Airco DH.9A - Decal Set

Clear Prop!, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Graham Carter

Now this is an interesting idea as it provides a set of woodgrain decals designed to cover or wrap-around all of the wooden surfaces of the DH.9A as kitted by Clear Prop.

In the past modellers have either carefully painted a wood-grain pattern using various shades of sand, tan and brown with a clear yellow/orange coat, or have carved replacements from toothpicks or scrap wood and stained them appropriately.

This sheet is 100x80mm in a clear sleeve inside a zip-lock bag with a double-sided A4 colour instruction sheet. With a semi-gloss finish each item is clearly numbered as to where it fits. They are all commendably thin. 

The interior fuselage pieces include the framework. No indication is given as to whether you need to sand/scrape off the kit’s moulded detail but these are very subtle and the decals should snuggle down over the details with a suitable setting agent. Wrapping the strut pieces around each item may be an issue. I also note that there is a 1mm carrier film edge around each item that will need to be carefully cut off. Some pieces such as the undercarriage legs are in three parts and I am concerned about how the edges will mate up.

I have not tried these items so my observations are only guesses. Being produced by the same company that makes the kit should ensure they fit. It seems to be a ‘good idea’ but I await someone’s test run of the decals.

Thanks to Clear Prop! for the review sample.

Review Text Copyright © 2023 by Graham Carter
Images Copyright © 2023 by Brett Green
Page Created 20 June, 2023
Last updated 20 June, 2023

Back to HyperScale Main Page

Back to Reviews Page