colour notes.

The decals are printed by Fantasy Printshop and feature excellent opacity, authentic colour reproduction and perfect registration.

The only downside is that the print run will be limited to 200 sheets. If you want to own one of these decal sets, act now!

Highly Recommended.