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Pheon Models 1/48 RFC & RNAS Sopwith Pups in France

By Dave Calhoun

1/48 scale Sopwith Pup sheet

Here is my first hand review of a new range of WW1 decals created by Rowan Broadbent, a modeler of great talent. He named his new company Pheon Models, which means “An heraldic device signifying nimbleness of wit and dexterity of hand” which he says just about sums up the WW1 modeler. Pheon's goal is to create “a series of decal sets of unprecedented accuracy and quality, which will build with regular releases to cover aircraft and units of the air forces of all of the major powers. Where worthwhile kits are available (not just in current production) we will produce sheets catering for modelers in all three major scales, 1/32, 1/48 and not forgetting those modelers faithful to 1/72^nd – we know there are plenty of you out there as well!”

His first sheet released was 72001 & 48001 RFC & RNAS Sopwith Pups in France

I have the 1/48 scale sheet for review. First let me say as a printer by profession these are amazing. Printed by Fantasy Printshop, these are some of the best printed decals I have seen. They are done using screen printing with incredibly fine line screens allowing smooth edges and sharp fine detail. Each color is a separate Pantone ink, no halftone dots as seen on Alps or offset printed decals. The red and blue have been matched to actual samples of First World War VR3 and VB3 dope so the colors should be perfect. Looks good to me, not the too light blue as often seen in kit decals. There are 10 different marking options on the large sheet – each sheet measures approx. 8.25”x11.75” (A4 size) and it is very full, no wasted space, and even has a couple of Sopwith tail logos as an extra!

The sheet contains the following markings:

1. B2162 66 Sqn RFC 2Lt W.A. Pritt
2. B1777 46 Sqn RFC Lt A.S.G. Lee
3. N6203 RNAS Seaplane Defence Flight Flt Cdr LH Slatter
4. N6171 3 Naval Sqn Flt Sub-Lt E Pierce
5. N6181 3 Naval Sqn Flt Cdr L.S. Breadner
6. A6156 54 Sqn RFC Capt. O.M. Stewart
7. A7327 46 Sqn RFC Capt. S.H. Pratt
8. B1703 66 Sqn RFC Capt. J.O. Andrews
9. N6205 3 Sqn RNAS Flt Cdr J.S.T. Fall
10. N6200 4 Sqn RNAS Flt Cdr A.M. Shook

There are full fuselage markings for all 10 aircraft, including serial numbers and personal markings. The serial numbers are provided in two ways, either printed black over white, or as a separate white backing and black numbers designed to be applied one at a time to insure perfect register. The same is done with personal markings, the white shadow is applied first then the colored letters are put on top allowing perfect register.

There are wing roundels to mark 3 different aircraft, 2 RNAS without white outline and 1 RFC with white outline. There are also 3 sets of tail stripes. The white outlines look to be in perfect register. The red center dots are separate pieces so you get to apply them and center them for perfect register.

Also included with the set is a 12 page booklet, this has the history of each aircraft on the sheet as well as details on correcting the 1/72 Airfix kit and 1/48 Eduard kit that the sheets are designed for. There are 2 separate full color A4 sized sheets showing side views of all 10 schemes and upper views of 6 schemes with markings on the upper wing. All come packed in a nice poly bag and arrived safely in a padded envelope.

These are low volume decals, and the first printing of the 1/48 sheet is already sold out, but a second printing is being planned for the end of March. Also in the works for the end of March / Beginning of April is the second sheet, Spad S.VII Lafayette Escadrille N.124 and 103^rd Aero Squadron in 1/48 scale and 1/32 scale. At this point they will not do a 1/72 sheet unless there are enough pre-orders to make it financially successful.

For pricing and availability please e-mail Rowan at pheon.models@hotmail.co.uk

Also although a website is still in the works screen shots of current projects are posted here:

https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?showforum=227

I would like to thank Rowan for sending my order for review. Will be doing a future build of the Spad VII using decals from the forthcoming sheet.