Price: £12.75 + 3.60 pp (Europe) £4.95 (rest of the world) Sept 2011
Review by: Les Venus
Background
I have already reviewed the 1:72nd and 1:48th scale versions of this 2 volume set. But, given its scale and its sheer beauty, I felt this set deserved their own entry.
I make no apologies for repeating that, when I first met Rowan Broadbent with Geoff at the RAF Museum Model Show back in May 2010, we were hooked.
As I recall, he was working on a raft of projects in anticipation of Wingnut Wings releases in 1:32nd scale. A few things really caught both Geoff and my imagination.
First and paramount was the sheer depth of passion (often and overworked word but spot on in this case) that Rowan had for the period. Second was the quality of the art work he was producing that would translate to his decal range. I bought his SE5a Night fighter set, but now Geoff has handed me what I can only describe as a genuinely breathtaking array of new decals, in two volumes and a repeat of the 1:72 and 1:48 sets reviewed in SMN.
R&D Counts and here it really shows
I won’t repeat the same for each release but it’s important I feel for you to realise how Pheon produce their sublime decals. So here are the facts:
- The decals have been in development for more than 6 months. They have been produced in conjunction with Richard Andrews and Harry Green of The Aviatic were both primarily responsible for the development of the custom-mixed colours (specifically developed for Pheon by Ray Horwell of the Fantasy Printshop).
Click on the images below and see what you think for yourselves.
What do you get?
You get each volume in a sturdy A4 zip lock type plastic wallet, with colour profiles of either 10 or 9 options.
In Vol 1 are 10 choices and Vol 2 has the remaining 9. These are shown inside the clear wallet on a piece of white paper and look ok, but they belay what lay inside – which is incredible.
On 5 pieces of A4 glossy white card are the scheme choice3s showing side and plan views and really would grace any book on the subject. I really have never seen anything like it. I would add that, even without the decals, this set is worth the asking price as a piece of reference and really shows the absolute dedication Rowan has to the subject.
Four of the schemes require lozenge on the wings in one form or another but this has to be sourced elsewhere. I know Eduard and Roden lozenge is quite good (a bit bright I feel) but it should be ok. I know that Pheon have plans here so watch this space, as we will get the news to you first in SMN.
Instructions and colouring notes
The 14 page A5 booklet compliments the colour slides perfectly giving detailed notes on colours squadrons pilots and history. The recommended kit is of course the new Wingnut Wings kit reviewed by me in Here Now.
The Decals
The decals are printed by Fantasy Printshop, are glossy and I can see no evidence of any misalignment or colour issues. In short: perfection.
Summary
I love this set and would recommend buying them, whether you’re a modeller or even an historian.
It’s sublime.
Les V.