Sky Decals

IAF First Fighters

Product # 1/48 SD21 & 1/72 SD22

Product Article by Yoav Efrati on Oct 25 2006

 

 

 

      Three cheers go to Sami Dekel of Sky's Decals and graphic artist Netanel Deri for bringing to us modelers the latest decal subjects covering the S-199 Avia, Mk.9e Spitfire and P-51D Mustang in Israeli Air Force service from the 1948 war through the 1956 war. SD-21 is a double sheet in 1/48 scale and SD-22 is its 1/72 equivalent containing the same markings on a sheet and a half. In addition to the decal sheets, each set contains a 16 page instructions booklet with line drawings and profiles drawn up by Netanel Deri and printed in color and a color cover page showing a photo of the IAF's only airworthy Spitfire known as "Ezer's Black Spit".

        Three years of research have gone into the making of these sheets, having to work from rare photos and ample conflicting information found on these subjects, especially the S-199 Avia. The 16 page instructions booklet provides detailed building, painting and markings information on each specific version of the aircraft to be modeled. For example, some IAF Avia's were fitted with a deep engine carburetor and a G-14 long tail wheel strut, these features are shown on the sheet to the aircraft they apply. Individual Spitfires and Mustangs with changes in identification markings are shown at different time periods, thus enabling the modeler to build a trio of IAF first fighters at a specific time frame. 

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The first three pages of the instructions sheet are devoted to the S-199 Avia, offering  decal application instructions for 9 different aircraft and three view stencil application drawings. Eight pages are devoted to the Spitfire offering painting and decal application information for 19 different aircraft in IAF service between 1948 and 1956 with top view camouflage drawings provided for five of the Spitfires including Spitfire 14 and 18 credited with air to air kills, natural metal no.58 with a red lightning bolt and overall black Spitfire no.57 known as Ezer's Black Spitfire. The third and final subject is the P-51D Mustang with markings provided 12 aircraft including the three different number styles applied to natural metal Mustangs 2301 and 2302 credited with air to air kills. 1956 Suez veteran Mustangs no.19 and no.31 are shown with complete three view drawings for camouflage and markings application.

     To enable the modeler to depict any of the subjects offered on this sheet, as well as to depict any IAF aircraft in service during this time period, Sky's Decals provide 9 different number styles in use during that period, including a no standard small white number 16 and D-130 unique to Spitfire IXes' credited with air to air kills, Avia

D-117 named "Nechama" and brown and green camouflaged Avia D-123. Thirty-five Star of David roundels are provided enabling the modeler to build up to 7 different aircraft from the sheet.

     The Decals registration and color accuracy is to be commended. For the first time the red chosen for the 101 squadron's rudder stripes and insignia is the correct Insignia Red. Decals dedicated to these aircraft previously issued by other manufacturer's provided these markings in vivid red or even blue which were obviously wrong. The only vivid red markings are those applied to the current version of Ezer's Black Spitfire which are correct. Also for the first time, the blue used on the roundels, empennage and wing white-blue-white recognition band and early identification numbers is of the same blue color. More often than not previous offering provided these markings in a blue shade that was too light or numbers printed in black. Spitfire rudder markings are provided for four aircraft, red stripes for 101sq, black stripes for 105sq and blue stripes for 107sq, with vivid red stripes for Ezer's Black Spit.

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     I applaud Sky's Decals latest effort which enables dedicated IAF enthusiasts and even modelers not familiar with the IAF to obtain the same accurate results when building the IAF's First Fighters. For direct purchase, please contact Sami Dekel of Sky's Decals at telephone/fax 011-972-2-6454543 or at e-mail address: skydecal@netvision.net.il.

Yoav

Photos and text © by Yoav Efrati