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EagleCals Decals
EC#17 and #18 "Hs 129B"

      
 


S u m m a r y
Catalogue Number:  EC #17 and #18
Scale:  1/48 (also available in 1/72)
Contents and Media: 1 x decal sheet and instructions
Price: US$9.00 each
Review Type: First Look
Advantages: Worthwhile model subject; lots of variety in schemes; thorough instructions; attractive colour artwork.
Disadvantages:  
Recommendation: Highly Recommended

 

Reviewed by Brett Green

 

F i r s t   L o o k


EagleCals latest pair of releases cover the Henschel Hs 129B. Each set is available in both 1/72 and 1/48 scale.

Both sets of decals are presented in EagleCals usual high-quality format, with colour side profiles on one side of an 8"x10" sheet, RLM colour key, description of the colour schemes, upper and lower plan decal placement guide and instructions for special decals unique to this flying tank.

Colour profiles are by Tom Tullis. The drawing is crisp and the colours look good. The mottled finish on "Purple X" even boasts a clever feathered edge. Some of Tom's profiles represent a reprise of his work already in Martin Pegg's magnificent book, "Hs 129 Panzerjager!", published by Classic Publications. This book is the only reference you will ever need for the Hs 129.

The decals are beautifully printed. Registration and opacity are perfect on both my samples.

A generous allowance of crosses is supplied including standard sized and marginally smaller underwing balkenkreuz, but not enough to cover all aircraft. Depending on the combination of subjects, you will be able to fully decal two or three models before looking in the spares box (or the kit box for that matter!).

EC#17 covers the following aircraft:

  • "Blue A" in RLM 79 Sand Yellow with a RLM 80 Olive Green hard-edged spotty camouflage and white theatre markings
  • "Purple X" with a soft-sprayed mottle of RLM 79 over standard 70/71 splinter camouflage and white theatre markings
  • "Red J" with standard splinter pattern, tank "kill" marks on the rudder and yellow theatre markings and
  • "Red L" similarly finished to the above, minus the kill marks.

It is possible that the kill marks on "Red J" were temporarily applied for publicity photos, as Soviet troops would have given a very unfriendly reception to the downed pilot of such a successful tank-hunter!

EC#17 also supplies two styles of the Infantry Assault Badge; and the tricky, thin white line dividing red and black on the spinner. This line would be almost impossible to paint, so the decal is very welcome.

EC#18 covers four aircraft:

  • "Yellow 3" (my personal favourite) with a partial white winter finish on engine nacelles and outer wings, and a grubby 70/71 splinter finish elsewhere, plus white spinner cap and yellow theatre markings
  • "White K" featuring a Picasso-esque wavy/spotty segmented winter finish over 70/71
  • A Rumanian machine in 70/71 (different styles of Skull are supplied for the a second name are supplied) and
  • "Red F" in 70/71 with a black/white spiral spinner and yellow underwing wing chevron. Decals for the spiral are provided.

Another nice touch is the inclusion of engine instruments and cockpit dive-guide lines as decals.

These are two very worthwhile releases from EagleCals. They will provide modellers with every excuse they need to buy a few more Henschel Hs 129s!

Highly Recommended.

EagleCals decals are available from Eagle Editions Website or Hobby Retailers.

Thanks to Judy at Eagle Editions for the sample.

Review Copyright © 1999 by Brett Green
This Page Created on 24 December, 1999.
Last updated 22 July, 2003.

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