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.
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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.
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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)
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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
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