Model Alliance Group

1/72 & 1/48 Dragon Hawk RAF BAe Hawk Mk. 1 decal sheet

Product # MA-489001 & MA-729001 

Product Article by Steve Bamford Mar 8 2004

 

 

 

The BAE Hawk was originally designed as a trainer and first flew in 1974. Since then there have been several variants, including a ground attack and single seater configuration. The aircraft has been a success story for the British Aerospace industry has been exported around the world. The Hawk is currently used by the RAF as a trainer, and is also the chosen aircraft of the Red Arrows display team.  With a top speed of 560kt (1038 km/h, 645 mph) and the ability to be armed with one optional centreline 30mm ADEN cannon or up to 3000kg of ordnance including cluster bombs and AIM-9s, it is a potent aircraft.

This new 1/72 decal sheet (also available in 1/48) from Model Alliance Group from their Premier Plus Range Decals focuses on the Special Dragon Hawks.  There is a choice of 2 different hawks painted in this Dragon Scheme.....although both aircraft are painted in different colours.  The folks at Model Alliance Group have even included a Tiger scheme Hawk.  Stencils are not included, but Model Alliance Group has a very comprehensive decal sheet (product # Ma-72/481116) that include the Hawk stencil decals.

The decals themselves are beautiful quality and very clearly printed on the 1/72 sample I have before me (scan at right does not show the the sharpness of these decals).  Colours look solid and will cover very well, but the decal also don't appear overly thick.  There are enough stencils provided for 2 complete aircraft......with more stencils and national markings, you could make more of the 13 different planes featured on this decal sheet.  Clear film is minimal and tapers down nicely to the edge of the decal.

The first Hawk is RAF BAe Hawk Mk. 1 XX172 St Athan Station Flight 2001.  This aircraft is gloss black overall with a big fire breathing red dragon down both sides of the fuselage.

The second Hawk is RAF BAe Hawk Mk. 1 XX172 St Athan Station Flight 1995.  This aircraft is light aircraft grey BS381C:627, Roundel Blue BS381C:110 and Signal Red BS381C:537 overall with a white stripe along the side of the fuselage.  There is a big fire breathing black dragon down both sides of the fuselage.  The antiglare panel in front of the windscreen is flat black.  This is a very colourful little Hawk.

The Dragon markings for this Hawk from these 2 years of the St Athan's Flight have been much sought after by folks for their Hawk models.  It's good to see these marking available.  The instruction sheets include helpful text describing how to paint the cockpit.  All necessary information about painting is included as well as BS British Standard numbers.  Painting instructions for the cockpit and other detail areas are included in the instructions.

 
The production run is limited to 250 copies, which is a small production as far as decals go.  Prices are 

1/72  £7.50(UK) or $18.67 (Cdn)

1/48 £9.00 (UK) or $22.40 (Cdn)  

Click on images below to see larger images

You can order these decals direct from sales@theaviationworkshop.co.uk

Recomended kits are in 1/48 Airfix Mk. T1 Hawk.  

In 1/72 the recommended kits are 1/72 Italeri  Mk. T1 Hawk or 1/72 Airfix Mk. T1 Hawk

These decals are very well done, and the artwork captures the look and ferociousness of the winged firebreathing dragons from British legends and folklore.  Special thanks to Model Alliance for sending me this review sample.  You can purchase these decals direct from Model Alliance.

Steve

Photos and text © by Steve Bamford