RAAF
Decals
Red
Roo Models
S u m m a r y
|
| Catalogue Number: |
RRD4802 Mustang IV, 3 Sqn RAAF,
Italy 1945
RRD4803 Buffalo Mk I, 453 Sqn RAAF, Singapore 1941
RRD4804 Buffalo M339-23, 25 Sqn RAAF, Perth
RRD4805 P-51D, 82 Sqn RAAF, Japan 1948
RRD4807 P-40N "Cleopatra III", Atherton, 80 Sqn. RAAF
RRD4808 P-40N "Black Magic", Waters, 78 Sqn. RAAF
RRD4809 P-40N "Sportsman Special", 78 Sqn RAAF
RRD4810 P-40N "Waddies Kitties", W/Cdr John Waddy, 80 Sqn.
RAAF
RRD4811 P-51K, Sqn. Ldr. J. Cox, 84 Sqn RAAF
RRD4812 CAC Mk.20 Mustang, 78 Sqn. RAAF |
| Scale: |
1/48
(also available in 1/72 scale) |
| Contents and Media: |
1 x small decal sheet covering a
single aircraft plus comprehensive history and instructions
(except RRD4810 covering two aircraft on two small sheets) |
| Price: |
Aus$8.90 each (approx. US$4.98)
except 4810 @ Aus$15.00 (approx. US$8.40) |
| Review Type: |
First Look |
| Advantages: |
Thorough research; excellent
instructions/historical summary; high-quality artwork; accurate colours;
good registration. |
| Disadvantages: |
Unclear packaging; instructions
stuffed folded into bags that are too small in some cases. |
| Recommendation: |
Highly Recommended for RAAF
enthusiasts. |
Reviewed by
Brett Green
Red Roo Models have built a tradition of highly detailed examination of RAAF
subjects through their books and other products.
They have now dramatically increased their product range with ten new 1/48
and 1/72 scale decals.
 Each
decal sheet is limited to a single subject, except for RRD4810 covering two of
John Waddy's P-40s.
The benefit of this approach is that the history and colours of each subject
aircraft is thoroughly described. Where photos are available they are included
on the instruction sheet. Research for both history and colours is quite
thorough.
I was pleased to see the Squadron Codes on the P-40s supplied in RAAF Sky
Blue, the officially specified colour of the period. Although quite a few RAAF
P-40Ns have been covered by decal sheets in the past, the Sky Blue codes have
rarely been correctly depicted.
The subjects are interesting. I was particularly excited at the prospect of
building "Black Magic" (see the artwork at the top of this review).
This P-40N was the mount of Len Waters, Australia's first Aboriginal pilot. Len
was also married to my mother-in-law's Auntie - my closest relationship to a
WWII fighter pilot!
|
Click the thumbnails above to view images full sized
|
Three Mustangs are depicted on different sheets with subtle
variations between their markings, with a fourth in the colourful markings
of 3 Sqn. in Italy. This fourth option is particularly interesting as the
modeller may choose to finish the model as the original aircraft or a
restored warbird doing the rounds in Australia today. |
Two sheets of Buffalos round out these new releases
 All
decal sheets are accompanied by a separate A4 sheet of colour side profiles and
top/bottom plan views. The artwork is quite clear, and colour keys used in
conjunction with the notes in the instruction sheet will ensure a very accurate
result.
This is an excellent new range of decals for Australian fighter aircraft in
1/48 and 1/72 scale. Any modeller with an interest in WWII RAAF should check
these out.
Highly Recommended.
Red Roo Decals are available direct
from their website and from selected hobby retailers
Thanks to Gary at Red
Roo for the review samples.
Review Copyright © 2000 by Brett
Green
This Page Created on 26 September, 2000
Last updated 22 July, 2003
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