Eagle Editions have released two fine sets of WW2 decals.

Fieseler Fi 156C

EagleCals #112 is designed to accompany Tamiya's recent 1/48 scale Fieseler Storch. The sheet contains markings for 4 aircraft:

1. Fi 156C, ▲ Z, 5./Sch.G.1
2. Fi 156C, CB VD, Afrika Korps
3. Fi 156C, SB UG, I./JG 54
4. Fi 156C, P2 NR, 7.(H)/21

As we've come to expect from Eagle Editions, the decals are superb. The register is spot-on, the items are thin and glossy and the crystal-clear carrier film is kept tight around the markings. The instructions feature full-colour 3-view profiles of each of the subjects, plus a monochrome factory-standard diagram of the official Storch splinter camouflage scheme. Each colour scheme is fully described and a reference photo of one of the aircraft featured - for the rest of the schemes there's a source listed where photos may be found.

With a mix of one "standard" Storch, one Afrika Korps machine and a pair of ski-equipped aircraft, there's plenty of variety offered and the decals are noticeably finer than Tamiya's originals. Anyone seeking an alternative Luftwaffe scheme to the kit's decals need look no further.

EagleCals #112 is available now. Prce: $12.50

Spitfire Mk. IX

With the release of Pacific Models' 1/32 scale kit, the Spitfire Mk. IX is very much in the limelight! Why it's taken this long for this prolific version of the Spitfire to be available in all the major modelling scales is a subject for another day - the good news is that Eagle Editions have been quick to follow up with an impressive series of EagleCals sets in 1/72, 1/48 and, of course, 1/32 scales.

EagleCals #116 - Part 3 of the series (reviewed here in 1/32 scale) takes a welcome step away from some of the more obvious Spitfire subjects and presents a trio of RCAF machines:

1. Spitfire Mk. IX s/n BS192, AE-W, flown by S/L Lorne M. Cameron, 402 Sqn. RCAF, March 1943.
2. Spitfire Mk. IX s/n MK826, GC-K, flown by W/C Lorne George Keefer, 412 Sqn. RCAF, Sept. 1943.
3. Spitfire Mk. IX s/n EN398, AE-B, flown by Ian Keltie, 402 Sqn. RCAF, March 1943.

The instructions contain full-colour profiles and plan views, plus a stencil placement guide. Each scheme is also described in some detail, along with specifics about what type of wheels, carburettor intake and cannon blisters are appropriate. In 1/32 scale, the sheet opens up the chance to use the alternative cannon covers provided and it's a simple task to modify the elevators to the earlier unbalanced profile.

The decals themselves are stunning. Spread over two sheets, the printing is faultless - thin, glossy items in perfect register with minimal carrier film. The colours look excellent and what I really like is the way the roundels are designed - not only are there separate centres, but the fuselage markings have the yellow outer rings printed along with the white background, onto which are added separate blue rings and red centres, thus ensuring perfect alignment. Add to this a pin-sharp set of stencils, including silver-backed data-plates and some attractive nose-art and, in my book at least, Eagle Editions have got a winner on their hands. Having gone to town on the P-47 and P-51 recently, it's great to see them turn their attention on the Spitfire.

EagleCals #116 is available in 3 scales, priced as follows:

EC#116-72 $10.50
EC#116-48 $12.50
EC#116-32 $15.00

Conclusion

As usual, the latest sets of EagleCals are excellent, combining faultless printing with well-researched attractive subjects. Highly recommended for anyone looking for altermatives to the kit decals.

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