Not that many modelers know that ESCI not only did kits, but they also had a line of about 100 decal sheets, all in 1/72 scale. These small sheets carried a wealth of markings, for in addition to the usual subjects, there would be bonus decals that were usually unit badges or other bits.

This sheet is quite typical of ESCI decals. For one thing, they seem to have been made yellowed as even what were considered 'fresh' decal sheets suffered from this malady. Secondly, the decals are very matte and often a bit brittle, so a wise user would coat them prior to use with something like Microscale's Decal Film

Many sheets covered multiple subjects and this one is no exception.

First on the sheet are three HS-123s. First is an RLM 70/71/65 camouflaged aircraft from II./SG 2 in Russia during 1944,

Next a Spanish Civil War version in the early four color splinter of RLM 61/62/63/65.

Finally,what seems to be an RLM 70/65 painted plane from 8./SG 1, again in Russia.

For the Fi-156, we first have a desert camouflaged aircraft from 2(H)./14

Then a courier aircraft (what we call a 'hack') from I./JG 54 in 1942/43, painted in a winter whitewash.

Then an ambulance aircraft flying in Italy during 1944.

Added to the sheet is a profile of a KG 66 Ju-188E. No decals are provided for this plane as it is just standard insignia.

ESCI sheets only offer profiles for the subjects so one does have to do a bit of research. Each of the subjects on the sheet is given a brief history of the type, but nothing specific to the aircraft shown on the profile sheet. As you can see from the decals, there are a variety of additional unit badges, and these are listed on one of the information sheets provided.

For kits, Airfix does the Hs-123, Academy and Heller provide a Fi-156, and Testors/Italeri do a Ju-188E. While these sheets do provide some interesting markings, the user does need to be aware that not only will the decals be a bit challenging to use, but there are times when the information given is just wrong as historical research over the last 25 years has brought to light much that has superceded earlier suppositions.

June 2005

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