Hannover Cl.II Decals
for Wingnut Wings

Pheon Models, 1/32 scale

Reviewed by James Fahey

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Pheon Decals will be known to most WWI modellers by now. Rowan and Sabine have recently released this set for the 1/32 Wingnut Wings Hannover Cl.II kit.

I well remember building the Airfix Hannover kit in 1/72 when I was a teenager, and agonising over the printed camouflage fabric finish and markings for only *one* aircraft. Now that the superb Wingnut Wings is out, building it will be a pleasant trip down memory lane with a lavish choice of markings.

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In this release there are markings for twelve Hannover Cl.II aircraft:

1. 13080/17 (unit unknown). The cartoon-like figure is rather unusual and eye-catching.

2. Serial unknown, Schlasta 12, March 1918. Note the sash marking is not a chevron but continues forward over the fuselage.

3. 9338/17 Schlasta 24b, Sgt Zitzelsberger & Vzfw. Muller, March 1918

4. 9390/17 Schusta 30b, March 1918

5. 13282/17 Schlasta 31b, Vzfw. Peez & Gefr. Lang, May 1918

6. 132??/17 Schlasta 16 May 1918

7. 9387/17 Schusta 19, December 1917

8. Serial unknown, Schusta 27b December 1917. Dan San Abbott described this marking as a “stylised dragonfly” in his book ‘Schlachtflieger!’ which seems a bit of a stretch given how unclear the photo is.

9. 9301/17 Schusta 12, Flg. Karl Romann & Vzfw. Georg Winkler January 1918

10. 13181/17 Fl. Abt. (A) 226, Vzfw. Willy Engler & Ltn. Alfred Kuerman

11. 13253/17 Schlasta 34, May 1918

12. 218 Polish Air Service

Rowan has been scrupulous with his selection of Hannover markings, a number of interesting options were passed over as they belonged to the virtually identical Hannover Cl.IIIa.

Where colours have not been definitively established, Pheon provide evidence for plausible options.

The late Dan-San Abbott had promulgated the view in his “Schlachtflieger!” book, and on The Aerodrome WWI forum, that the upper flying surfaces of the Hannover Cl.II were covered in the light 5 colour lozenge (usually reserved for the underside) and that the under surfaces were covered in clear doped linen, not 5 colour lozenge. I do not recall any hard evidence for this view but it is interesting that the photo on page 27 of the Wingnut Wings instruction booklet and page 11 of the Datafile shows no lozenge shapes on the underside. Fabric covering for the later Hannover Cl.III and Cl.IIIa were of the normal dark & light lozenge patterns according to Mr Abbott.

http://www.theaerodrome.com/forum/aircraft/15754-four-five-colour-lozenge.html

http://www.theaerodrome.com/forum/aircraft/1983-hannover-cl-ii-markings-opinions-sought.html

Things I Liked

Accurate depiction of the historical font used for the serial numbers (unlike some other decal manufacturers)

It’s nice to get so many markings options in a set (the price would not be significantly less for fewer options). This means greater scope to finish your Hannover in something different, including a variety of fuselage camouflage finishes to choose from.

Excellent historical research and references as we have come to expect from Pheon

The usual excellent full colour decal placement guides printed on glossy card

Top quality decal printing by Fantasy Printshop from the UK.

Things that could be improved

Only a small nitpick, it’s all good really. The larger polygons on the fuselage should have softer edges, but as Rowan points out in the instruction booklet, the artwork in the Wingnut Wings instruction booklet may better illustrate the appearance of the various possible fuselage finishes.

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.

Note that Pheon have a new email address: pheon@pheondecals.com

While not as colourful as the German fighter markings, the German two seaters did sport a variety of unit styles and individual markings, of which Pheon have provided an excellent selection.

For those modellers wanting to finish their WNW Hannovers in something a bit different, then this set is just the ticket. I love the quality of Pheon’s decal sets and am sure modellers will find this one inspirational for building the Wingnut Wings kit.

Highly recommended.

Thanks to Pheon Models for the review samples.

Available only directly from Pheon Models by email: pheon@pheondecals.com

Text and Images Copyright © 2013 by James Fahey
Page Created 9 September, 2013
Last updated 9 September, 2013

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