Decals for Wingnut Wings 1/32 scale
Albatros D.V/D.Va
Volumes 3 & 4

Pheon Models, 1/32 scale

Reviewed by James Fahey

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The release of two new Datafiles covering the Albatros DV/DVa has provided the historical images and inspiration for two more 1/32 decal sets from Pheon. The number of Albatros decals now available is quite staggering but the aircraft is a favourite with modellers and many of the markings were very colourful. These two sets are some of the best Pheon have produced in terms of the selection of interesting markings and I suspect will further increase the sale of Wingnut Wings Albatros kits.

Some of the colours are noted as being conjectural, but this is a fairly normal situation for WWI modellers and Pheon set out the background to their choice of colours and quote references used in their research.

Each set features 10 different markings options. No national markings are provided as the Wingnut Wings decals are very well printed and accurate.

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Thumbnail panels:

Volume 3:

1. D.Va D5675/17, pilot unknown, Jasta 58 (coat of arms is of the city of Cassell

2. D.V 2030/17, Ltn Alfred Lenz, Jasta 21

3. D.Va pilot & unit unknown. Taken from the cover of issue 31 of the German magazine Das Propellerblatt

4. D.Va serial unknown, Vfw Karl Kallmunzer, Jasta 78b. Alternative markings are provided for the ‘K’ badge with either red or black surrounds.

5. D.V serial unknown, Ltn Robert Greim, Jasta 34b

6. D.V D2092/17 Ltn Walter Boning, Jasta 19

7. D.Va serial unknown, Ltn Alfred Fleischer, Jasta 17

8. D.V D2016/17, Ltn Karl Thom, Jasta 21s

9. D.Va Ltn Gerhard Schreiber, Jasta 37. Note the black stripes are not provided as decals. This is either a straightforward masking job or you use the decals from Wingnut Wings Albatros D.V kit or the stripe decals from Wingnut Wings ‘Black Beauties’ decal set #30017.

10. D.V Vzfw Max Kahlow Jasta 34b

Volume 4

1. D.Va Uffz. George Gerik, Jasta 75

2. D.V D4432/17 Pilot unknown, Jasta 23b

3. D.V serial unknown, Ltn Julius Buckler, Jasta 17

4. D.V D2042/17 Vfw. Albert Hausmann, Jasta 15

5. D.V 4408/17 Vfw Georg Strasser, Jasta 17

6. D.V serial unknown Ltn Heinrich Seywald, Jasta 23b

7. D.Va serial unknown Ltn Hermann Leptien. Note the black diamonds are not provided as decals due to the complexity of the compound curves and different surfaces around the nose. This should be a reasonably straightforward masking job.

8. D.V D2140/17 Oblt Guido Scheffer, FEA 6

9. D.Va Oblt. Hassi von Weddel, Jasta 14

10. D.V serial unknown Oberflugmeister Kurt Schonfelder, Jasta 7

Decal Application

Some specific points are noted in the instructions. The decals are designed to adhere well without using setting solutions. Micro Sol is OK as a wetting agent but setting solutions intended for use on thick decals are not recommended (Mr Decal Softener, Champs). Careful use of a hair dryer is suggested to help decals conform to compound curves and sharp edges.

Positives

• Lots of colourful, interesting options, 10 in each set. The variety is good with a mix of mauve/green and lozenge camouflage schemes, varnished ply vs painted fuselages and various cross styles.

• Reputable manufacturer and excellent decal quality. All coloured decals are backed with a white undercoat to ensure the colour is retained over a dark fuselage.

• Well researched and a useful list of references is provided.

• Attractive high quality colour artwork and decal placement guides

Negatives

Nothing of any significance. The instruction booklets are somewhat abbreviated due to the decals being rushed out in time for release at Telford’s Scale Model World 2012. Pheon have promised to provide a more complete booklet to modellers who purchased the set and left their address details with Pheon at the show.

This is what after-market decals are all about and Pheon have really delivered. Very inspirational.

Pheon intend to duplicate the sets in 1/48 and 1/72 scales in the near future.

Thanks to Pheon Models for the review samples.

Available only directly from Pheon Models by email: pheon.models@hotmail.co.uk

Text and Images Copyright © 2013 by James Fahey
Page Created 14 January, 2013
Last updated 14 January, 2013

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