Reviewed by Mark Davies

 
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Mark 1 Ltd’s “Dozen Set” Colours & Markings format is well-established and familiar to many. The format consists of a very nicely produced A4 landscape booklet and decals for a dozen different aircraft of the type covered. It has an attractive front cover, whilst the rear cover has colour profiles of the 12 schemes the booklet provides colour plans and decals for. Decals for the schemes are available in different scales to suit commonly available kits of the subject (so if you are ordering on-line make sure you order the correct product code for your chosen scale).

Inside consists of two pages dedicated to each of the 12 colour schemes. The first page for each set of markings has a photograph of the subject scheme and some brief notes concerning its background. Also on this same page are walk-around photos of a museum example and/or photos of service aircraft. The second page on each scheme has clearly printed and attractive 4-view colour plans.

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The last three pages of the book have clear colour close-up photos of the cockpit and wheel wells. A very useful point about this issue is that little extras like a locally manufactured reconnaissance camera pod on one of the USAF machines, or a Japanese baggage travel pod, are covered in the walk-around photos. These will enable modellers to scratch-build these simple items to add a little extra interest to their models.

This particular set is well timed for the new release by Sword of its 1/72 T-33 kits (Click here for “First Look” review). Equally the Dozen Set will compliment the Heller or Hasegawa kits in 1/72, the Academy/Hobbycraft and Testors kits in 1/48, or the Czech Model and forthcoming Special Hobby releases in 1/32.

The 12 schemes offered are for USAF (2 subjects), RCAF (2 subjects), and one each for the US Navy, US Marines, Japanese Air Self Defence Force, Luftwaffe, Royal Netherlands Air Force, Belgian Air Force, French Air Force and Spanish Air Force.

In the case of the Luftwaffe option I did wonder about the absence of decals for the various relatively complex orange shapes around the nose, intakes and tail. However after giving the matter some thought I realised that the same decals were unlikely to conform to the various different T-33 kits in any given scale, as each kit is likely to differ slightly in the areas concerned (especially around the intakes and nose). Also many would prefer to paint such markings anyway, especially when several compound curves are involved.

The quality and attractiveness of production this “dozen set” is plain to see. Its appeal and value will no doubt lie with those who want a simple all-in-one decals and reference package to finish their T-33 model. I suspect that decal collectors will also be tempted where this “deluxe” combination of decals, colour plans and photos. The package is not the cheapest solution to decaling your T-33, but to be fair the price is comparable to other premium presentations of decal package.

Mark 1’s T-33 “dozen set” is an ideal solution for modellers who want an all-in-one reference and decals. They will be able to complete their T-33 kits in attractive schemes supported by photos, and may want to exploit the walk around to add more detail to their finished model.

Stockists

Mark 1 Guides are available in the USA from UMM-USA and Stevens International; in Australia by Platypus and Highlands Bookshops; and in the UK from Hannants, Midland Counties, Aviation Book Centre, LSA Models and The Aviation Bookshop.

Thanks to Mark 1 Ltd for this review sample.

Review Copyright © 2010 by Mark Davies
Page Created 6 September, 2010
Last updated 6 September, 2010

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