Aviaeology offers a variety of decal sets for model builders who build 1/72, 1/48 and 1/32 scale WWII Aircraft flown by Commonwealth nations. Among them are two sets to finish early Hawker Hurricanes. Set #AOD480007.2 provides markings for 1/48 scale Hurricanes in service during the Battle of Britain and beyond. Obviously, since it is part 2, there also is a part 1 that will be reviewed elsewhere on this site. This set, like the others, appears to be based on considerable research, and the fact that it is produced for Aviaelology by Zotz assures model builders of high print quality. Full instruction sheets are included that provide complete black & white left and right profiles and plan views for each aircraft. And, full color PDF images of the illustrations on the instruction sheets will be emailed from Aviaeology upon request.

Eight subjects are covered. They are:

History:

The Ilyushin Il-2 was a ground-attack aircraft (Sturmovik) in the Second World War, produced by the Soviet Union in very large numbers.

Review:

The resin is bubble free and perfectly formed. The tips of the pipes are hollowed out; they have a thinly formed edge for that realism you are looking for.

Most resin parts are likely to need more work on them than the more normal injection molded plastic parts that you may be used to. Why you ask, well Resin is a much harder material then the standard molded plastic in your kit. This is what gives it the fine details you are looking for.

In some cases the greatest challenge can be cutting the part from the casting block without damaging it. I have found that it is better to cut away the bulk of the casting block, leaving just a small amount behind so that it can be trimmed away with a hobby knife.

3D Kits is another new product to me. This decal sheet covers four Battle of Britain Supermarine Spitfires. As expected by today’s modelers, these decals are in full and proper color as well as in perfect registry. The subjects covered include a Spitfire Mk I of March 1940 with a choice of two separate markings. Also a Spitfire Mk II flown by an American in early August and later August of 1941. Last is a Spitfire Mk II, one of seventeen presented to the RAF by the Belfast Telegraph, paid for by reader donations.

These decals will help fill the void in your Battle of Britain model collection.