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Aero Imageworks Reviewed by Aero Imageworks are a relatively new name in the aftermarket decal industry and are based in Sydney, Australia. Naturally the subject matter of their initial releases centres on aircraft with an underlying antipodean connection. A shrewd move considering that the decal business is awash with ever increasing renditions of assorted Bf109's and other populist choices. Along with post war jets, this is a largely untapped resource. Of course the kit makers are, only now addressing the relative lack of modelling material to put these decals onto. This set covers no less than six examples of the Curtiss Tomahawk MkIIA in RAF and RAAF service in the Mediterranean Theatre. Included is a guidebook to the camouflage and markings more of which later.
The decal sheet itself is produced on an ALPS type printer, which means that the entire sheet is one piece of decal film with the markings printed via computer onto its surface. The quality of the image is excellent. Since this process doesn't involve a traditional colour separation and offset or screen print process, there is no problem with image register.
Back to the 'guidebook', and a welcome
addition in what is a limited run issue. Included are some very comprehensive
instructions including notes on the individual aircraft schemes provided
by monotone three view illustrations. Subtle detail callouts are added
to these three view drawings such as the different colour fuel/oil
filler caps and the note that RAF versions were fitted with standard
Sutton harnesses and not the Curtiss factory example. Advice on application
and handling of the decals is given which is essential given that
the majority of modellers will be wholly used to handling screen printed
water slide decals. A further section on the vagaries of the RAF desert camouflage scheme and the colours used is also a valuable inclusion along with a final paragraph on converting the smaller details of the Trumpeter kit to better represent a desert Tomahawk. The very last word details what the well-dressed Commonwealth pilot was wearing around dispersal, now that's attention to detail! In summary this is a great set of decals
for modellers looking to build something different from the Pacific
and CBI theatre P-40's available on the mainstream decal sheets. Another aspect that makes this hobby so
absorbing. Available directly from: © Tony Oliver 2004 |
