RAF Germany Part I

Model Alliance Decals, 1/48

Reviewed by Ken Bowes

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A few weeks ago I had a look at Parts 2 and 3 of this series from Model Alliance Decals so it was timely to receive the earlier Part 1 for review this week. Like Parts 2 and 3 this covers the major aircraft types deployed in the RAF Germany area of responsibility during the period from 1970 to 1975, although this time does indeed only cover four types (not the five of later sheets). This is the period when the first steps towards lower visibility markings were being taken and this is reflected in the mix of colourful squadron markings and both full colour and two colour roundels.

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This sheet unsurprisingly has many of the units depicted that appear in Parts 2 and 3 but of course at different points in their operational history.

The sheet offers the following eight individual subjects:

• Phantom FGR2 of 2(AC) Squadron RAF Laarbruch 1974

• Phantom FGR2  of 2(AC) Squadron RAF Laarbruch 1975

• Phantom FGR2 of 17 Squadron RAF Bruggen 1972

• Harrier GR 1 of 4 Squadron RAF Wildenrath 1971

• Phantom FGR2 of 17 Squadron RAF Bruggen 1975

• Harrier T2 of 3 Squadron RAF Wildenrath 1976 (despite the decals being labeled 1970-75)

• Wessex HC 2 18 Squadron RAF Gutersloh 1971

• Lightning F2A of 92 Squadron RAF Gutersloh 1972 in high speed silver with a blue spin and fin as flown by the Unit CO.

All the above are in Dark Green and Dark Sea Gray over Light Aircraft Gray disruptive schemes with the Wessex having a black underside.

Much of what applies to this sheet can be read in the reviews for parts 2 and 3. In combination the three sheets provide a variety of markings for no less than 24 individual airframes operated by RAF Germany units giving a modeler no end of choice. Model alliance provides all the roundels, serial numbers and individual squadron markings for all subjects on a large format A4 size sheet, making it possible for a dedicated modeler to use the entire sheet if desired.

As with the later sheets the biggest challenge may be finding the appropriate kits to use – especially the extremely rare Revell Wessex kit. In addition the Harrier GR 1 is really only available via two very old kits from Monogram and Tamiya and needs a conversion kit to make a T2 which may also deter some.

Thanks to Aviation Workshop / Model Alliance (UK)  for the review sample

Model Alliance products are available online from the Aviation Workshop.

Review Copyright © 2011 by Ken Bowes
Page Created 25 May, 2011
Last updated 25 May, 2011

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