Harrier Test & Demonstration Aircraft # 4

Vingtor Decals, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Mark Davies

HyperScale is proudly sponsored by Squadron.com

Vingtor is a Norwegian company, and new to me. Unsurprisingly, their decals have a Norwegian focus, but it seems that the range has expanded to cover aircraft of other nations too. They also publish a book series called “Norwegian Wings” , with two titles so far, using Norwegian and English text. Check out the links provided and see what Vingtor has to offer. (For Thunderjet fans, make sure you download the free PDF on the F-84 in RNoAF service) .

The Decals

The decals are supplied in the often-used polythene zip-lock bag. The colour-printed instructions consist of two folded A4 sheets using English text. The last page of these gives quite detailed notes on the subjects covered. They also provide information and guidance on kit selection, as well as handy information for building the versions covered. The information is easy to overlook, because of the small print and an initial assumption it is the usual obvious blurb on how to apply decals etc. It does of course include guidance on decal use, but the extra information provided is very thorough and informative, and well worth reading.

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Thumbnail panels:

The painting & marking guides give twin profile and plan views, with detail views of  fuselage that are otherwise obstructed by the wings. Paint colours are mentioned in the rear page notes using military names, and include mix ratios for a special one-off colour used on one of the subjects.

The decals are printed in the Czech Republic by BOA, and appear to be of excellent quality in all respects. The instructions mention that Micro-Set is all that is required to get the decals to conform with most surfaces; and a little Micro-Sol for really difficult areas.

The set reviewed here covers three options; all of which are quite appealing in my opinion. The subjects are:

• Harrier GR.5 with Pegasus 11-62, ZD402. Used of pre-production engine texting in 1989.

• Harrier GR.7A, ZD318. One of three GR.5 prototypes originally built in 1985; ZD318 it served as the GR.7A prototype using the upgraded Pegasus 11-61/Mk.107 engine. The sheet includes serials for the other two GR.5 prototypes, ZD319 and ZD320.

• Harrier GR.9, ZD320. An ex-GR.5, ZD320 served as the GR.9 prototype with enhanced weapon capabilities and updated avionics, but used the Pegasus 11-21/Mk.105 rather than the production GR.9A’s 11-61/Mk.107 engine.

This is a high quality package with superb decals and excellent colour scheme and placement guides. The subject selections appear to be very well researched and executed. Some schemes are simply variations on standard service liveries, whilst others are quite striking, but overall represent an interesting historical selection.   

Definitely highly recommended.

Thanks to Freightdog Models for the review samples.

Text and Images Copyright © 2015 by Mark Davies
Page Created 19 March, 2015
Last updated 25 March, 2015

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