 Icarus
Decals 1/72 Hellenic AF Special Scheme Sheets
Over the years, many squadrons from many air forces have dressed up
some of their aircraft for anniversaries and such. The Greeks are no exception,
and these three decal sheets provide some of those special schemes for
three different aircraft.
Sheet 72003 (and 48007, for those who prefer 1/48 scale) provides markings
for the 348TRS Anniversary RF-4E. This is an attractive Phantom, finished
in a wraparound camouflage similar to the Luftwaffe Norm 83 scheme. Do
take note that this is similar, and not identical, as both the colors
and pattern are different. The instructions give full views showing the
pattern and colors, so no guesswork is needed. Once the basic camouflage
is done, the fun begins.
The fin is split into a light blue and dark blue section, separated
by the decal. The instructions suggest photocopying the decal sheet and
using that as a mask to make sure the demarcation is positioned correctly.
The rest of the decals should be fairly straightforward in application.
In checking photos at airliners.net, I noticed that at some point in time
this plane received a yellow flash on the nose. This is not noted in the
instructions and very likely it was applied after the RIAT 2005 show for
which it was painted up for.
 Sheet
72004 (48008 for those bigger models) provides markings for a pair of
colorful Mirage F.1CGs. The Mirage F.1CG served with the Hellenic Air
Force from 1975 to its retirement in 2003. The two aircraft on this sheet
were painted up for the retirement of that aircraft. The first aircraft
was just a static display aircraft and was painted up to celebrate 334
Squadron, one of the two units to fly the Mirage F.1CG. The unit was disbanded
in 2000 and this aircraft is painted in overall silver, with red trim
along the fuselage sides and tail. Also on the tail is a section of the
national insignia and the 334 Squadron’s “Talos” insignia.
While that aircraft is attractive, it is downright plain compared to
the second option. This is the 342 “Sparti” anniversary aircraft,
and there will be no missing this plane. Painted in overall bright yellow,
it has a red anti-glare panel on the nose, blue upper wings with yellow
curving stripes (mirrored on the undersides), and a wavy rendition of
the Greek flag on the intake, stretching aft along the fuselage to the
exhaust. Adding to the design is the squadron emblem on the tail. This
decal option will be somewhat challenging to apply, as the flag is provided
in multiple parts and will have to be fitted together. Some careful application
and lots of test fitting should minimize the problems, though, and the
results will definitely be worth it. Both of these aircraft would make
for a great display on your shelf.
 Finally, sheet
72007 (or 48011) presents the anniversary aircraft for 343 Squadron, an
attractive F-5A painted up to celebrate the withdrawal of the type in
2001. This aircraft is split into a light blue front fuselage and a dark
blue aft fuselage, separated by a bright yellow star. Extending from that
star are white wings that wrap around the intakes and fuselage, going
all the way back to the fin. This motif is repeated on the underside as
well. The vertical fin gets the squadron badge, as well as diagonal lines
and anniversary text. These lines and text are repeated on the nose. For
those who have the nice Italeri 1/72 or Classic Airframes 1/48 F-5A, this
sheet would look stunning on either of those.
Like other sheets in the Icarus line, these are all printed by Cartograf,
presenting excellent color density and perfect alignment. Any one would
make for a great display aircraft, and all four together would really
be impressive. My thanks to Icarus Decals for the review samples. These
sets, and other Icarus Decals sets, are available from Hannant's.
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