Bullseye Model Aviation 1/48 Yoxford Boys #4 Decal First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | January 2020 | Manufacturer | Bullseye Model Aviation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Yoxford Boys #4 | Scale | 1/48 |
| Set Number | 48012 | Pros | Eight distinctive options |
| Cons | None noted | Skill Level | Novice |
| MSRP (USD) | $14.99 |
First Look
Bullseye Model Aviation is back with an impressive four-part series covering the P-51D Mustangs assigned to the 357th Fighter Group, also known as the Yoxford Boys. This is part four and covers a selection of eight subjects from all three squadrons and provide examples of the P-51D-5-NA which was not equipped with the fin fillet as well as the D-10 and D-15, which did have the fillet. All are sized for the Eduard P-51D kits.
The aircraft presented here include:
- P-51D-5, 44-11165, C5-J, 364 FS/357 FG, RAF Leiston, November 1944, Lady Nelda', as flown by Lt. Edward Haydon
- P-51D-10, 44-14789, G4-E, 362 FS/357 FG, RAF Leiston, February 1945, 'Sad Sack', as flown by Lt. Oscar Ridley
- P-51D-5, 44-13334, G4-U, 362 FS/357 FG, RAF Leiston, March 1945, 'Buffalo Belle', as flown by Lt. Eldrid Danner
- P-51D-15, 44-15370, B6-X, 363 FS/357 FG, RAF Leiston, September 1944, 'Sally Anne III', as flown by Lt. William Dunlop
- P-51D-5, 44-13963, G4-Z, 362 FS/357 FG, RAF Leiston, September 1944, 'Morning Star', as flown by Lt. Thomas Martinek
- P-51D-5, 44-13681, B6-F, 363 FS/357 FG, RAF Leiston, September 1944, as flown by Major Donald Bockay
- P-51D-15, 44-15529, B6-D, 363 FS/357 FG, RAF Leiston, October 1944, 'Ponys Express', as flown by Lt. Frank Kyle
- P-51D-5, 44-13573, B6-V, 363 FS/357 FG, RAF Leiston, November 1944, 'Isabel III', as flown by Flt.Lt. Jack Cleland (RNZAF)
The instructions provide a wealth of information about the group as well as distinctive differences betwen each aircraft presented here. As the instructions acknowledge, there has been a long debate over what colors were applied to these aircraft as many of them were repainted in the UK, hence the debate over whether the aircraft wore OD/Neutral Gray or used locally sourced RAF paints for Dark Green over Medium Sea Gray. The instructions also note that as a result of the repaint, many of the stencils were also overpainted and are not provided on these decal sheets though they do recommend using the kit's stencils or those from fundekals to stencil the aircraft should your subject have stenciling visible.
The printing looks great on these sheets which is no surprise givent that they're printed by Cartograf. The note at the bottom of the decal states they were 'stampato in Italia' (like a fine wine).
These decals are sold exclusively by Sprue Brothers.
My sincere thanks to Bullseye Model Aviation for this review sample!