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First Look Review
132
Lancaster Codes
Avro Lancaster Bomber Codes
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by: Rowan Baylis [ MERLIN ]

Ray Horwell at Fantasy Printshop has recently released a set of Euro Decals containing squadron code decals designed for the H.K. Models and Wingnut Wings 1:32 Avro Lancaster kits (and, I imagine, equally suitable for brave souls tackling a vacuform or scratchbuild of other RAF "heavies" in this scale).

As you'd expect from Fantasy Printshop, the quality is excellent. The codes are printed in a very convincing Dull Red, and the items are thin and glossy with crystal clear carrier film. There is vitually no excess film around the exterior of most designs, but Ray has included some "fill in" (for want of a better description) to make the codes easier to apply and minimise the chance of items folding back on themselves accidentally.

The sheer size of the codes in 1:32 means that a single combined alphabet and numbers 1-10 for one side of an aircraft is spread across two large decal sheets. Within this, most designs are offered in more than one style to cover the variations often seen on full-sized aircraft. So, the full set to cover both sides of the aircraft consists of four sheets - Price: £31.95

However, you may well find yourself not needing all the items included in the full set, so Ray also usefully offers individual sheets - Price: £8.95

This option is also ideal for model clubs and group builds where the full four sheets might provide the core of what's needed for multiple models, but additional sheets of specific codes are required to complete a project.

Although a selection of colour profiles is included with the decals, this is really just to give a small taste of the huge scope the sheets offer. To accompany the squadron codes ofhered here, Fantasy Printshop also sell 8" serials separately (Sheet #FP1080).

Conclusion
This is another excellent release from Euro Decals that will be just the ticket for anyone with the space and budget to build a Lancaster in 1:32.

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE.
SUMMARY
Highs: Beautifully printed. A comprehensive variety of code styles. Being able to buy individual sheets is a neat idea.
Lows: None noted.
Verdict: With an aircraft like the Lancaster, there is massive scope to build alternative colour schemes beyond what kit manufacturers offer, so this set could be ideal if you are tackling a largescale Lanc.
Percentage Rating
90%
  Scale: 1:32
  Mfg. ID: ED-32123
  Suggested Retail: See Text
  PUBLISHED: Mar 26, 2019
  NATIONALITY: United Kingdom
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 88.37%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 92.14%

Our Thanks to Fantasy Printshop!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Rowan Baylis (Merlin)
FROM: NO REGIONAL SELECTED, UNITED KINGDOM

I've been modelling for about 40 years, on and off. While I'm happy to build anything, my interests lie primarily in 1/48 scale aircraft. I mostly concentrate on WW2 subjects, although I'm also interested in WW1, Golden Age aviation and the early Jet Age - and have even been known to build the occas...

Copyright ©2021 text by Rowan Baylis [ MERLIN ]. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AeroScale. All rights reserved.



Comments

Thanks for the review, Rowan. Are you building a big Lanc?
MAR 28, 2019 - 11:30 AM
   
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