Aviaeology out of Canada produces decals specific to many Canadian themed subjects. The research going into these decals is second to none. This set includes markings for four different aircraft in a variety of schemes and is meant for Revell’s beautiful 1/48 scale Ventura kit (but they are available in other scales too. Here’s a list of the planes represented:

• Ventura GR.V 2195 as Bombing & Gunnery Trainer "GM•N", Air Armaments School, RCAF Station Trenton, Ontario in newer VC-era markings after the School's code changed from "DK" to "GM" – probably from 1949 into the early 1950s.
• Ventura GR.V(TT) 2222 decked out in "Oxydol Special" yellow and black Target Tug finish, Air Armaments School, RCAF Station Trenton, Ontario, on detachment to RCAF Station Sea Island, British Columbia, from February 1948 into the early 1950s.
• Ventura GR.V(TT) 2254 also in the yellow and black Target Tug finish, Air Armaments School, RCAF Station Trenton, Ontario in newer VC-era markings in use from June 1948 into the early 1950s.
• Ventura GR.V 2263 as Bombing & Gunnery Trainer "DK•R", Air Armaments School, RCAF Station Trenton, Ontario in VC-era markings from the summer of 1948 into the early 1950s.

With the Ventura usually in its Navy Schemes or British camouflage schemes, this set is a welcome addition with it Target Tub yellow/black schemes and B&G natural metal schemes. Inside the package is some of the most comprehensive and well researched information along with pictures of the four subjects. There are details about antennae configurations, nose details, marking history and almost anything that one could want to know about these planes. All of this is contained in a multipage black and white booklet. One of the things noted in this booklet was the options for bright markings or the duller colors. Aviaeology includes both. The three decal sheets are well printed and crisp.

All this is superb but is only a start. Aviaeology goes well beyond and here’s why. At the time of this review the Aviaeology website is under renovation, so please go to their eBay store at https://www.ebay.ca/str/aviaeology. Once a purchase is made, an email will appear in your inbox. Attached to that email will be the documentation portion that accompanies the decal set in PDF format. For those who purchase their Aviaeology products from a third-party vendor (such as your local hobby shop), there is a “chit” within the product packaging that directs the purchaser to register their purchase/ownership with Aviaeology via email. The PDF documentation will soon follow via a return email. The most recently produced documentation allows for the viewer to “zoom in” on-screen, up to 800 to 1600%! No more guessing about placement as you can zoom in and check. This is a significant aid to the modeler in making sure that the orientation of the decal is correct when applied to the model. The pdf documentation represents a considerable amount of research by Aviaeology and is protected under various copyright laws, so a sample of this documentation is not included in this review.

These decals would make a superb addition to the Revell PV-1. So to summarize, great decals, superb research and a zoom able PDF with four great schemes…go buy it now! Seriously, these decals are amongst the best in the entire modeling world and are highly recommended.

My thanks to the fine folks at Aviaeology for the chance to review them. Visit their E-bay store to get a set.