1/48 Model Alliance Hawk MA-48105 decal

1/48 RAF BAe Hawks Pt. 1 - Sheet No. MA-48105

1/72 RAF BAe Hawks Pt. 1 - Sheet No. MA-72105

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The BAE Hawk was originally designed as a trainer and first flew in 1974. Since then there have been several variants, including a ground attack and single seater configuration. The aircraft has been a success story for the British Aerospace industry has been exported around the world. The Hawk is currently used by the RAF as a trainer, and is also the chosen aircraft of the Red Arrows display team. With a top speed of 560kt (1038 km/h, 645 mph) and the ability to be armed with one optional centreline 30mm ADEN cannon or up to 3000kg of ordnance including cluster bombs and AIM-9s, it is a potent aircraft.

This new 1/48 decal sheet (also available in 1/72) from Model Alliance Group from their Premier Range focuses on the BAe Hawk and gives you the option to build 9 different BAe Hawks. The paint schemes are quite varied from low-viz grey to black to a red/white/blue scheme. The folks at Model Alliance Group have even included a Tiger scheme Hawk. Stencils are not included, but Model Alliance Group has a very comprehensive decal sheet (product # Ma-72/481116) that include the Hawk stencil decals.

The decals themselves are beautiful quality and very clearly printed on the 1/72 sample I have before me (scan at right does not show the the sharpness of these decals). Colours look solid and will cover very well, but the decal also don't appear overly thick. There are enough stencils provided for 2 complete aircraft......with more stencils and national markings, you could make more of the 13 different planes featured on this decal sheet. Clear film is minimal and tapers down nicely to the edge of the decal.

The first Hawk is BAe Hawk Mk. T1A, XX289 of 19 Squadron, RAF in the mid 1990's. The paint scheme is Medium Sea Grey BS381C:637 upper surfaces with Light Aircraft Grey BS381C:627 undersides. The fin is painted with a mixture of 7 parts roundel Blue with 3 parts white. The national insignia are lo-viz and they include a blue and white checkerboard in the side rear of the fuselage. There are some very good squadron markings on both sides of the tail.

The second Hawk is BAe Hawk Mk. T1, XX245 of FRADU, Royal Navy in the late 1990's. The paint scheme is overall Gloss Black BS381C:642. The roundels are outlined in white and there is gold pilots wing insignia's on both side of the tail.

The third Hawk is BAe Hawk Mk. T1A, XX194 of 100 Squadron, RAF in the early 2000. The paint scheme is overall Gloss Black BS381C:642. This is the Commanding Officer's aircraft. The roundels are outlined in white and there is black and yellow checkerboards by the roundels at the rear of the fuselage. There is also a skull and crossbones on both sides of the tail with the letters CO.

The fourth Hawk is BAe Hawk Mk. T1, XX162 of RAF institute of Aviation Medicine in the late 1990's. The paint scheme is overall Gloss Black BS381C:642. This is the Commanding Officer's aircraft. The roundels are outlined in white and there is black and yellow checkerboards by the roundels at the rear of the fuselage. There is also a skull and crossbones on both sides of the tail with the letters CO.

The fifth Hawk is BAe Hawk Mk. T1, XX226 of 74 Squadron, RAF in the mid 1990's. The paint scheme is overall Gloss Black BS381C:642. This was the first example of the Tigers head motif carried by XX226.

The sixth Hawk is BAe Hawk Mk. T1, XX261 of 208 Squadron, RAF in early 2001. The paint scheme is overall Gloss Black BS381C:642. Artwork on tail includes wings with a single eye staring out. The roundels are outlined in white and there is blue and yellow stripes by the roundels at the rear of the fuselage and well as matching blue and yellow pennants on both sides of the nose.

The seventh Hawk is BAe Hawk Mk. T1A, XX157 of 92 Squadron, RAF in the mid 1990's. The paint scheme is Medium Sea Grey BS381C:637 upper surfaces with Light Aircraft Grey BS381C:627 undersides. The fin is painted Roundel Blue BS381C:110. The national insignia are lo-viz and they include a red and yellow checkerboard in the side rear of the fuselage. There are some very good squadron markings on both sides of the tail.

The eight Hawk is BAe Hawk Mk. T1A, XX352 of JFACSTU, RAF in early 2000. The paint scheme is overall Gloss Black BS381C:642. Artwork on tail includes white squadron markings with the white letters CP on both sides of the tail. The roundels are outlined in white.

The ninth Hawk is BAe Hawk Mk. T1A, XX341 of ETPS/ASTRA, RAF in early 2000. The paint scheme is Signal Red BS381C:537, Roundel Blue BS381C:108, Light Aircraft Grey BS381C:627 and Gloss White BS381C:302 and a flat black anti-glare panel in front of the windscreen. The roundels are outlined in white. On the side of the fuselage is the black text Empire Test Pilots School as well as ASTRA.

The markings are varied and interesting. The instruction sheets include helpful text describing how to paint the cockpit. Two of the tails require painting with special colours and these colours are mentioned on the instruction sheets. All necessary information about painting is included as well as BS British Standard numbers, US Federal Standard numbers, Humbrol numbers and Xtracolour paint numbers. Painting instructions for the cockpit and other detail areas are included in the instructions.

Reccomended kits are in 1/48 Airfix Mk. T1 Hawk or 1/48 Premier Mk. T1.

In 1/72 the recommended kits are 1/72 Italeri Mk. T1 Hawk or 1/72 Airfix Mk. T1 Hawk

These decals are very well done, have some interesting paint schemes and I recommend these decals to anyone considering building a RAF Hawk. Special thanks to Model Alliance for sending me this review sample. You can purchase these decals direct from Model Alliance.

Steve

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