With the war in Europe becoming more and more inevitable, the French Air Force was looking for anything it could get to increase the size of it Air Force. French industry was not able to keep up with demand so the US was a logical choice for aircraft. One of the planes selected was the Vought V-156-F, an export version of the SB2U-1 Vindicator. As we know, France capitulated in mid 1940 so all aircraft not delivered were diverted to the UK where it went into service as the Chesapeake.

There are three schemes from two units on this sheet. It is designed for the Accurate Miniatures kit though it will fit others with a bit of fudging on the tail stripes.

The first two are from Escadrille AB1 at Alprecht airfield in the winter of 1939/40, or the 'phoney war'. They are in overall blue grey, making for some pretty easy painting!

The other option is for a Chesapeake I from 811 squadron at Lee-on-Solent in 1941. These planes were not used operationally as they were considered to be obsolescent and so used in second line duties until it became difficult to keep them properly maintained, at which time they were scrapped.

The sheet provides  insignia for both the British and one of the French aircraft. There are also wing walk areas and data markings for one. Also included are the proper wing dive brakes and gun shell ejector chutes in etched brass. . The instructions give more information on this and are very nicely done in full color.

The decals themselves are superbly printed and quite thin, making for a logical choice for your next project.

August 2006

Review copy courtesy of  Adalbertus, Techmod sole export representative
www.adalbertus.com.pl