Vingtor Decals’ recent 1/72 sheet is a boon for modellers considering Short Sunderland builds.
Norway’s Vingtor Decals is renowned for its beautifully printed markings emulating those worn by that country’s aircraft over the years. A recent addition to the range is worth considering by anyone planning builds of the Short Sunderland in 1/72 scale. Sheet 72-149 offers décor for Sunderland Mk.II/III/V airframes flown by 330 (Norwegian) Squadron, RAF, during World War Two and the immediate post-war period. Options shown on the instructions’ colour-printed pages are:
• Mk.II, W6064/R, Oban, Scotland, spring 1943
• Mk.III, JM667/2-V, Sullum Voe, Shetland, Scotland, autumn 1943-spring 1944
• Mk.V, ML824/WH-T, Sullum Voe, spring 1945
• Mk.V, ML827/WH-G, Sullum Voe, May 1945
• Mk.V, ML878/WH-R, Fornebu, Norway, summer 1945
Colour details
Two liveries are represented – the first being the early scheme comprising Extra Dark Sea Grey and Dark Slate Grey over white, but there’s also the later Ordinary Coastal Duties garb of just Extra Dark Sea Grey (with a higher, straighter demarcation) over white. Most airframes display a Norwegian flag on the forward fuselage and two examples also sport ASV II radar aerials. Interestingly, Vingtor advises on which of the included Sunderlands had a lower hull coating of waterproofing lanolin grease (obvious in photos) – and while not mentioned on the instructions, also provided are bonus serials/codes for other Norwegian Sunderlands, but you’ll need to source references for accurate scheme portrayal and code employment: NJ177, T9083, ML814, DP178.
Vingtor’s instructions do offer brief history notes, plus commentary on suitable 1/72 kits. Note that if ordering direct from Vingtor, just the decals are sent and you download the instructions… but the latter are included in paper form if purchasing from other stockists. The sheet costs NOK 125 direct from Vingtor, but it’s also at Hannants in the UK for £11.99.
Read about Vingtor's recent 1/48 F-86 Sabre decals here
