The Squadron

The Mosquito was flown by 100 RAF, four RAAF, two USAAF and one RCAF squadrons, plus 45 other units. The RCAF unit was the 418 "City of Edmonton" Squadron

This squadron was formed at Debden on 15 November 1941 in the night intruder role, equipped with Bostons. However, work up was slow and it was early spring 1942 before the squadron was fully operational, flying its first mission on March 26th.

As well as flying the standard Boston, it also used examples armed with a solid nose mounting 20mm cannons which proved to be quite effective in the night fighter role. In May 1943, the squadron converted to Mosquito VIs and, on 15 September, 1943, performed in the escort fighter role to a force of Lancasters from No 617 Squadron attacking the Dortmund-Elms Canal.

In 1944, 418 Squadron began operations in the daylight and, in early May, claimed its 100th kill. Night operations began in August against in-flight V-1’s and, in September, began missions against V-2 launching sites. On 21 November, 1944, the squadron was transferred from Fighter Command to Tactical Air Force as a light bomber squadron. It continued in this role until the end of the war, disbanding on 7 September, 1945.

The Aircraft

The Mosquito design was originally proposed in 1938 as an unarmed, wooden, high speed bomber, but the concept received no interest from the Air Ministry. Heavily armed bombers were considered to be the answer to bombing enemy territory, while fighting off the opposing side’s nimble fighters. The Mosquito wrote a new chapter in aerial combat. Indeed, it was the “wooden wonder”.

The Instructions

Six A4 double sided pages make up the instructions. The instructions have the true depth of reference material that can be preserved in the modeler’s library once the kit is finished and decals applied.

Information contained within the instructions/reference pages include:

• RCAF Mosquito schemes, colors and finishes.
• Allied Expeditionary Air Force Identification stripes [Invasion Stripes].
• Profile, plan, nose and vertical stabilizer Illustrations.
• Wing bomb load information and illustrations, including a paragraph on bomb colors.

Included with the decal set is a 12-step preparation and application guide that should prove to be a valuable reference for experience and novice modelers..

The Decals

The decals are silk screen printed, waterslide and look stunning. Depth of colors, registration and definition appear perfect. The carrier film is minimal and follows the outline of the national markings, letters and aircraft serial numbers. There should be no need to use the kit decals with this set, as all the markings and stencils are included. There are decals to model any one of four different aircraft with multiple variations of several of them, including common markings and stencil data markings for one complete model.

Aircraft covered in this set:

• Mosquito FB.VI , HJ719: As aircraft THU “Moonbeam McSwine” flown by F/L Luma of 418 Squadron RCAF, early-mid 1944.
• Mosquito FB.VI HR147: As aircraft THZ “Hairless Joe” flown by W/C Bannock of 418 Squadron RCAF, mid through late 1944.
• Mosquito FB.VI NS850: As aircraft THM “Black Rufe” flown by S/L Kipp of 418 Squadron RCAF, RAF ADGB, mid 1944.
• Mosquito FB.VI SZ976: As aircraft THV of 418 Squadron RCAF, RAF 2nd Tactical Air Force, B.71 spring 1945

Conclusion

Many thanks to Skygrid Studios and to IPMS/USA which once again offered a wonderful opportunity to review a truly outstanding, high quality product. I highly recommend this decal set for those who wish to build an RCAF Mosquito. My Tamiya Mosquito is on order!!

Thank you.