History

The Avro Vulcan was a jet-powered delta wing strategic bomber, which was operated by the Royal Air Force (RAF) from 1956 until 1984.
The Vulcan B.1 was first delivered to the RAF in 1956; deliveries of the improved Vulcan B.2 started in 1960. The B.2 featured more powerful engines, a larger wing, an improved electrical system and electronic countermeasures (ECM); many were modified to accept the Blue Steel missile. As a part of the V-force, the Vulcan was the backbone of the United Kingdom’s airborne nuclear deterrent during much of the Cold War. Although the Vulcan was typically armed with nuclear weapons, it was capable of conventional bombing missions, a capability which was used in Operation Black Buck during the Falklands War between the United Kingdom and Argentina in 1982.
History adapted from Wikipedia

First Impressions

The decal sheet is roughly the size of a paperback book, and it is crammed with markings to the point that there's hardly enough room for a pair of scissors to get between them when they're being cut out

Marking options

The decal provides markings for every squadron which flew the Vulcan B.2, from its introduction in 1960 right through to retirement. Squardons covered are 9, 12, 27, 35, 44, 50, 83, 101, 230 OCU and 617. Squadron badges in several different styles are provided, for colour schemes ranging from overall anti-flash white with subdued roundels, through the early low-level camouflage with white undersides to different versions of the wraparound scheme the fleet wore from the 1970s until retirement. Serial number decals are provided for mix and match allowing the modeller to portray many aircraft in the fleet. With supplemental numbers any Vulcan may be built.

A supplemental sheet provides small serial numbers for every aircraft in the fleet in blue and black. These serials were worn by many aircraft during the early camouflage period, usually on the corners of the main gear doors.

instructions

In keeping with Fűndekals policy, the instruction sheet is available for download in PDF format from the company's website. This allows Fűndekals to keep the price of the sheet reasonable, especially in today's environment of ridiculous postage charges. The instructions give complete details for no less than 27 different Vulcans plus complete stencil placement instructions for the overall anti-flash white and camouflaged options. The profiles are followed by listings of all aircraft fitted with Olympus 201 and 301 engines by serial number range, placement of ECM equipment, Skybolt mounts, Blue Steel capability and instructions to fill in 4 air conditioning inlets on aircraft fitted with Olympus 201 engines (as provided in the current issue of the Great Wall/Pit Road kit). Two pages of detail photos follow, including coverage of XH562 after its famous “zapping” by the RNZAF in 1972. The last page describes the evolution of Vulcan paint schemes and then gives a short description of each profile. The detail in these instructions would have tripled the price at the very least if they were printed rather than PDF.

decal test

I tested two elements of the sheet's logos on smooth and corrugated surfaces of a test model, with and without Solvaset. They conform very well to the surface of the model, and the Solvaset does not damage them. They soaked off the sheet incredibly quickly. Within 5 seconds they were floating off their backing paper. These are the most co-operative decals I've used in a while. They're thin enough to show off fine surface detail yet sturdy enough that they can be prodded into place without rolling up into an unsalvageable little ball.

This decal was kindly provided for review by Fűndekals. These decals and many others are available for sale directly from the website.

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