By Iain Ogilvie
Isn't it funny... Not
so long ago - late '90s I guess - 1:32 scale models were out in the
wilderness. Very little was new - and Revell's back catalogue only
made an occasional appearance and we were doomed to carve old
plastic to create our dream models.
If you wanted a
Thunderbolt, it was a choice of two - the old Revell one, or the old
Revell one (razorback and bubbletop versions) - both basically the
same shapes and sharing a number of flaws...
Roll on to 2008 and
the world has a surfeit of new 1:32 subjects - including the arrival
last year of excellent new kits from Hasegawa and Trumpeter.
Almost in celebration
- and to joyous reception from us 'RAF Types' - we have a wonderful
new set of decals for the 'T-Bolt' courtesy of Freightdog Models.
Designed by
John Freeman (who does most of the Model
Alliance/Aviation Workshop range) and printed by
those very nice people over at Fantasy Printshop these decals are of
the highest quality - thin, razor sharp definition, spot on colour
and perfect registration.
Three aircraft are
covered:
Republic Thunderbolt
Mk I, HD154 '18' of 73 OTU, RAF based at Fayid, Egypt in 1946 - in
Olive Drab/Sea Grey and Light Grey.
Republic Thunderbolt
Mk II, KL308 'RS-C' 30 Sqn RAF based at Baigatchi, India 1945 - in
natural metal with Roundel Blue SEAC bands.
Republic Thunderbolt
Mk II, KL339 'FL-O' 81 Sqn RAF based at Kemajoram, Java 1946 - in
natural metal with Roundel Blue SEAC bands.
Research looks top
notch - to quote Colin Strachan of Freightdog Models "I've
attached a copy of the photo of HD154 that we used for the artwork.
Incase you are wondering why we printed the skull as an overlay on
to the Ace of Spaces, this picture is the reason. On initial
inspection if looks like the Skull is missing, when you zoom in it
is just visable, I wasn't sure if it was painted out or just in
shadow, so we did it seperately as a precaution."
How's that for
attention to detail!
We're told that 200
sets have been printed - so if you want a set we recommend you get
your order in!
More 1:32 decals may
be forthcoming from this manufacturer in the near future.
Highly recommended.
Freightdog products are available from
Freightdog Models,
as well as A2Zee Models,
Hannants and Fantasy Printshop.
Review courtesy of Freightdog Models
If
you'd like your product reviewed - please contact me at
iain@skywriters.net
