Reviewed by Steven "Modeldad" Eisenman
 

HyperScale is proudly sponsored by Squadron

FLIGHTDECS, one of the best sources for decals in North America, and probably in the world, is now producing its own decals.

This second offering is a great subject, especially as FLIGHTDECS is a Canadian based operation. There are marking for two Canadian built Hurricane Mk XII’s (IIB) and one Hurricane Mk. IIC flown by a Canadian in the RAF. For something a little different, all three aircraft have a bit of “nose art”. The best part of the sheet is that there are enough roundels, stencils, etc. for three complete aircraft. The stenciling is also very complete, something unusual in a Hurricane decal set.

There is one sad note about this offering, the sheet is dedicated to the memory of Jim Lyzun, one of the co-founders of FLIGHTDECS. Whenever people would ask in a posts where is the best place to get an obscure set of decals, I would always respond with “contact the guys at Thunder Bay”. Since January 28, 2003, it has been the guy at Thunder Bay.

Hurricane Mk. XII (Mk. IIB);
No. 135 “Bulldog” Squadron, RCAF

This Squadron was part of the Home Defense Establishment and was responsible for the defense of the West Coast of Canada until it was disbanded on September 10, 1945. The Squadron was established at Mossbank, Saskatchewan on June 15, 1942 and flew Hurricanes until May, 1944, when it was reequipped with the Kittyhawk Mk. IV. This aircraft, coded S, serial 5412, in Dark Green, Dark Earth and Sky is unusually marked in that it carried the bright red for the A1 fuselage roundels and fin flash. It also had the “Fighting Bulldog’ nose art. This aircraft had the Hamilton Standard 10’8” propeller without the spinner.

Hurricane Mk. IIC;
No. 213 “Hornet” Squadron, RAF

This aircraft, coded AK*U, serial BE643, was flown by A.U. “Bert” Houle (DFC) in the Spring of 1942. Houle was one of five Canadian pilots who joined No. 213 sq. in Nicosia, Cyprus in September, 1941. No. 213 Sq. operated out of Edku, Egypt in the defense of Alexandria. The aircraft is painted in Dark Earth, Mid-Stone and Azure Blue. It carries A1 fuselage roundels and the early style fin-flash. The interesting marking on this aircraft is the Hornet emblem of the Squadron painted on the center of the fuselage roundels; a small, but interesting touch. The spinner is white with a small red tip.

Hurricane Mk. XII (Mk. IIB)
No. 13 Photo Squadron, RCAF

No. 13 Squadron was formed from No. 1 Photo Flight (RCAF), an experimental Photo Recon unit sponsored by the RAF. It appears that it was (re)formed unofficially on May 15, 1944 (Prior to June 29, 1942, when it was disbanded, No. 13 Squadron was an Operational Training Unit). The unit was a photographic survey unit, based at Rockcliffe, ON, and charged with photo-mapping of Canada. This aircraft, un-coded, serial 5625, appears to be a locally modified Mk. XII, such that three cameras were installed in the belly just aft of the radiator. The camera ports were protected by a piece of “L” shaped stock just in front of the ports. Making the modification should be relatively easy, as the arrangement is shown on the instructions. The aircraft is unusual in that the Dark Green and Dark Earth topside is not in the usual pattern. The underside is Sky. Also unusual are the fuselage roundels which look more like type A1, even though it carried the late style fin-flash. The nose art on this aircraft is a buzzard holding a camera. Like the first aircraft, this aircraft carried the Hamilton Standard prop without the spinner cap.

For fans of Canadian aircraft and pilots, this should be a much welcomed sheet, especially as the nose art (and roundel art) provides for something a little different.

There is only one draw back and it does not have to do with the decals themselves. When will Ultracast issue a Hamilton Standard 10’8” prop, sans spinner, for the Hasegawa Hurricane!?! Anyone know of an alternative?

This is a great set, and looks like a great beginning for the FLIGHTDECS line of decals.

The decals may be ordered directly from FLIGHTDECS http://my.tbaytel.net/fldecs/

Thanks to FLIGHTDECS for the review sample
 

Review Copyright © 2003 by Steven "Modeldad" Eisenman
This Page Created on 12 August, 2003
Last updated 14 August, 2003

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