JayDee

1:32 Fokker D.VIIs (OAW & Alb) of Jasta 18 Pheon Decals Catalogue # 32045 Available from Pheon Decals for £12.75 Pheon Website: www.pheondecals.com Email for purchase. There's no doubt that with a set of Pheon Decals, you can indulge yourself in more than one scheme for your investment, and in many cases, you could perhaps build every machine depicted on the sheet. Things are no different here, except that you could actually build pretty much all ELEVEN schemes, including a Fokker Dr.1 that has crept into the Jasta 18 mix. Yes, of course, you would need to have almost a permanent hotline to Wingnut Wings in order to buy their D.VII kits, but just think what an amazing feat it would be to display a range of machines from the same Jasta! Let's take a look at exactly what Pheon have supplied us with here, and the various options available. Pheon's decals arrive in a large zip-lock wallet, with a regular, colour printed A4 sheet depicting 8 Jasta 18 profiles. Inside the wallet, another FIVE sheets of high gloss printed profiles are supplied, with sectional data given for the various tailplane and wing marking paintwork. One of these sheets includes something I don't think I've ever seen included in a decal sheet, and that is a MASKING TEMPLATE SHEET. Whilst Jasta 18 markings don't vary much, you will of course need to know where the demarcation between the red front and white rear fuselage begin and end. The fuselage masks are printed as such, with the double red banding for the rear fuselage also marked out for you. Correct....these are NOT given in decal form, and it is intended that you airbrush these as you would with the forward fuselage. Not that that's a bad thing, as at least you'll know you have exactly the same shade of red for both areas. Another set of fuselage masks is given to help you locate the fuselage corner stripes which apply to some machines. For me, these are perhaps the most attractive of the Jasta 18 schemes, and help to neatly break up the sold white rear fuselage of these aircraft. This sheet also contains both upper and lower tailplane plans, with the sections to be painted white and then masked, greyed out so you know exactly which stripes you should paint (work at this as a negative: grey = white, and white = airbrushed stripes). Another sheet contains the cross templates for the Fokker Dr.1. I really wish Wingnut Wings would release this particular kit. I dream of it. Pheon have wonderfully depicted their profiles in sharp, full colour, which of course highlights the common raven emblem. Most machines wore this as a black raven with the exception of the D.VII whose red fuselage extended rearwards to finish where the tailplane begins. In this case, it was white. This also applied to the extra Dr.1 scheme present here. Each machine carries either an extra personal emblem, extra to the raven, or as one machine depicts the raven picking off a line of chicks. Definitely one to consider! Each scheme also tells you whether that machine was an Albatros or OAW-built machine. A no-brainer. Looking carefully too, you will see that some machines had red upper and lower wings, whilst utilising lozenge on the lower panels. Check the profiles carefully. Pheon's instruction booklet is another highlight of their releases, and this one has had special attention to detail levelled at it. More on that in a moment. This booklet opens with a history of Jasta 18 covering FIVE pages, plus a list of references and acknowledgements that Rowan has supplied. This makes me realise I really do need to expand my own reference library. After a page explaining the best way to apply your decals, we arrive at a section regarding the Jasta 18 livery, and an explanation as to the various depictions of these scheme, with the raven colour being singled out too. Wing cross use is also explained, as is something I know took Rowan a lot of time to get right; the various cowl panels. Rowan told me that as WNW had gone to such pains to explain the various cowl options in their manual, then he needed to do the same here, except we have some extra modifications to make for every machine. This could include removing louvre detail, and indeed adding it too. Drawings are supplied for this, with note as to which machine they pertain, complete with the relevant WNW part number too. There is also another element of cowl modification that needs to be carried out for some machines, and that is the inclusion of two ventilation openings in the port side upper cowl. Again, explanation is given, along with a photograph of a completed modification. Cheers Rowan! Each machine is now given a few paragraphs of explanation as to the pilot, particular scheme variation and notes on the cowl and exhaust format. The notes are both informative and very useful. The schemes supplied in this set are: Fokker D.VII, early OAW-built, Ltn. Kurt Monnington, Montingen, Summer 1918 Fokker D.VII, OAW-built, Ltn. August Raben, Montingen, Summer 1918 Fokker D.VII, OAW-built and Albatros-built, serials unknown, Ltn/ Heinz Küstner, Montingen, Summer 1918, and post-war. Fokker D.VII, serial unknown, Albatros-built, Ltn. Gunther von Büren, August/September 1918, Montingen Fokker D.VII, Albatros-built, serial unknown, Ltn. Hans Müller, Montingen, September 1918 Fokker D.VII, Albatros-built, serial and pilot unknown, Montingen, Summer 1918 Fokker D.VII, possibly Albatros-built, serial and pilot unknown, Montingen, Summer 1918 Fokker D.VII, Albatros-built, serial unknown, Ltn. Wilhelm Kühne, Montingen, Summer 1918 Fokker D.VII, OAW-built, possibly flown by Vzfw. Glatz, Montingen, Summer 1918 Fokker D.VII, OAW-built, pilot and serial unknown, reference photo data unknown, but probably summer 1918, Montingen Fokker Dr.1, 479/17, Ltn. August Raben, Montingen, October 1918 The Decals: This single, A4 sheet is absolutely CHOCK FULL of decals, and the inclusion of so many ravens does indeed prove that you can indeed do pretty much every scheme available, if the inclination takes you. The sheet is full of personal emblems/insignia/flashes, rudder crosses, tailplane decals, including trim lines, and also fuselage stripes. Normally, I would mention that things are in register, but that doesn't count here as the decals are either black or white, with no combinations. Printed by Fantasy Printshop, the decals are superbly thin, solid in colour (with non-vivid white), and contain minimal carrier film. Some notification is given as to direction of decal and whether they are applied to the left or right. Conclusion Yes, these schemes might be fairly similar, but what an iconic scheme! The D.VII is white and red is simply stunning, and the sheet simply cries for more than one to be built. In fact, that's just what I'll do. Jasta 18's scheme is simple enough for a modeller who isn't perhaps too adept with masking, yet wants to create something very eye-catching. I'll build mine with a combination of Aviattic and Old Propeller decals over the two I have planned for this sheet. Watch out on the Large Scale Modeller forums for those results. Very highly recommended. James H Our sincere thanks to Pheon Decals for the review sample used here.

I'd wondered that. Perhaps there'll be clues on the sprues, or even the appearance of that Do 335 to prove it.

I might ma I might make some at work when I return. I have all the chemicals. I can do it like that wartime video showed

​Hopefully they'll follow this with the Do 335

That's awesome Rick. Nice AM sets there

Thanks for posting these Petr. She's looking particularly good. I'm presuming there's not too long before release now?

Looking real good. No issue with fit and sandwiching the wheel bay?

Looking good Cees. How well does the pit fit the fuse?

Outstanding! Great use of different timber hues too. Will you use any of the aftermarket stuff on this?

Looking real good Petr. This should make a lot of modellers very happy.

These are similar to something I saw when I was in engineering. They were used for marking centre lines on shafts by adding a gauge to the head. Very neat.

That looks totally epic! Very nice review Dave, and great images. I take it this will be started soon?

Can't wait for updates. Pretty please

That looks fantastic. I'd love to see the radial added if you can.

Just gorgeous. The best Ninak I've seen. Loving the display too, and this model is pretty big too. Superbe!

I think the Neo is the later one. I've got that and it works well. Perhaps something to do with ammonia content! Not sure...

I knew you couldn't resist! Great choice. Don't forget our Rumpler walkaround too

This one has now been submitted to Brett Green for inclusion in Military Illustrated Modeller #31. A far more detailed build write-up and 140 photos sent for selection. Remember to purchase your copy

I feel that this time next week, Dave will have one in stash too

SHIT! That is fantastic. Who would have thought that a wreck would look so cool? Loving that one David. Looks like I might have to take a look at that issue, being an Air Modeller subscriber only.

Welcome to LSM Edgar

Shit, that looks awesome! Your rather un-manly colour of background actually shows the colours real well. I love that PC10 finish....doesn't even look dusty like my DH.2

Perhaps we could have downloadable plans so those of us who fancy trying their hand, can build this beauty. Superb stuff

Looking forward to seeing this one. I quite like the Eduard 109 too. Already built two last year, with one a conversion to a V13

1:32 Hannover CL.II Pheon Decals Catalogue # 32042 Available from Pheon Decals for £15.00 This is the second set of decals from Pheon that we have been lucky enough to receive for review. We recently published an article for the Sopwith Snipe RAF Post-War set, and were impressed by the subject choice, decal quality and overall package, including reference material. Apart from this new Hannover CL.II set, I don't recall seeing any other aftermarket decal set specifically for this kit, so this was one I was always going to look forward to seeing. Pheon's decal sets are quite substantial in the reference and colour profile material included, and this is no exception. Packaged into a large zip-lock wallet, this set contains decals for no less than TWELVE schemes, and again, Pheon have chosen to be as diverse as it possible with regard to the ones they have chosen. The front cover of the package is illustrated by a regular, colour A4 sheet, showing all the schemes in miniature profile. It's when you open the wallet and see that Pheon have included FOUR sheets of glossy profile, sectional and wing plan detail, that you really get a feel for the particular subjects. The aircraft chosen include a number of Bavarian Schlasta units, as well as regular Schusta and Schlasta units, plus a single machine from a post-Armistice Polish Air Service unit. When you consider the process that needs to be used to determine colour identity, you'll understand that in a few cases, it isn't simple to say that a specific emblem or serial was painted in a particular colour. Generally, the science employed behind deducing the colour from black and white orthographic images can be pretty accurate. Where it isn't, then of course that can cause accuracy issues with knowing the colour of some machine details. Two such schemes are included here, and where the uncertainty lies, Pheon have included extra decals in the colours most likely to be of that specific conversion. The first machine, a Hannover CL.II from an unknown unit, carries a personal emblem of a man throwing an object. Pheon have deduced that this contains either yellow or grey shading. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide. Unless there is as yet unknown evidence of such detail lying in diaries or service notes, or indeed you can time travel, then these small details are left up to your own personal taste. The same applies to the aircraft number for the third choice, and the actual paint scheme colours on the Polish machine. Whilst some may baulk at building a subject where an element of accuracy is not quite determined, for me, this is manna from heaven, allowing me to use something more to my own taste. The Polish machine is certainly a point in case. Pheon's instruction manual/reference guide is every bit as good as the one we reviewed with the Snipe decal release. This is an A5, 10 page booklet which opens with an explanation of the units (Schlastas and Schustas) to which these machines were assigned, and the differences between them with regards to operational duty. Along with this, the evolution of the CL types is described. CL, of which 'L' in 'Cl' stands for leicht, or 'light', in direct translation. A table of both Halberstadt and Hannover types, and their chronology of servive life is also given. Following on from this is a potted history of the Hannover CL.II itself, being produced by a company which was more known for manufacturing railway rolling stock. Hannover used their skills to licence build aircraft from other companies, but realized it was a more profitable venture to design and build their own types, and with the appointment of a senior designer from DFW, they finally achieved this. A few lines on development are given, as well as a more comprehensive description about the rather poor Argus As.III engine which was used. The engine itself limited the Hannover to the duties to which it was primarily designed, and in fact, served rather well until the front line began to retract for the Germans. As well as a general section on applying decals, and some notes on colour, each machine is listed in turn, with a few notes relating to scheme marking and paint application for areas such as the forward nose cowl. Sources are also given, should you wish to research further. The machines depicted in this release are: Hannover CL.II, 13080/17, unit unknown Hannover CL.II, serial unknown, Schlasta 12, March 1918 Hannover CL.II, 9338/17, Schlasta 24b, Sgt. Zitzelsberger & Vzfw. Müller, Erchin, March 1918 Hannover CL.II, 9390/17, Schusta 30b, Inchy, March 1918 Hannover CL.II, 13282/17, Schlasta 31b, Vzfw. Peez & Gefr. Lang, May 1918 Hannover CL.II, 132?2/17, Schlasta 16, Linselles, May 1918 Hannover CL.II, 9387/17, Schusta 19, Tourmignies, December 1917 Hannover CL.II, serial unknown, Schusta 27b, Bertry, December 1917 Hannover CL.II, 9301/17, Schusta 12, Flg. Karl Romann & Vzfw. Georg Winkler, Wyngehene, January 1918 Hannover CL.II, 13181/17, Fl.Abt (A) 226, Vzfw. Willy Engler & Ltn. Alfred Kuerman Hannover CL.II, 13253/17, Schlasta 34, Dury, May 1918 Hannover CL.II, Polish Air Service, May 1919 A single, large A4 decal sheet contains everything you'll need to complete any one of the schemes supplied, and because there us a reliance, to a larger degree, in using the kit balkenkreuz (with a couple of exceptions), then you could use this sheet to build virtually all of these machines, if you're lucky enough to have a few Hannovers in stash. The decals are printed by Fantasy Printshop, and are both superbly thin and in perfect register. Carrier film is minimal, and colour is both solid and authentic, with no overly vivid colour. Decals aren't numbered per location, but those required for a specific machine are grouped together to make them easy to find. Conclusion The problem with this set, as with the Snipe, is that I really want to build more than one kit! The whole package itself can't be criticized. Pheon tend to give more to their customers with regard to information and presentation, than most decal manufacturers supply, and if you want decals which are properly researched, then Rowan and Sabine's releases are pretty hard to beat. As with a number of options with the Wingnut Wings kit, you'll need to provide your own solution for the fuselage lozenge pattern. That might limit your choice a little depending on your skill-set. However, we can't blame Pheon for the German choice of paint-job! Very highly recommended James H Thanks to Pheon Decals for the review sample used here. To purchase directly, click THIS link.