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23 Squadron RAF
1940-1990

Xtradecal, 1/72 scale

 

Summary

Catalogue Number and Price:

Xtradecal No. X72091 23 Squadron RAF
From GBP£6.30 available online from Hannants

Scale:

1/72

Contents and Media:

Waterslide decals plus instructions and notes

Review Type:

FirstLook

Advantages:

Markings for ten aircraft beginning with a Blenheim Mk.If from 1940, Havoc Mk.I from 1941, two Mosquitoes, 1943, Javelin, 1960/61, two Lightnings, an F3 from 1966 and an F6, 1968, two Phantoms from 1983 and 1990 plus lastly, a Tornado F3 also from 1990. The instructions show four views of all aircraft and are in full colour.

Disadvantages:

 

Conclusion:

Perhaps you're an Ex-Member of 23 Squadron RAF or may-be your mum or dad was or perhaps you just like the aircraft? Whatever the reason, you can't go past Xtradecal for quality and accuracy.

 

Reviewed by Glen Porter

 

FirstLook

 

Xtradecal, by Hannants in the UK, have been producing decals of high quality for some time now and have gained a reputation for interesting subjects and accuracy. They also make excellent paints under the name of Xtracolor/Xtracrylic and kits under Xtrakit. The best way to get their decals, paints or kits is via their web shop at     http://www.hannants.co.uk

Because of the number of different aircraft on the sheet, there are no stencils but all the other markings are present. The printing is about as close to perfect as you would want with good register, colour and minimum carrier film.

 

  • Xtradecal 1/72 scale 23 Sqn RAF Decal Review by Glen Porter: Image
  • Xtradecal 1/72 scale 23 Sqn RAF Decal Review by Glen Porter: Image
  • Xtradecal 1/72 scale 23 Sqn RAF Decal Review by Glen Porter: Image
  • Xtradecal 1/72 scale 23 Sqn RAF Decal Review by Glen Porter: Image
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Starting with the earliest aircraft, we have a Bristol Blenheim Mk. If, L8617/YP-K at Wittering, early 1940. It is in the standard RAF colours of Dark Green/Dark Earth uppers and black to port, white to starboard under surfaces. Codes are in a very pale grey.

Next is an overall black Douglas Havoc I (Intruder) serialed BJ495/YPW flying out of Ford in early 1941. The codes are in pale grey same as above but with the aircraft letter below the windscreen on the nose.

Two Mosquitoes come next. An FB.VI, HJ675/YP-V in Italy, circa 1943 and a NF.II, Luqa, Malta, in 1943 also. Both are in Dark Green/Medium Sea Grey with black under surfaces and codes in red.

The first of the post-war aircraft, a Gloster Javelin FAW.9, XH793/A, Coltishall, 1960/61. Upper surfaces are in Dark Green/Dark Sea Grey with High Speed Silver below.

Two EE (BAC) Lightnings, an F.3 XP759/J from Leuchars, May 1966 and an F.6, XR725/A also at Leuchars, September 1968. These two are in overall High Speed Silver with black canopy frames, anti glare panel and fin tip.

We have two McDonnell Phantom FGR.2s, XV466/E, Port Stanley, Falkland Is, 1983 and XV423/E, Leeming, circa early 1990. Both aircraft are in Low Vis schemes of Camouflage Grey (Barley Grey)/Light Aircraft Grey with small Low-Vis national markings.

Last but definitely not least, a single BAe Tornado F.3, ZE967/EU, Leeming, early 1990. It's in the same Low-Vis scheme as the two Phantoms above.

 

 

FirstLook

 

There appears to be something for everyone here. Four WW II aircraft in various schemes, three camouflaged and High Speed Silver early  post-war aircraft plus three late post-war aircraft for the “Grey is Good” brigade.

For those interested in 23 Squadron RAF and its history it is superb.

Thanks to Hannants for the review sample

Xtradecals are available online from Hannants' website

Review Text Copyright © 2009 by Glen Porter
This Page Created on 2 March, 2009
Last updated 2 March, 2009

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