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Desert Shark Attack!

Curtiss Tomahawk in the Mediterranean War

 

Aero Imageworks
 

S u m m a r y
Catalogue Number and Description:

C033201 Desert Shark Attack! Curtiss Tomahawk in the Mediterranean War
Scale: 1/32
Contents and Media: One full-size 13mm x 18mm decal sheet; two small supplementary decal sheets; 8 page, black & white printed, reference booklet with three view paint guides, painting, weathering and detailing instructions and diagrams.
Price: AUD$24.95 (USD$18.00) - available online from Aero Imageworks
Review Type: FirstLook
Advantages: Great looking markings; comprehensive reference and documentation; online access to additional material; accurate depiction of subjects, including two that have never been offered as decals previously
Disadvantages: Decal film covers entire sheet (markings must be carefully cut out)
Recommendation: Highly Recommended

 

Reviewed by Brett Green
 


HyperScale is proudly sponsored by Squadron


 

FirstLook

 

Late in 2003, Rodger Kelly reviewed the premiere release from Aero Imageworks, a new company based in Victor Harbour, South Australia. This was entitled Shark Attack! with the subject of RAAF Spitfires in the Pacific War. 

Aero Imageworks' latest offering continues on a similar theme - Desert Shark Attack! Curtiss Tomahawk in the Mediterranean War. This release is in 1/32 scale, and has been specifically designed for the Trumpeter P-40B.

The package comprises one full-sized decal sheet and two smaller supplementary sheets. The decals are produced on an ALPS printer and decal film covers the entire sheet, so the modeller will have to carefully cut around each marking before applying the decals. The markings are in perfect register and very sharp.

 

 

The decals are accompanied by an excellent A5 size, eight page instruction booklet. This mini publication provides more than simple placement instructions, with information on camouflage colours, weathering, some great tips and drawings about the subtle modifications required to turn the Trumpeter kit into an accurate Tomahawk IIB, and even a description of pilot's flying gear and their colours. Three (or in some cases, 3¼)  view drawings are also provided for each subject.

The individual aircraft supplied on the decal sheet are: 

  • GA-F AK402 of No.112 Squadron RAF, featuring the famous Sharks Mouth, flown by P/O Neville Duke.

  • LD-C AK498 of No. 250 Squadron, RAF flown by Flt/Lt Clive 'Killer' Caldwell

  • AK493 of No. 250 Squadron, RAF also flown by Flt/Lt Clive 'Killer' Caldwell.

  • 'N' AK336 of No. 3 Squadron RAAF, in desert colours but with a red and green spinner, flown by F/O Andrew 'Nicky' Barr.

  • AM386 "Sweet-F.A." of No. 3 Squadron RAAF, retaining its original Curtiss colours of Brown, Green and Sky Grey, flown by Flt/Lt Alan Rawlinson

  • AM392 “Nux Vomica” No. 250 Squadron, RAF flown by Sgt. Robert Whittle

A single set of national markings is supplied and a selection of stencil data is also included.

This is a very impressive package with plenty of choice and some terrific reference included.

As a bonus, purchasers of the Desert Shark Attack decal sheet will also receive complimentary access to the Antipodean Hawks website, due to be re-launched shortly.

Highly Recommended. 

Thanks to Aero Imageworks for the review sample

Aero Imageworks products may be viewed and purchased on their website

Review Copyright © 2004 by Brett Green
This Page Created on 05 May, 2004
Last updated 05 May, 2004

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