Mark 1 Ltd Baker's Dozen Set
Fairey Swordfish
Colours & Markings

Reviewed by Mark Davies

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The Swordfish really needs no introduction as this anachronistic design probably achieved a degree of fame exceeding that of any other obsolete design to serve in WW2. The attack on Taranto Harbour and the disabling of the Bismarck are its two major claims to fame, but it also provided sterling service in the less glamorous but vital roles of convoy escort and U-boat killer. It might come as a surprise to some that Fairey and Blackburn had built almost 2,400 Swordfishes by 1944.

There have been three in 1/72-scale Swordfish kits by Airfix, Frog and Matchbox (The latter two have been re-released by various other companies as well). Airfix are soon to release a new tool 1/72 Swordfish to replace their rather ancient offering dating from 1959. In 1/48-scale there is an old SMER kit (originally by Merit), and the superb Tamiya offering. For the boys who like big toys there’s Trumpeter’s 1/32-scale release.

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.

In the case of this review Mark I provide a baker’s dozen, so 13 Swordfish schemes are offered. It has an attractive front cover, whilst the rear cover has colour profiles of all the schemes the booklet provides colour plans and decals for. Mark 1 has restricted the decal scales for the Swordfish Baker’s Dozen set to 1/48 & 1/72. So unfortunately there is no option for builders of the trumpeter kit. Make sure you order the correct product code for your chosen scale.

Inside consists of two pages dedicated to each of the 13 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 service or restored aircraft. The second page on each scheme has clearly printed and attractive 4-view colour plans.

The schemes offered are for one Royal Air Force, one Royal Canadian Navy and eleven Fleet Air Arm subjects. In each case the decals are beautifully printed. There decal sheet also provides quite a number of stencil markings. These differ between machines assembled by Fairey and Blackburn, and Mark 1 provides down-loadable PDF files covering these on their web-site:

• Fairey-built Stencil Placement.
• Blackburn-built Stencil Placement.

Mention is made of the stencil placement guides in fairly small print amongst the notes on the first page, and could easily be overlooked. I think that a note accompanying each markings plan would be more effective.

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The quality and attractiveness of production this “baker’s 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 Swordfish 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 Swordfish, but to be fair the price is very comparable to other premium presentations of decal packages

Mark 1’s Fairey Swordfish “baker’s dozen set” is an ideal solution for modellers who want an all-in-one reference and decals. They will be able to complete their Swordfish kits in attractive schemes supported by photos, and may want to exploit the walk around to add more detail to their finished model. The down-loadable stencil placement guides add more value of the package.

Stockists

Mark 1 Guides are available in the USA from UMM-USA and Stevens International; in Australia from Platypus and Red Roo Models; and in the UK from Hannants, Aviation Book Centre, Ian Allan, LSA Models and The Aviation Bookshop.

Thanks to Mark 1 Ltd for this review sample.

Review Copyright © 2011 by Mark Davies
This Page Created on 11 October, 2011
Last updated 12 October, 2011

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