RNZAF PV-1 Ventura
Pacific Theatre No.1 & No.2(BR) Squadrons

Ventura Decals, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

The Lockheed PV-1 Ventura became one of the most important aircraft operated by the Royal New Zealand Air Force during the latter stages of the Second World War. Introduced in 1943 as a replacement for the Lockheed Hudson, the Ventura offered greater speed, range and payload, making it ideally suited to the expanding Allied offensive across the South Pacific.

No. 1 Squadron was the first RNZAF unit to receive the type, taking delivery of its aircraft in August 1943 before deploying to Guadalcanal later that year. Operating from forward island bases including Guadalcanal, New Georgia, Emirau and Green Island, RNZAF Venturas undertook a wide variety of missions. These included maritime patrols, anti-shipping strikes, bombing and strafing attacks, photographic reconnaissance, mine-laying operations and air-sea rescue patrols. They also attacked Japanese positions throughout the Solomon Islands, New Britain and surrounding areas in support of Allied ground forces.

Although originally intended as a patrol bomber, the Ventura proved to be a versatile combat aircraft. RNZAF crews flew hundreds of operational sorties, often in challenging tropical conditions and occasionally in combat with Japanese fighters.

By war's end, the Ventura had become the backbone of New Zealand's bomber-reconnaissance force in the Pacific and played a significant role in the Allied advance toward Japan.

Ventura Decals has long specialised in RNZAF subjects, and Item No. V48123 continues that tradition with a well-researched selection of PV-1 Venturas operated by No. 1 Squadron and No. 1 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron during their first operational tours in the Pacific Theatre.

The set is made up from one decal sheet and a double sided A4 folded instruction sheet on glossy paper.

The instructions are a real highlight with nine reference photos, an upper view and lower surface scrap view illustration, colour profiles for each subject and detailed captions along with descriptive text.

The decals and instructions are packed in a clear zip-lock plastic bag.

The decal sheet is printed by BOA Decals in the Czech Republic. The colour and saturation look great, and carrier film is thin. These should settle down nicely on your model.

Four subjects are covered in 1/48 scale. Two are finished in US Navy mid-war "Basic (Non Specular) Camouflage of ANA 606 Semi-Gloss Sea Blue Upper wings and tail planes, ANA 607 Non-Specular Sea Blue upper fuselage, wings and tail plane leading edges, ANA 608 Intermediate Blue fuselage sides and vertical tail and ANA 601 Insignia White under surfaces.

The other two are finished in US Navy Blue Grey and Light Grey scheme, modified by extending the Blue Grey further down the fuselage sides.

Specific subjects are as follows:

• NZ4509, "Little Devil with trident" October 1943,

• NZ4516, "Mickey Mouse" October 1943,

• NZ4508, "Crouching Maori Warrior", February 1944,

• NZ4512, "Slippery Sam", February 1944.

There is a full set of RNZAF national markings.

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Thumbnail panels:

The sheet is intended for 1:48 scale PV-1 Ventura kits from Revell or the Academy reboxing.

Ventura Decals V48123 offers an opportunity to model one of the RNZAF's most important wartime aircraft in authentic Pacific Theatre markings.

Combining strong historical research, attractive subject choices and high-quality printing, this release will appeal equally to RNZAF enthusiasts and modellers seeking something a little different from the more familiar Ventura schemes.

Highly recommended..

Thanks to Ventura Publications for the sample.

Text and Images Copyright 2026 by Brett Green
Page Created 17 June, 2026
Last updated 17 June, 2026

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