I dare say there are few fans of 1950s and 1960s jets who do not like the Hawker Hunter. It is one of those iconic aircraft that seems to just look right. Like the Canberra, the Hunter was used by dozens of units in its hey-day of the mid-late 1950s. Designed as an interceptor, it was also quite capable as a fighter bomber and had substantial overseas sales, many of them ex-RAF planes upgraded for local conditions.

To coincide with the new Airfile book, Fantasy Printshop has developed this set of decals that covers no fewer than 32 different single seat Hunters. All of the different variants are covered in this set which includes markings for F.1/4/5/6 and FGA.9 aircraft. There are also a couple of FR.10s added in the mix. It seems to me that pretty much every RAF unit is covered in this sheet. There are so many markings that even without providing common items like stencils it still takes four full sheets. 

For those wondering about kits, most of us will gravitate towards the Academy versions as they do both an F.6 and an FGA.9. It would be relatively easy to backdate the F.6 to do the F.5, 4, and 1 variant by removing the dogtooth extension and perhaps some other small modifications. 

The vast majority of these planes are camouflaged in Dark Green and Dark Sea Grey over painted aluminum (High Speed Silver), though there are exceptions such as a 4 FTS plane in trainer colors, some with PRU blue or light grey undersides and at least one in a wraparound scheme.

The decals themselves are superbly done and include a full range of serial numbers for all 32 planes. Some of these have the under wing serials stacked while most are in long form. There are enough insignia on the sheet for one full color and one low visibility option. Academy's kit markings are also nicely done and should provide any additional insignia needed. The sheet itself is superbly printed as you'd expect from Fantasy Printshop.

It is a great sheet and one of those 'Must Have' items for any 1/48 Hunter fan. Currently available in 1/72 and coming soon in 1/32.

April 2015