Air-Graphic Models Review

RAF Jaguar GR.3
'Spotty' RAF Retirement Scheme

Air-Graphic Models, 1/48 scale

S u m m a r y :
Catalogue Number:	Air-Graphic Models Item No. AIR48-01 - RAF Jaguar GR.3 'Spotty' RAF Retirement Scheme
Scale:	1/48
Contents and Media:	Two decal decal sheets; A5 instructions and reference
Price:	GBP£30.00 incl. shipping from Air-Graphics' website GBP£37.80 EU Price (£31.50 Export Price) plus shipping available online from Hannants' website
Review Type:	First Look
Advantages:	Quality decals with great colour, register and detail, good instructions and handy set of images.
Disadvantages:	None noted.
Conclusion:	.

Reviewed by Brett Green

F i r s t L o o k

RAF Jaguar ‘Spotty’ is the aircraft chosen by Air-Graphic Models for its debut 1/48 scale decal release. AIR48-01 provides everything required to reproduce this distinctive retirement scheme in 1/48 scale and is particularly welcome for modellers planning to build the Airfix Jaguar.

The subject aircraft is Jaguar GR.3A XX119, one of the RAF Jaguars associated with No. 6 Squadron and the type’s final years in RAF service. Its retirement scheme transformed the camouflage into something very eye-catching.

There are 147 individual decals on the sheet, the vast majority being the uniquely shaped spots that make up the aircraft’s distinctive finish.

Breaking the pattern down into individual decals allows the modeller to manage the irregular contours of the original aircraft having to mask and paint hundreds of separate shapes. It does, however, mean that application will be time-consuming. Careful preparation, planning and patience will be rewarded with a striking finish.

The decals are crisply printed, with good registration and well-defined edges. The individual spots are sensibly arranged on the sheet, making it straightforward to identify the required numbered decals. Given the sheer number of markings involved, the instructions are an important part of the package. Careful comparison to photos of the original aircraft is recommended to ensure that the demarcations and pattern are correctly positioned.

‘Spotty’ is a colourful, unusual and instantly recognisable subject that will stand out in any collection, while the extensive decal sheet eliminates much of the uncertainty associated with trying to recreate the complex finish from scratch. The availability of the excellent new Airfix 1/48 scale Jaguar makes this decal sheet even more relevant.

For Jaguar enthusiasts, AIR48-01 offers an attractive option to one of the most memorable aircraft of the end of the RAF’s Jaguar era. As a debut in 1/48 scale, it is an impressive and ambitious offering from On Target Decals.

This is a very Limited Edition Decal of only 100 sets so you will need to get in quick!

Thanks to Air-Graphic Models for the sample.

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