1:72 Supermarine Attacker Pt.1 (wet decals)

Print Scale decals 1:72 — Supermarine Attacker, part one

A decal sheet in 1:72 scale for models of the jet aircraft Supermarine Attacker. These are wet decals, that is a classic sheet from which the decal releases once soaked in water. The package holds the sheet and instructions for the schemes; the kit and paints have to be obtained separately. The series is divided into parts, each with its own selection of markings.

The real subject

The Attacker was one of the first jet aircraft adopted by the Fleet Air Arm. In design it followed on from the same maker's late piston machines — it had a straight wing and, unusually for a jet, kept a tailwheel landing gear, that is a small wheel under the tail instead of a nosewheel. That gave the aircraft a characteristic nose-up stance on the ground, which is immediately apparent on a model. Power came from a jet engine with a centrifugal compressor. Besides British service, the type also reached a foreign operator. For a modeler it is an interesting intermediate step between the piston and the jet era.

Painting and decal tips

Early jets tend to be glossy and smooth, which is ideal for decals but merciless to surface flaws. Check the seams and sanded places against the light before spraying, or spray a coat of base color and fill any flaws. Decals can be applied to a gloss surface even without an intermediate coat, but it is still better to spray one — it evens the gloss out and the decal settles better. Given the small scale the decals are tiny, so work with fine-tipped tweezers and move them with a damp brush. Once dry, let the model rest at least a day before you spray the final varnish. Keep the patina restrained; on glossy naval machines, exaggerated soiling looks unconvincing.

Who the set is for

• Anyone interested in early jet aviation in 1:72 scale
• Builders of naval types with an unusual layout
• Modelers who want markings beyond the contents of the box
• Collectors of sheets for less usual types

The package holds only the decals. The model, paints and glue are not part of it.