Test, Development & Demonstrator Hawks

Combat Decals, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Mark Davies

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The Hawker-Siddeley Hawk first flew in 1974 and is currently produced by BAE systems. The Hawk has enjoyed considerable export success, being flown by many nations in a multiplicity of versions. Obviously, test, development and demonstrator aircraft played an important part in the Hawk’s success, and it is these aircraft that the decals reviewed here cover.

Wikipedia’s useful synopsis of the Hawk’s history and development is linked here.

Combat Decals is owned by Dave Little, for whom decal production is a part-time activity as I understand he has a fulltime job as well. Combat Decals were previously available through Dave’s website (www.model-craft.co.uk) but this is now inoperative, despite still being listed in the decal instructions. Instead Dave is handling distribution by selling at model shows and through some e-Bay listings, with Freightdog Models as sole stockists and resellers of the brand.

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The first thing that I noticed with the decals reviewed here was how relatively weighty and cram-packed was the standard zip-lock plastic bag compared to most decal packs; clearly, I could expect quite a lot to take a first look at.

The decals come in the almost universal zip-lock plastic bag, along with a colours & markings guide of five folded A4 ages. These are very heavy and glossy, and convey an immediate impression of being a quality package.

Very nicely printed in colour, each subject has a full page dedicated to it with two profile and upper and lower plan views. There are also detail views of the undercarriage legs and doors showing decal locations. Paint colours are cross-referenced to BS381C, FS595, and the Humbrol, Xtracolour, Xtracrylix and Lifecolour paint ranges; so all very thorough and helpful. The decal locations are clearly indicated throughout.

The decals are printed on two sheets by Fantasy Printshop, so it should be no surprise that their quality is excellent in all respects. These include national insignia, elaborate graphics, extensive stenciling, plus instrument panel and side consol decals for the Hawk 100 and 200 series. The sheets supply sufficient decals to complete all nine subjects, so this is an ideal set to buy for a group build or to share with modeling mates.

The options covered by this include:

• Mk.200 ZJ201, Radar Development aircraft, in Medium Sea Grey scheme, 1993;

• Mk.200 ZJ201, Radar Development aircraft in 'McLaren' silver and gloss black scheme, 1999;

• Mk.200 RDA ZH200, 'Middle Eastern' scheme, 1992;

• Mk.100 ZJ100, dark blue with green, red, black and yellow flashing, 1997-99;

• Mk.100 ZJ100, dark blue & red BAE Systems colours, 2002;

• Mk.100 ZJ101, 'Middle Eastern' scheme, late 1990's;

• Mk.200 ZJ201, Radar Development aircraft in Dark Sea Grey & Medium Sea Grey, 1986;

• Mk.53, ZK535, dark blue BAE Systems colours, 2011; and

• Mk.200 RDA ZJ201, wraparound two-tone grey scheme, 1994.

The single seat Mk.200 options will require conversion using the Neomega conversion set or forthcoming Combat Conversion set from Dave Little.

This is a high quality package with superb decals and excellent colour scheme and placement guides. The subject selections are, I think, most appealing ones.  

Definitely highly recommended.

Thanks to Freightdog Models for the review samples.

Text and Images Copyright © 2015 by Mark Davies
Page Created 2 April, 2015
Last updated 2 April, 2015

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