74 (Tiger) Squadron R.A.F. From SE 5As, 1918 to Phantom FGR.2s. 1992

Xtradecal,1/72 scale

Reviewed by Glen Porter

Background

For those who don't know, Xtradecal is the “in house” trade name for Hannant's line of decals along with Xtrakit (plastic kits) and Xtracolor/Xtracrylic (model paints). They can be had by visiting the two shops in the UK or on line at www.hannants.com.uk

74 Squadron RAF is one of those initially formed during the First World War and has operated periodically in various locations and with various aircraft types to almost the present day. Although not all of the types flown by then are shown here, the more important ones are.

The Decals

There are markings for one S.E. 5A, one Gloster Gauntlet Mk. II, two Mk. I and one Mk. II Spitfires, a desert camouflaged Hurricane Mk. IIB, a Mk VB Spitfire also in desert colours, one Mk. IXe, a Mk. XVIe bubble top, one Hawker Hunter F.Mk. 4, ten F-4J (UK) Phantoms and ten FGR. 2 Phantoms.

• 
• 
• 

Thumbnail panels:

All of the decals, as we've come to expect from Xtradecals, are in perfect register with good colours and minimum carrier film but with thirty aircraft on the one sheet, they are packed quite tightly together.

The specific aircraft on the sheet are as follows:

• S.E. 5A, F8990/R France, 1918. No location or pilot is given.

• Gloster Gauntlet Mk. II, K7863, RAF Hornchurch, March 1937 to Feb, 1939.

• Spitfire Mk. I, K9871/JH-O, RAF Hornchurch and Rochford, post 27.4.1939.

• Spitfire Mk. I, K9871/ZP-O, same locations, post 11.8.1940.

• Spitfire Mk. II, P8388/ZP-W,”Black Vanities” RAF Gravesend, 1941.

• Hurricane Mk. IIB, BE698/C, Meherabad, Iran. 1942/43.

• Spitfire Mk. VB, EP814/L, RAF Nicosia, Cyprus 1943.

• Spitfire Mk. IXe, PV144/4D-A, Sqn.Ldr. J.C.F. Hayter, Belgium, 1944.

• Spitfire LF. Mk. XVIe, TB675/4D-V Germany, 1945.

• Hawker Hunter F. Mk. 4, WV269/H, RAF Horsham, Norfolk, 1957.

• All ten F-4J (UK) Phantoms, RAF Wattisham, 1984 to 1990.

• All ten FGR.2 Phantoms, same location, 1990 to 1992.

Where there are variations in the markings among the Phantoms, it is noted on the instructions and similarly, where an aircraft's colours or markings are speculation only, it is also marked. All colours are marked with BS or FS numbers and a complete list of both Xtracolor and Xtracrylic paints are given with their numbers.

If someone insisted that I pick a fault with this set, it would be that I think the colours on the instructions are a little dark. The PC.10 on the S.E. 5A looks all but black in anything but the best lighting. Minor, I know.

So, You think I'm biased? Well, Yeah, I am. I know it would be better if someone who preferred other decals came along and said nice things about them, but in the meantime, you're stuck with me. So there.

Meanwhile, Mr Hannant, what about some Spitfire Mk. XII decals for 91 Squadron to go with the only good Mk. XII in this scale?

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 17 December, 2009
Last updated 7 December, 2009

Back to HyperScale Main Page