Bullseye Model Aviation 1/48 Yoxford Boys #1 Decal First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | January 2020 | Manufacturer | Bullseye Model Aviation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Yoxford Boys #1 | Scale | 1/48 |
| Set Number | 48009 | 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 one of four and covers a selection of eight subjects from all three squadrons plus one aircraft assigned to the one of the group's staff. The decals provide examples of the P-51D-5-NA which was not equipped with the fin fillet as well as the P-51D-10-NA which did have the fillet. There is also an example which shows how some aircraft had the fillet retrofitted in the field. All are sized for the Eduard P-51D kits.
The aircraft presented here include:
- P-51D-5, 44-13897, B6-Y, 363 FS/357 FG, RAF Leiston, July 1944, 'Glamorous Glenn II'
- P-51D-5, 44-13897, B6-Y, 363 FS/357 FG, RAF Leiston, October 1944, 'Glamorous Glenn II'
- P-51D-5, 44-13897, B6-J, 363 FS/357 FG, RAF Leiston, July 1944, 'Daddy Rabbit', as flown by Capt. Charles Peters
- P-51D-5, 44-13522, B6-G, 363 FS/357 FG, RAF Leiston, July 1944, 'Billy's Bitch', as flown by Capt. William O'Brien
- P-51D-5, 44-13518, B6-D, 363 FS/357 FG, RAF Leiston, September 1944, 'Horses Itch', as flown by Major Edwin Hiro
- P-51D-10, 44-14798, G4-V, 357 FG, RAF Leiston, January 1945, 'Master Mike', as flown by Major Joseph Broadhead 357 FG Ops Officer
- P-51D-5, 44-13316, G4-C, 362 FS/357 FG, RAF Leiston, June 1944, 'Mildred'
- P-51D-5, 44-13316, G4-C, 362 FS/357 FG, RAF Leiston, June 1944, 'Nooky Booky II', as flown by Capt. Leonard Carson
- P-51D-5, 44-13586, C5-T, 364 FS/357 FG, RAF Leiston, July 1944, 'Hurry Home Honey', as flown by Major Richard Peterson
- P-51D-10, 44-14245, G4-P, 362 FS/357 FG, RAF Leiston, December 1944, 'Floogie II', as flown by Lt. Otto Jenkins
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!