Mustangs over Europe, Part 1: No's 303 & 309 Squadrons.
Authors: Maciej Góralczyk, Janusz Światłoń.
Item number: KD 3 (48003) for 1/48 scale; KD 3 (32003) for 1/32 scale
Item page on Kagero website – 1/48 scale.
Item page on Kagero website – 1/32 scale.
The decals for the "Red Series" is one of the youngest product lines developed by Kagero Publishing. It is simply a short softcover booklet in the A4 size (205x275mm) with usualy three painting schemes of the title plane, few reference photographs and drawings and a sheet of decals with all the necessarry markings for machines depicted inside the booklet. Up till now Kagero have issued just two volumes of this series: Pacific Mustangs and Heinkels He 111P's, both reviewd on Aeroscale. In the third volume we get the chance to finish our 'Stangs in the colours of the Polish Air Force in Great Britian.
Markings
Painting schemes presents three P-51's as seen in the last days or shortly after World War 2. Three machines depicted in this issue are:
- Mustang III, FZ111, coded WC-V, pilot: F/L Mieczysław Gorzula; No. 309 (Polish) Squadron, No. 133 (Polish) Wing, stationed at RAF Andrews Field, Great Britain, May 1945.
- Mustang IV, KH663, coded PD-L, pilot: W/O Leszek Bisanz; No. 303 (Polish) Squadron, 3rd Polish Fighter Wing, stationed at RAF Hethel, Great Britain, 1946.
- Mustang IVA, KM112, coded PD-D, personalplane of S/L Witold Łokuciewski; No. 303 (Polish) Squadron, 3rd Polish Fighter Wing, stationed at RAF Hethel, Great Britain, 1946.
The booklet is not very thick. On just 12 pages authors have presented each of these planes on two profile views and one view from above. There are separate drawings of the bottom wing surfaces, including possible optional placement of some markings which are not yet confirmed in known references, and enlarged drawings of a nose-art and particular emblems. In the footnotes under each plane we can find a short list of reference literature and websites.
Drawings are supplemented by five archive photographs, including one printed on the whole page, which nicely present individual planes characteristics, weathering or the "panel lines accent" made by real dirt.
decals
Decals are printed by an Italian subcontractor - the now famous Cartograf. As usual, it is a class itself. Absolutely no flaws from the technical point of view. Decals enable the modeleller to fully decal each of three planes, there's no need to choose your one favourite option as you can make all of them. Amongst basic markings like RAF roundels and individual planes code letters you can get there are also Polish chequers, squadrons badges, victory markings and stencils. There are also two options of propeller producer logos. As mentioned before Kagero provides two options of individual code letters for KM112 which were painted on the lower wing surface. It is not known how these letters were painted: with or without an error in position of a digit "2", as available sources and photos do not anwer this question definitely. Kagero provides two types of "2" so it will be only up to the modeller to make the decision, however we are provided neccessary information about the problem.
On the last page of the booklet we get a quick pictorial tutorial of the best way to apply the decals on your model. This description in short but informative, there's no need to add anything more.
Conclusion
This product of Kagero is a good source of great quality decals for not very common but attractive painting options. It's a great alternative for a hackneyed painting options from the kit boxes given in a great quality "boxing" with detailed, colour painting options and reference photos. What's not to like?
Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on
AEROSCALE.
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