It has been quite a while since LPS Hobby did any decals and I am pleased that they have continued. This particular sheet is a 1/48 version of one of their 1/72 sheets and is designed for the Tamiya 1/48 P-47D, though you may be able to use them on the kits of other manufacturers.  The decals themselves are superbly printed by Microscale so no worries on decal solutions.

The initial option is the lone razorback on the sheet. Apparently Egypt was a training site or something as all three options are with 73 OTU based at Fayid in late 1944. This is in the standard RAF temperate fighter scheme but without the yellow wing leading edges.

Next is a bubbletop version in the same scheme as the first option. The instruction sheet lists the colors as ANA 613 OD, ANA 602 Sea Grey, and ANA 603 Light Grey, but I'd go with the RAF shades. These first two planes have Hamilton Standard props.

The third option is an all black aircraft with red flash and nose. This rather flashy aircraft was for the commanding officer of 73 OTU, Captain Frank Carey. Unlike the previous options, this one has the Curtiss Electric prop.

There are enough common markings and stencils to completely do one of the three options. Of course, you can use kit or aftermarket roundels to do the others should you so wish.

I have used LPS decals before and they are really superb.

March 2013

Thanks to LPS Hobby for the review sheet. You can find these at http://www.hannants.co.uk or contact them at lpsi1973@yahoo.com.br .

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and fairly quickly, please contact the editor or see other details in the Note to Contributors.