History

Lockheed's Ventura was an improved Hudson, based upon the Model 18 Lodestar airliner rather than the Model 14 Electra. The Ventura was faster and could carry twice the bomb load of the Hudson, or could be equipped with long-range tanks to better suit it to its coastal patrol role. Never very popular in the traditional day-bomber role, the Ventura found its niche in Coastal Patrol, where it diligently served for long years of essential but unglamourous work.

First Impressions

This is a very thorough decal sheet, which supplies markings to do nine different aircraft. The sheet is extremely thoroughly researched and accompanied by a thick instruction booklet.


Options offered on the sheet:

• 1. Ventura GR.V unknown serial number of 113 BR in overall white. This aircraft carries a black u-boat marking on the nose;
  
• 2. Ventura GR.V 2141 of 145 BR in Blue-grey over light grey;
  
• 3. Ventura GR.V 2146 of 113 BR in Blue-grey over light grey;
  
• 4. Ventura GR.V 2152 of 145 BR in overall white;
  
• 5. Ventura GR.V 2156 of 113 BR in overall white. Photos show that this aircraft had the right rudder in blue-grey at one point;
  
• 6. Ventura GR.V 2159 of 145 BR in Blue-grey over light grey;
  
• 7. Ventura GR.V 2160 of 145 BR in Blue-grey over light grey;
  
• 8. Ventura GR.V 2207 of 113 BR in either light grey or very dirty white;
  
• 9. Ventura GR.V 2248 of 113 BR in overall white.
  

This decal was produced to fit Revell's excellent PV-1 Ventura kit in 1/48. Sheet Number AOD 72031 will fit Minicraft's 1/72 kit.

the decal sheet

The sheet is offered in one main and one secondary sheet. Each one is crammed with markings. All necessary individual markings, nose art and code letters for all 9 aircraft have been provided. The first sheet contains nose art, RCAF roundels and fin flashes in type A1, B and C1 and serial numbers to suit the different subjects on offer. Alternate lighter red centres and fin flash portions are provided on the theory that Canadian based RCAF Venturas may not have worn the brick red with which European based aircraft markings were painted. The second sheet contains 4 type B roundels, alternate centres and grey code letters. All markings are in perfect register, with no blurring or smudging. The fine letters and numbers are crisply printed. The carrier film is quite restrained. It does not extend to the insides of the letters, for example. They will likely take care to place properly without damage.

instructions

The instructions as mentioned above are extremely thorough. Each subject gets half a page, with notes and details crammed around the profile drawings. There is also a page giving general details of the two different paint schemes the majority of the sheet's subjects wore. If this decal set has a downside, it is here. The printing of the photos is a little grainy, and the details and fine print are sometimes difficult to make out for those of us of a certain age. Magnification and close study are highly recommended.

Aviaeology goes to great lengths to avoid inferring marking details. Wherever possible, multiple photos of the given scheme are presented. There is a lot going on in these instructions. They absolutely must be studied very carefully in order not to miss important details. Alternate construction options include early or late radar noses, armament fit and antenna fit. The notes on the finishing, especially spot refinishing, are very thorough and often date specific where the markings are known to have been altered over time.

Balancing the small print, the instructions are available from Aviaeology as a high-quality PDF file. If you buy the sheet through their website, you will automatically be e-mailed a copy. If you choose to support traditional hobby shops, you must request it through the e-mail address listed on an insert slip in the instructions. It's easy to miss so look carefully.

This decal was kindly provided for review by Aviaeology. All Aviaeology products are available for purchase through their website.

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE.