Aviaeology has just released new decals for some of the high scoring Mosquitoes Intruders of 418 “The City of Edmonton” Squadron. Markings available at this time are in 1/72nd, 1/48th and 1/32nd scales. It is expected that they will become available in 1/24th scale when the new Airfix kit is released. Now, before you say there is no 1/32nd scale kit, there are conversions sets available for the Revell Mosquito, which these markings are scaled to.

Three colorful and distinct schemes are provided. The first is THU, Moonbeam McSwine flown by American Ace, James “Lou” Luma and his navigator Colin Finlayson. This Mosquito was an early FB VI series I aircraft.

The next scheme depicts THZ, Hairless Joe, flown by high scoring Canadian ace W/C Russ Bannock and his navigator Robert Bruce. The aircraft is an early production FB VI series II Mosquito.

The final option is THM, Black Rufe operated by Robert Kipp and Peter Huletsky. This aircraft is a Mosquito MK VI series II, mid production variant.

As with other Aviaeology releases the instructions are exhaustive. Extensive details are provided for each aircraft. Paint schemes are discussed in great detail and clearly identified in areas where controversy exists. Left side and upper views are printed in color and used to highlight the schemes. There are also detailed notes identifying some of the various differences between some of these Mosquito sub variants. The various weapons loadouts and radio installations are also elaborated upon.

 

 

Modelers should note that when the decal package is shipped, the enclosed instructions are printed in black and white. Color instructions are subsequently sent via e-mail in a hi-res, pdf format when you receive an e-mail confirming shipment.

The decals are printed in a new, all-digital system, known as Digital Silk. The advantage to this system is the incredible clarity to which the decals are printed. They are in perfect register and opacity. Unlike traditional silkscreen printed decals, multi-layering of decals to achieve good registration of a single marking is not necessary. However, the process does require that the markings be applied to decal paper with single carrier film.

These Mosquito Intruders of 418 Sqn made up part of the highest scoring RCAF unit of WW II. Arguably, they displayed some of the most elaborate and colorful nose art applied to this type. Unfortunately, there are still many questions that remain about the various nose art, fuselage code and s/n combinations on their aircraft. However, from photos and documents there are some answers in this new release.

These new decals are available directly from Aviaeology at their website or E-bay Store. I am sure these markings will prove to be very popular. Initial reports indicate that the decals are selling well and I recommend them without hesitation. The comprehensive information alone supplied with the package is well worth the value.

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