RAF BAe Hawks

Part 1

Model Alliance

Reviewed by Rodger Kelly

HyperScale is proudly sponsored by Squadron.com

New from Model Alliance in their Premier Range is sheet number MA-48105 which covers the BAe Hawk in RAF service. 

Markings are provided for nine aircraft in a variety of colour schemes. Click the thumbnails below to view larger images of the options:

The individual options are: 

Mk T1A XX289 of 19 Squadron.  The markings depict it as it appeared during the mid 1990s.  Finish is medium sea grey upper surfaces over light aircraft grey under surfaces with a medium blue rudder (a non standard colour locally mixed from roundel blue and white).  The markings consist of: 

• A set of lo-viz national insignia with the fuselage insignia incorporating the squadron colours in a chequerboard on either side.
• XX289 serial with a further 'last three' 298 for the fin in white.
• Full colour squadron insignia.

Mk T1 XX245 of FRADU, Royal Navy from the late 1990s.  Finish is overall gloss black (don't you just love this as it completely negates the need for masking!).  Markings comprise:

• National insignia with a thin white outline.
• A pair of gold Royal Navy pilots wings for the fin.
• Royal Navy titles in white
• XX245 serial in white.

Mk T1A XX194, the 100 Squadron Commanding Officer's aircraft in early 2000.  Finish is overall gloss black and the markings comprise:

• National insignia with a thin white outline.  The fuselage roundel incorporates a blue and yellow chequerboard, also with a thin white outline.
• White skull and crossbones for the fin.
• XX194 serial in white.
• A Squadron Leader's pennant.
• White CO title for the fin.

Mk T1 XX162 of the RAF Institute of Aviation Medicine in the 1990s.  Finish is overall gloss black and the markings comprise:

• National insignia with a thin white outline
• RAF Centre of Aviation Medicine titles in white.
• XX162 serial in white.

Mk T1 XX226 of 74 Squadron in the mid 1990s.  Finish is overall gloss black and the markings comprise: 

• National insignia.
• Large full-colour tiger's head for the fin.
• Large stylized 74 for the fin
• Yellow squadron markings for the intake.
• XX226 serial in white.

Mk T1 XX261 of 208 Squadron in early 2000.  Finish is overall gloss black and the markings comprise: 

National insignia with a thin white outline.  The fuselage roundel incorporates the squadron colours.

• A chevron in squadron colours for the nose.
• Full colour squadron insignia for the fin.
• White 'last three' 261 for the fin.
• XX261 serial in white.

Mk T1A XX157 of 92 Squadron in the mid 1990s.  Finish is medium sea grey upper surfaces over light aircraft grey lower surfaces and a roundel blue fin and rudder.  Markings comprise: 

• Lo-viz national insignia.  The fuselage roundel incorporates the squadron's red and yellow colours in a chequerboard.
• Full colour squadron insignia for the fin.
• White letter 'B' for the fin.
• XX157 serial in white.

Mk T1A XX352 of JFACSTU in early 2000.  Finish is overall gloss black and the markings comprise:

• National insignia with a thin white outline.
• White CP letter codes for the fin cap.
• JFACSTU unit insignia in white for the fin.
• XX352 serial in white.

Mk T1A XX341 of the ETPS/ASTRA in early 2000.  Finish is signal red, oxford blue, white and light aircraft grey with a matt black anti-glare.  Markings comprise: 

• National insignia with a thin white outline.
• Empire Test Pilots School titles in black for the forward fuselage.
• ASTRA titles in black for the mid fuselage.
• Small XX341 serials for the fuselage with a larger pair for the under surfaces of the wings.
• Numeral 1 in white for the fin.

No stencil data at all is provided on the sheet and you must purchase (separately) a further Model Alliance sheet (MA-48116) to obtain the data.  This sheet is well worth the extra expense by the way as it is very comprehensive. 

The decals have been printed by the Fantasy Printshop.  The printing is flawless and everything, including the thin white outlines to the national insignia and the complex squadron insignia is in perfect register.  The decals are thin, have a glossy finish and there is a minimum of carrier film.  The white and light colour decals appear to be opaque enough to survive application over the black scheme as well as the red, white and blue one. 

The placement sheet consists of two A-4 sized sheets.  Each option is represented by a full colour left hand side profile as well as generic top and bottom views of each scheme.  The artwork is by Jon Freeman of the Aviation Workshop/Model Alliance.  Painting is aided by each colour being identified by its correct BS (British Standard) name and number as well as the US FS number.  You are further aided by matches to Humbrol and Xtracolour paint range for each colour.  Notes are also provided for using the decals and this is well worth reading as it quite comprehensive.  Further information is provided on how the RAF has painted the details of their Hawks – useful information for those who are not familiar with the aircraft.  

The recommended kits in 1/48 scale are the Airfix Mk T1 and the Premier Mk T1. 

The decal sheet and placement guide come packed in the industry standard clear plastic zip-loc bag.

An excellent sheet from Model Alliance. You get real value for money being provided top quality decals and complete markings for nine aircraft on a single sheet. 

Recommended.

Thanks to Aviation Workshop / Model Alliance (UK)  for the preview images

Model Alliance products are available online from the Aviation Workshop.

Review Copyright © 2004 by Rodger Kelly
Last updated 18 July, 2004

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