SPAD XIII
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Hobbycraft of Canada released the SPAD XIII kit in 1/32 scale several years ago. While a fine kit, one of its major shortfalls is its decals.
FCM of Brazil comes to the rescue with a sheet of decals specifically designed for the Hobbycraft SPAD kit.
This sheet is one of FCM's "Elite Wet Transfer" line. These decals are unique in that you put the decals on in the usual manner, but then peel off the carrier film when dry! A small instruction leaflet is included on how to accomplish this, but the idea is to let the transfers dry thoroughly, then with a piece of tape lift off the carrier film, leaving the printed image behind.
Included
are markings to do one of five aircraft:
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S7748 1Lt. Charles R. D'Olive, 93rd Aero Squadron USAS
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s/n u/k Antonim Gauthier, SPA 80, French Air Force
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S4830 Michel Joseph Callixte Marie Coiffard, SPA 154, French Air Force
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S2445 Maggiore Francesco Baracca, 91 Squadriglia, Italian Air Force
- S4523 Eddie Rickenbacker, 94th Aero Squadron, USAS
The decal sheet also includes instrument decals and various data markings. Colors look OK on initial inspection, but the blue for the USAS birds looks far too dark, almost Navy Blue, whereas they should be French Blue. Curiously, the color illustration correctly shows a shade closer to French Blue.
Also included in the package is an excellent colored information sheet showing profiles and decal placement. The back of this sheet has the real bonus feature, which are three-view grayscale illustrations of both the Bleriot and Kellner camouflage patterns for the SPAD XIII, very useful reference material for SPADS in any scale.
Overall a good aftermarket sheet for the Hobbycraft SPAD kit. Aside from the questionable dark blue USAS roundels, the sheet is very good, and well worth the cost just for the excellent illustrations.
Recommended.
My sample was obtained from Flightdecs of Canada. They are also available from Hannant's in the UK and of course directly from FCM of Brazil.