Aviaeology Decals

1/48 - 1/24 RCAF Mosquitoes

Sheet Number: AOD24005 & 24011

Reviewed by  Paul Bradley, IPMS# 35554

MSRP: $9.79 + shipping Website: www.aviaeology.com/index.html Airfix offer a good range of decal options for their 1/24 Mosquito kit, but if you are looking for something different, then look no further than Aviaeology. A new company out of Canada, they specialize in Canadian subjects, and these two sheets are no exception. I received two sheets for review, each depicting a different role for the aircraft. 24005, subtitled Canadians in Fighter Command #1, features decals for three FB.VI aircraft of 418 Squadron, RAF, during 1944. These are: HJ719/TH-U, "Moonbeam McSwine". HR147/TH-Z, "Hairless Joe". HS850/TH-M, "Black Rufe". All three have prominent nose art depicting various backwoods characters from the Li'l Abner comic strip that was popular at the time. All unique markings are included for each option, as well as a full set of national markings, and stenciling that supplements that supplied by Airfix as appropriate. 418 was an intruder squadron, and this is reflected in the camouflage schemes of the aircraft in question; the same is true for the other sheet, 24011, which is subtitled Canadians in Coastal Command. This sheet contains decals for five options for FB.VI aircraft of 404 Squadron, RAF. These are: RF838/EO-A. RF851/EO-H. RF882/EO-Z. RF856/EO-P. RF880/EO-X. Once again, all necessary individual markings, national markings and a selection of stenciling is included. Both sheets seem to have been meticulously researched using private archives as well as published references, and many previously unpublished photographs illustrate many of the options on each sheet, giving a clear reference for the decisions that have been made regarding colors and markings. This is especially important on the Coastal Command sheet, as these photos show clearly the ad hoc Special Duties Scheme worn by a couple of these options - without the photos, there'd be no proof of the potentially contentious conclusions drawn by the researchers. On both sheets, each option is fully described and any differences from the norm are highlighted so that the modeler can recreate the subject fully. In addition, there are sections on general colors and markings, as well as some general modeling notes. The instruction sheet for the Coastal Command Mosquitoes is also enhanced by a section illustrating the unique Banff Strike Wing rocket projectile installation, which differs considerably from that supplied in the Airfix kit, and has not, as far as I am aware, been available in any kit or aftermarket set to date. I may well endeavor to recreate it for my model. While the decals come with black and white photocopies for the instruction sheets, those who order the decals through Aviaeology directly will be sent an e-mail linking them to full-color instructions for printing at home - a sensible arrangement that lowers the cost of production for Aviaeology and therefore the purchase price. As for the decals themselves, they appear to be well-printed, with excellent color rendition and are in perfect register. The decals are also available in 1/72 and 1/48 for the various kits that are available of the FB.VI. As mentioned, I'll be using an option from 24011 for my large-scale Mossie and I'll include a section on that option and how the decals perform in the last part of my multi-part review in the near future. Aviaeology decals can be ordered directly from their website at www.aviaeology.com/index.html Many thanks to Terry at Aviaeology Decals for the review samples.