Contents

Aviaeology have supplied the 1/32 and 1/48, they come in a re sealable plastic bag containing:
-Decals.
-Instructions and information booklet.

Instructions: comprises of eight A4 double sided sheets with the following subtitles:
-Coastal Command Beaufighter TF.X schemes, colours and finishes.
-Alied Expeditionary Air Force Identification stripes [Invasion Stripes].
-Profile Illustrations.
-Beaufighter TF.X airframe stencil / data markings.
-Beaufighter TF.X rocket projectile features and wing Installation.
-Beaufighter TF.X rocket projectile details and colours.

This release features four Beaufighter TF.X’s of 404 Squadron:
-LZ451: three variations including 2ʘM and EEʘM from June 1944 throught to January 1945.
-NE355: two variations including 2ʘH and EEʘH from May 1944 through to February 1945.
-NE825 [or NE425?]: the radar equipped aircraft 2ʘG from early 1944.
-NV173: two variations of EEʘX from June 1944 through to December 1944.
The amount of information packed into the guide is quite staggering. The very informative text is backed up with grey tone photos, side profiles and upper and lower plan views. There are drawings focusing on the wings, rocket projectiles, launch rails and blast plates. The notes on weathering and the causes of the weathering are also very informative. The sections on the individual aircraft have a lot of observations that has been obviously gleaned analysing many photographs. The result of the observations are not only noted, but also illustrated.
Also included is a sheet of instruction for getting the best from your decals.
Aviaeology offer a full colour enhanced version of the monotone instruction and information sheets included in the decal release. This is done via a PDF which can be viewed on via your computer and printed. Having viewed the PDF it does have the advantage of being in colour so you are able to differentiate the upper colour greys much better than on the hard copy included with the decal release. Also the photographs on the PDF are much better quality providing much more visual information. Interestingly the document on the PDF can be scaled up considerably on screen. To access the PDF you obviously need to purchase one of the sets either through Aviaeology or a retailer and the chit contained within the packaging will allow you to access the Aviaeology downloads.

Decals: the waterslide decals are silk screen printed and look superb. Colour depth, registration and definition are spot on. The carrier film is minimal and is difficult to see. The carrier film follows the outline of the letters and numbers. There is no reliance on kit decals with Aviaeology they provide all the markings and stencils. There are enough stencils to finish one model.

-1/32: AOD32002m - $21.6
-1/48: AOD48002m - $13.99
-1/72: AOD72002m - $10.59

The prices above are from Aviaeologys website.

Conclusion

I have been keen to get my hands on some of Aviaeology’s decal releases for some time now and having seen them in the flesh they certainly don’t disappoint. The access to Aviaeology’s design sheets via their website offers unparalleled technical assistance in helping you produce the best Beaufighter build possible. Highly recommended.