Defending the Reich Skies

1944-1945 Pt.1

1/48 scale
(also available in 1/72)

Model Alliance Decals

Reviewed by Rob Baumgartner

HyperScale is proudly sponsored by Squadron.com

There seems to be no stopping the decal industry when it comes to Luftwaffe subjects. With existing and forthcoming releases of new aircraft from a variety of manufacturers…it’s no wonder. 

This is the first part of the “Defending the Reich Skies” from Model Alliance. It comprises a selection of four different types of fighters which contribute to five subjects. 

A single decal pane is supplied along with a colourful A4 sized instruction sheet. The latter shows the placement of all the markings and includes the upper surface camouflage of all aircraft concerned.

Some of the tones on the colour swabs used for this are very similar to others represented. This may be confusing to a new comer, and for them, additional resources may be needed.  

No description is given for the RLM combinations used so those given below are from the profiles of these aircraft found in the Forsyth book “Luftwaffe Colours Vol. 5 Section 3” (a reference given in the instruction sheet). 

Where possible, the manufacturers have referenced the RLM colours to FS colours and some popular paint brands. Those covered are Humbrol, Xtracolor, Lifecolor and Model Master. 

The five subjects profiled are: 

1. Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-14 “White 1”, 9./JG 26, Lille-Nord, France, May 1944, finished in RLM 74/75/76

2. Focke-Wulf Fw 190 D-9, W.Nr. 10194, Fw. Werner Hohenberg, Stab/JG 2, Merzhausen, Germany, 1 January 1945. Finished in RLM 83/75/76.

3. Focke-Wulf Ta 152 H “Yellow 1”, 7./JG 301, Alteno, Germany, Feb 1945. Finished in RLM 82/83/76

4. Messerschmitt Bf 109 G-10, “Black 4”, W.Nr. 150816, ex-II./JG 2, Langensalza, Germany, April 1945. Finished in RLM 74/75/76

5. Focke-Wulf Fw 190 A-9, “Red 22”, W.Nr. 490044, 6./JG 301, Langensalza, Germany, April 1945. Finished in RLM 74/75/76

The decals are produced by Colourslide-UK and are very well printed. Nothing was out of register and the colour density is excellent. The carrier film is quite thin and experience confirms that they can withstand rough handling. 

No stencil data is provided so modellers will have to use whatever the kit supplies or get these from other sources.

Although the subjects have been seen before in the after market world, it is not often they are presented on the same sheet.  

There is plenty of variety in this interesting selection and the provided list of suitable kits will give you a good starting point for your next masterpiece. 

Thanks to Aviation Workshop / Model Alliance (UK)  for the review sample

Model Alliance products are available online from the Aviation Workshop.

Review Copyright © 2007 by Rob Baumgartner
Page Created 22 February, 2007
Last updated 04 June, 2007

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