DHC-2 Beaver
(Antarctic Aviation Series Pt.2)

Max Decals

Reviewed by Brett Green

Max Decals' 1/72 & 1/48 scale Antarctic Beaver decals are available online from Squadron.com

Max Decals continue their Polar theme with their latest 1/72 and 1/48 scale releases.

They follow up their Antarctic "DHC-3 Otter Selection" with three new decal sheets "DHC-2 Beaver Collection. Part 2 of the Antarctic Aviation Series". It must be noted though that the two of the US subjects are based closer to the North Pole than Antarctica, and one is even stationed in Texas - not much ice there!

As with the earlier releases, if you like aircraft with exotic national markings finished in red, yellow, orange or a combination of these colours then you'll like this offering.

Each set comprises a single A5 decal sheet full of markings for Antarctic Otters of various nationalities. A small supplementary sheet is included with one of the 1/48 scale sets.  The instructions, historical notes and placement diagrams are contained on a single folded A4 sheet.

Although the placement diagrams for the colourful subjects are reproduced in monotone on the instruction sheets, you can check out Max Decals website at http://www.geocities.com/Maxdecal for the all these schemes on both of these sheets in full colour. 

Registration on both of my samples is perfect. National markings are included.

The sheets includes markings for the following:

• Three RAAF Beavers, including one with the rare "rampant" kangaroo roundel (the roo is standing instead of jumping). These are colourful aircraft finished in combinations of dayglo orange, red and black trim. The red of the national markings is a little dark and dull. To their credit, Max has supplied a supplementary sheet with a more accurate RAAF roundel red in the 1/48 scale release.

• Two Argentine Beavers, one Navy and one Air Force. Both are overall gloss red, and feature different applications of the blue-white-blue Argentine national markings.

• One Royal New Zealand Air Force Beaver in overall bright red-orange with black trim.

• Three USAF Beavers in natural metal with various coloured trim. The red chequers on one of these aircraft, and the black lower surfaces of another, are of special interest.

• A Chilean Air Force Beaverin overall natural metal with dayglo orange panels and a dark blue rudder.

The 1/72 scale sheet offers all of the above options. The subjects are split between the two releases in 1/48 scale. One 1/48 scale sheet (4808) has two Beavers from the RAAF selection, the RNZAF and Chilean markings. The second 1/48 scale sheet (4809) includes the Argentine and American Beavers.

Subjects present a selection of floatplanes, skiplanes and regularly equipped landing gears.

If you are weary of yet another grey and green paintjob, if you can't stand the sight of another silver jet, then the subjects on Part Two of Max Decals' "Antarctic Aviation Series" might grab your attention!

Recommended.

Thanks to Joe Maxwell from Max Decals for the review samples

Information about Max Decals is available online from their website at http://www.geocities.com/Maxdecal

Review Copyright © 2002 by Brett Green
Page Created 22 June, 2001
Last updated 22 July, 2003

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