1:32 RAF Code Letters and Numbers 24

RAF code letters and numbers in 1:32 scale

A sheet of waterslide decals with the characters used on the aircraft of the Royal Air Force. The number 24 in the name distinguishes a size variant within the line, which also exists in a version numbered 30. From the separate characters the modeler puts together the markings to suit the subject and is therefore not restricted to what the kit manufacturer supplied.

What the code letters were for

British aircraft carried a combination of large characters on the sides of the fuselage, beside the national insignia: a pair of letters belonged to the squadron and a single letter distinguished the individual aircraft within it. In addition the serial number was painted on the rear fuselage in smaller characters. It is exactly this combination that turns a model into a particular machine, which is why it pays to have letters and numbers in reserve separately. They can also be used to put together a code that is not on the ready-made sheets for individual kits.

Application tips

• clear-coat the area under the decal with a gloss varnish, because on a matte base air is trapped under the film
• cut the character out as closely as possible, so that no glossy frame is left around it
• soak it in lukewarm water and wait until it starts to release from the backing
• measure the spacing of the characters out from a photograph of the subject, as codes were not usually laid out regularly
• squeeze the water out with a soft cloth from the center toward the edges and let it dry thoroughly

Terms of supply

A standalone decal sheet is what is supplied. The kit, paints, varnishes and glue are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise. The list of characters on the sheet and their number are stated by the manufacturer.