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Eagle Editions, Ltd. 1/32 A.V.G. Tomahawks 2nd & 3rd Squadrons Stock Number: #69, #70 Reviewed By Charles Landrum, #26328 |
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MSRP: $10.50 USD Review copy provided by Eagle Editions Ltd. P.O. Box 580
Hamilton, MT 59840 When Trumpeter released its 1/32 P-40B kit, without what many consider the most obvious decal choices, it was inevitable that decal manufacturers would rise to the occasion. Although the P-40B/C flew in the colors of a number of nations in the early days of WWII none are more recognized or inspiring as those of the American Volunteer Group (A.V.G.) in China. While the most colorful and recognized markings were those of the 3rd Squadron, Hell’s Angels, each squadron actually had its own unique and humorous identity. Eagle Editions has stepped up to provide quality A.V.G. markings in 1/32. Available in three decal sets, each set is dedicated to two planes of that respective squadron. The subject of EC#68 is 1st Squadron (Adam and Eve), EC#69 is 2nd Squadron (the Pandas) and EC#70 covers 3rd Squadron (Hell’s Angels). EC#69 and EC#70 are the subjects of this review. The decals are printed by Microscale, a company which has a long history of printing high quality, easy-to-apply decals. The markings are crisp and in register, with vivid colors and minimal carrier film around the decal. The red colors are printed separately to prevent registration problems, so the modeler must be careful in application to ensure proper alignment. Four faded roundels are provided, as are two non-faded ones. The instructions recommend used the non-faded set on the underside of the wings. There were no fuselage roundels on A.V.G. planes, so if you follow the instructions you have two extra faded roundels. |
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| EC#69 replicates the second squadron aircraft of Bob Layher and John Petach (number 47) and that of “Tex” Hill (number 48). This sheet has complete set of markings for both planes (less roundels). Even the fuselage band is provided for each, as well as extra blue trim film incase you don’t get the band to meet – a nice touch. Tex Hill’s plane sported a panda in dressed as a cowboy. Because there is uncertainty as to the exact colors of this artwork, Eagle Editions thoughtfully provides both. Aircraft 47 has what appears to be a cartoon of a motorcycle messenger. | |
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EC#70 is the most colorful of the three
sets. You get the aircraft of Bill Reed (number 75) and R.T. Smith
(number 47 again); apparently number 47 was passed from 2nd
squadron to 3rd squadron. Aircraft 75 is unique in that is
sported RAF roundels on the upper wings with the Nationalist roundels
slightly overlapping; no one bothered to paint out the original RAF
roundels nor spray the Nationalist markings over them. Eagle Editions
provides these double roundels as a single large decal. Also the side
number was moved from under the cockpit to the after fuselage and in the
process the number was enlarged and the old number was sprayed over.
The sheet provides two options fro replicating this. There is a
pre-printed over sprayed number to apply if you are less adventurous or
the smaller number is provided in white for you to over spray your self.
The latter option will no doubt yield a less uniform, more realistic
appearance. I like having the choice. The R.T. Smith’s markings include
a beautifully detailed flying tiger, but you must provide the over
sprayed area that it sits on. The sheet also provides the silly little
messenger on the scooter; apparently it was not painted over by 3rd
Squadron. Smith’s plane sported the colorful pinwheel pattern on the
wheel hubs as well. Both planes have the pilot’s kill marking. This
sheet only includes enough stencils for one plane and no fuselage band,
so you have to make one yourself. This is no doubt a function of the
limited space on the sheet due to the large British Roundels. As for the instruction sheet, it is clear and pretty easy to follow. Eagle Editions provides four view drawings to show the camouflage pattern. The color call outs for the upper camouflage unfortunately only in the original Dupont designations. I know of no paints that replicate these colors and no paint brands are recommended for these colors either. It would have been nice if at least FS approximations were provided. An FS number is available for the aircraft gray underside. There are no “how-to-apply” decal instructions, so Eagle Editions assumes that you already know how to use them. Decal placement is clear except stencil location on the overhead and underside views are missing. I know that at least the control surfaces had “no step” markings. No setting solution is recommended, so ensure you test a spare decal first. Although not part of this review, Eagle Editions also sells a companion monograph on the A.V.G. Titled Tigers Over China: The Aircraft of the A.V.G. (EagleFiles #4), by Thomas A. Tullis, all of the artwork from the decals came from the vintage photographs in this volume. Their website provides more information. These are high quality decals, the price of which is in line with decals of similar quality. It is nice that each sheet has two aircraft options. Highly recommend. |
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