S u m m a r y
Stock Number and Description	Mini Print Decal MPD 72027 - Douglas DC-2
Media and Contents:	Waterslide decals, markings for three aircraft
Price:	USD$13.76 from UMM USA
Scale:	N/A
Review Type:	First Look
Advantages:	Well printed colorful decals with very good registration.
Disadvantages:	Slightly confusing marking guide
Conclusion:	Very good and colorful markings for the DC-2

 

I understand these decals have been around for a while and that the company is not new.  But, this is my first experience with them.  The scale, 1/72, is one I usually do not model, as is the subject matter, civilian airlines

Be that as it may, these appear to be a great set of markings for use on the MPM 1/72 DC-2.  Depending on your tolerance for accuracy (or is it inaccuracy?), you could decide to use the Revell of Germany’s DC-3.

The primary set of markings is for two aircraft in the TWA livery.  The first set is for a “display” aircraft that was at TWA’s Overhaul Base in Missouri. It was never actually in TWA service and carried a spurious tail number.  It has the Douglas name and the designation “DC-2” on the wings.

The second TWA marking is for the first DC-2, which went to TWA. This aircraft carries the civil registration on the wings with the TWA lettering.  This aircraft, when originally put into service, did not have the two tail stripes nor did it carry “The Lindbergh Line” lettering above the windows.  TWA adopted the name “The Lindbergh Line” on its transcontinental route after Charles Lindbergh became an advisor to TWA.  It was dropped the name when his pro-German sentiments became an issue in the late 1930s.

 

 

Some notes on these two markings.  First, if you are doing aircraft #2, then it would appear you would leave off the tail number NC1934D, which appears to belong to aircraft #1.  The instructions are not clear as to this.  Also, it would appear that the individual aircraft number “301” would not be used on aircraft #2.

The decals give the modeler two options for the fuselage lettering, this is whether one uses the above window script and arrow and TWA fuselage marking with or without a black outline.  According to the reference, both styles were used.

Finally, the decals do not provide for the tail stripes.  Fine if you’re doing the early version of aircraft #2.  But, if not, then you’ll have to mix a matching orange-red (or is that red-orange?).

The second set of markings is for an aircraft of American Airlines.  The markings do provide for two different aircraft numbers, in case you are superstitious.  It appears that NC14274 crashed two years after entering service. The markings provide a number “5”, both large and small, so you can model a DC-2 that retired from AA in 1940.

While the “AA” and the registration numbers appear black, they seem to be a very dark blue, which I understand is correct.

The real issue when reviewing decals is how do they perform.  I used the word DOUGLAS to find out.  I used room temperature water and put down Micro Set (blue bottle) where I would put the decals.  Surprisingly, unlike most East European decals, the MPD decals slid easily in place and could be moved around to get the position I wanted.  Using a Q-tip cotton bud, the decals settled into place and took to the contours of the plastic. 

I then used Micro Sol (red bottle).  I found this to be a little hot.  If you feel you must use it, dilute it a little with water.  While I did experiment with its use, I do not believe I really needed the Micro Sol.

 

 

C o n c l u s i o n

 

For the modeler who does 1/72 civilian aircraft, this is a very nice set of markings.  The TWA markings are especially nice to remember a fallen flag.

 

 

I have included a picture (copyright unknown) of a line up of TWA DC-3s with “The Lindbergh Line “ markings.

Thanks to John Vojtech of UMM-USA for the Anniversary Pack review sample.

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