1:144 South African AF Springbok and Castle Insignia (1958-1981) - 2 sets

1:144 South African AF Springbok and Castle Insignia (1958-1981) from Mark I

A set of decals in a small scale devoted to South African aviation markings in the period the name defines. The goods contain no aircraft in themselves; it is a decorative layer that the customer adds to a finished model built from another box. The figure 2 sets stands in the name, but the contents of the sheet cannot be derived from it.

Two emblems in one name

The name mentions two motifs: the springbok, that is the South African leaping antelope, and a castle emblem referring to the fortress in Cape Town. During the second half of the twentieth century the South African Air Force changed its national insignia several times, and both the animal and the castle symbolism appeared in them in various shapes. For a collector it is interesting precisely because these are motifs outside the usual European range of circular insignia.

Advice on application

Small and intricate motifs deserve sharp scissors or a scalpel and a cut led as close to the print as possible. The base has to be smooth and glossy, or air pockets will arise under the film. Once a decal is seated, run a soft cloth over the area from the center toward the edges, let everything dry overnight and only then reach for a unifying clear coat.

Suitable for

• modelers interested in African air forces
• collections built by continent or by state
• builders who did not find the South African variant in the base box
• display cases with a Cold War theme outside the European area