It is always a pleasure to introduce New Products dedicated to the WW1 modeler. The pleasure is increased when the product is produced by a people you know to be "Dedicated" WW1 modelers. This is the case with Gunsight Graphics first decal release, German Fokker Streaked Camouflage (1917 -1918.)
Available in 1/72nd, 1/48th, and 1/32nd the streaking decals are Laser printed on an 8 ½ by 11 photo quality clear decal sheet. The color is spot on, not too green and not too brown, just right for most modelers taste. The variations in pattern available on the sheet mean there will be no repetition of patterns, and by overlaying or cutting the streaking provided one could recreate specific schemes.
The possibilities are endless and this sheet can be used for any Dr.I types or early Schwerin built Fok.D.VII types. With the new kit and personal markings decal releases of these kit types this would be the perfect companion sheet.
A comprehensive type written instruction sheet is included. The instructions contain pertinent details of the covering of the original aircraft as well as suggestions for creating templates to use for the decals.
In conclusion, considering that Lozenge decals have been the norm for over thirty years, it is surprising that no good uality decals of Fokker streaking have been available until now. Perhaps this release will inspire modelers to pull their triplanes off of the future build stack. This provides a greater number options in your builds,. You can have something other than the usuall all red MvR bird, Jacobs all black Dr.I , or Raben's Red and white Fokker!
The cost for the 1/72nd and 1/48th sheets is $8.75 US plus $2.50 minimum shipping, the 1/32nd scale price is to be determined. Payment is by check or money order and is available from:
Thanks to: Sean Brian Kirby, artist Beki Svitkova, and Devils advocate/ advisor Ira Cambell for producing the product, and providing the review sample.
UPDATE!!!
Having recently applied these decals to an Eduard 1/48 Fokker D.VII (early Schwerin) fuselage I have to say these decals do handle well. I can Highly recommend them. Colours are good for the Dr.I and need to be brighter for the D.VII on the review images. But they come in a brighter green appropriate for the Fok. D.VII
signed S. Lawson (JackFlash)
SUMMARY
Highs: Easy application of an unusual canouflage. A comprehensive type written instruction sheet is included. Lows: Colours are good for the Dr.I and need to be brighter for the D.VII on the review images. Verdict: Impressive results in a short period of time.
Our Thanks to Gunsight Graphics! This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.
Stephen,
Looking good ! I have just applied, last night, my review copy decals from Gunsight Graphics. So far my templates have fit nearly perfectly and the decals adhered perfectly to all contours. My one worry was the air induction pipe on the fuselage side causing wrinkles. I made a cut in an X pattern in my decal where the pipe was located and applied. Beautiful results. I am still quite impressed and would like to test Toms streaking sometime soon.
By the way I noticed one of your tripes is going to be 502/17. I have chosen that scheme as my test bed for the streaking decals. Any chance you or anyone else has a set of the fuselage stripes that you don't need? I kind of screwed up on the positioning of the left side decal on mine :-( I will of course be willing to pay or trade. Still have some Aeromaster Dr.I decals and others.
RAGIII
Here is a bit of fun with the Gunsight Graphics streaked decals on an Eduard 1/48 Fokker D.VII fuselage. (Early Schwerin of course.) No trimming yet. Sorry Rick I used the only set I had but they are still available for sale at Roll Models and Hannants I think..
Looking good, Stephen! I see you opted to paint and not "overlap" the decals. But I recall you had your misgivings about that. An article on such tricks, as well as using paint to create other effects, is being created, at the moment. Should be fun. it involves our 1:32 streaking.
Speaking of streaking... our 1:28 offering is now available. It, like the 1:32 stuff, is also offered as a two-sheet set.
Looks like I will need to get more work done on my own Eduard Dr.I, eh?
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