Supermarine Stranraer Pt.1 – Queen Charlotte Airlines - 1:72 Thunderbird Models

[Paul A H]

Supermarine Stranraer Pt.1 Queen Charlotte Airlines

1:72 Thunderbird Models

The Stranraer was the last in a line of biplane flying boats designed for the Royal Air Force by Supermarine Aviation Works. It was also the last flying boat designed by R. J. Mitchell, creator of the Spitfire. Tracing its lineage back to the Supermarine Southampton, the Stranraer was originally known as the Southampton V, its name only changing once a contract had been placed for seventeen aircraft in 1935. Despite its somewhat dated appearance, the Stranraer remain in RAF service until 1941. The Stranraer was also used by the Royal Canadian Air Force and 40 examples were manufactured in Canada by Canadian Vickers Limited. After the war, many of these aircraft were sold to commercial airlines. In their new roles, they soldiered on well into the late 1950s.

Thunderbird Models is a relatively new name on the scene, having been formed in 2010 by keen modeller Andy Banister. The first decals to be released under the Thunderbird Models name is this sheet which enables you to build the excellent Matchbox/Revell Stranraer as either CF-BXO "Alaska Queen" or CF-BYM "Zeballos Queen", both of which were operated by Queen Charlotte Airlines in the late 1940s and early 1950s.

These decals first appeared under the Whiskey Jack name some time ago, but now Thunderbird Models have acquired the rights to that range and have had the sheets reprinted. The printing itself is undertaken by Fantasy Printshop, the same firm that handles printing for manufacturers such as Freightdog. In keeping with those decals, these are screen printed and appear to be of excellent quality. Colours are nice and bold and the printing itself is pin-sharp. The decals are accompanied by comprehensive instructions which include colour diagrams, historical notes and some useful information concerning modifications which were made to the Canadian Stranraers.

Conclusion

This interesting sheet is nicely printed, with crisp, clear details and bold colours. If you have the superb Matchbox Stranraer (or the recent Revell re-pop) waiting for you to build it, then this sheet will enable you to produce something a little different. Highly recommended.

Review sample courtesy of