1:48 WWII RAAF Twins Pt.2: Bristol Beaufighter, Douglas Boston, North-American Mitchell

RAAF Twins Pt.2, DK Decals 1:48

This is a decal sheet, not a kit. The second part of the series devoted to twin-engine types of the Royal Australian Air Force covers three aircraft: the Bristol Beaufighter, the Douglas Boston and the North American Mitchell. The markings are intended for models in 1:48 scale.

The real subjects

During the Second World War the Royal Australian Air Force deployed its twin-engine aircraft above all in the South West Pacific and in home defense. In Australian hands the Beaufighter made its name as a strike aircraft against Japanese shipping, and its later build was even produced under license in Australia. The Douglas Boston served with Australian squadrons as a medium bomber and a strike aircraft over New Guinea. The Mitchell, which is the British and Australian designation for the American B-25, flew in the bomber as well as the reconnaissance role, and some aircraft stayed in service after the war. Australian machines differed from British and American ones not only in their national markings but often in their own paint shades and in rich personal artwork.

Working with the decals

• Coat the surface under the decal with gloss varnish, as a matte surface causes silvering.
• Cut the print out close to the edge, so that as little carrier film as possible is left.
• Only release the decal in the water, as a longer soak weakens the adhesive.
• Use a decal softener over engraved lines and rivets and let it dry thoroughly.
• Finally seal everything with a clear varnish in the degree of gloss you want.

Who the sheet is for

For modelers focused on the Pacific theater and on the Royal Australian Air Force who want to build an aircraft with documented period markings instead of the decals from the base box.