Many of us have been awaiting this series of decals with much anticipation. Leading Edge Decals has begun a very well researched series of decals for RCAF Mustangs and has begun with Western Canada. This sheet contains markings for six aircraft from four different units. These aircraft were overhauled at various facilities in the US before being delivered.

Here are some generalities about these aircraft in terms of the way they were painted and equipped. Those delivered from 1950 onward generally had black interiors, cuffless Hamilton Standard props and were painted overall aluminum lacquer. One can assume that during the overhaul, the putty in the seams of the wings was removed if it wasn't already.

Now on to the schemes

FC*M was from the RCAF Winter Experimental Establishment in Edmonton. This is one of the first aircraft recieved so has the Interior Green cockpit and a cuffed prop. It is also unpainted metal.

There are three aircraft options from 433 Squadron. These planes have the blue spinner and striping. You get three options as there are three different styles of unit badge on the fuselage. Aircraft 272 had an Interior Green cockpit.

The aircraft with a white spinner and PR code is from 403 Squadron in Calgary.

Finally, with the large red lightning bolt is an aircraft from 422 Squadron in Vancouver. This aircraft likely had an Interior Green cockpit.

The decals themselves are superbly printed with excellent research that includes photo references for each set of markings, just as one would expect from Leading Edge. There are enough data and common markings to build four aircraft. In addition, Leading Edge has included three resin ADF antennas as several of the options will require them. Yes, they are molded in black resin so you actually do not need to paint all of it.

For kits, pretty much anything in 1/72 scale will be sufficient. Many will choose the nicely done Tamiya kit, but there are small scale 'stangs from Hasegawa and others that should fill the bill.

February 2012

Review sheet courtesy Leading Edge Decals. Thanks for your support

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