I must admit that I had not carefully examined any 1/72 Lifelike decals before I received two sets to review. When they arrived, I realized I’ve been missing something…something rather impressive. If Lifelike set # 72-020 is typical of other sets (and the other set I received indicates it is)…they will almost make you want to peal the stretch wrapping off a new kit box and start clipping parts.

Lifelike decals appear to come from people who know something about the subjects they cover, are focused on delivering high quality…and, who have figured out how to do it right! The sets include careful research, the original artwork looks accurate, the print registration is excellent, the colors are vivid, the film is very thin and the subjects covered are most appealing.

This set provides decals on two small sheets and all the documentation (along with a couple of reasonable assumptions) needed to finish any of four distinctive Bf 109s that offer a variety of interesting camouflage schemes for multiple variants serving in various theaters between 1940 and 1945. The decals are sized specifically to fit Academy’s Bf109E/G, Finemolds’ Bf109G, Revell’s Bf109G-10 or Tamiya’s Bf109E. The four aircraft that are covered in this set are:

• Bf109E-3 - flown by Major Ernst Frelherr von Berg, Kdr. III/JG26; May, 1940 at Chievres AB/Belgium
• Bf109E-4 - flown by unidentified Kdr. II/JG26; period and location unknown
• Bf109G-6 (W. Nr. 411960) - flown by Hpt. Franz Dörr, Kdr. III/JG5; mid-May 1945 at Gossen AB/Finland
• Bf109G-14/AS - flown by Uffz. Wolfgang “Lumpi” Hudsdörfer of 2/JG300; September 1944 at Esperstedt AB/Germany

Lifelike included a message with this set that requested reviews of their decals include a warning that modelers should not use ‘hot’ decal setting solutions when applying these decals because of the possibility of softening the thin film enough to distort the finely printed images. They warn specifically against using Mr. Mark Softer and anything that might be equally or more aggressive. Microsoft’s two-part process (Set and Sol) might be a better way to go if you feel a need to use a setting solution. If you don’t, I recommend just applying the decals by ‘floating’ them in place (with enough warm water under them to keep them from bonding before they are in the proper location) over an area that has been treated with Future, blotting them carefully with a piece of tissue and then sealing them with an over coat of Future after they are dry. Since they are printed on very thin film, silvering should not be a problem if the decals are applied to a smooth glossy surface.

I highly recommend this set to anyone who wants to build a striking 1/72 Bf109. My thanks to Lifelike and IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review this set.