FCM Decals

By Michael Benolkin

In the last year of Internet Modeler, we've been pleased to show you some of the more interesting decals that have been available, but not widely know. Such is the case with this company as well, FCM Decals from Brazil. Not too surprising, these decals cover a variety of Brazilian aircraft subjects, with some notable exceptions, as you will see here. And like some of the better decal companies on the market, FCM produces their military subjects in 1/72 and 1/48 scale, with a few even scaled up to 1/32! All of the examples received are nicely printed and in-register.

First on the list is Sheet 144-12, which features markings for a 1/144 747-200 (Airfix kit recommended) and a 1/144 DC-10-30 (either the Airfix or Revell/Germany kits are recommended). The 747 is an example of one of British Airway's unique paint schemes ñ this one being 'Chelsea Rose'. I wish BA still painted their aircraft this way! As you can see in the photos, the decal is provided for the full-tail rose design and will make for a very distinctive addition to your airline flightline. The other aircraft is a Skyjet – Brazil DC-10, which also sports a simpler, yet distinctive paint scheme. Another nice touch with this set is a separate sheet that is included to provide windscreen and window details for the DC-10.

Next up is an FCM Special 72-MF, which covers aircraft of the Malvinas / Falklands War. The sheet provides marking options for several Argentinian A-4 Skyhawks, Mirage III and even an MB-339A. Also included are markings for British Sea Harriers and an Avro Vulcan bomber. As you may recall, the RAF flew the Vulcan on LONG range patrols down along the Argentine coastline. One of those flights experienced an in-flight emergency and was forced to divert into Brazil. I can only hope that this set is also available in 1/48 scale with the upcoming releases of early Skyhawks coming from Hobbycraft, the MB-339 from FREMS, and of course the Sea Harrier FRS.1 from Tamiya has been available for some time. I don't even want to think about a 1/48 Vulcan!

In 1/48, we received set 48-11, which provides markings for a Brazilian AF Rescue SB-17G or B-17H Flying Fortress, a Brazilian Bell 47G, a Brazilian Navy Westland Wasp, and a nice pair of Brazilian Navy A-4 Skyhawks. One of the Skyhawks is an A-4E while the other is an OA-4M that has had the ARBS sensor and RHAW antennas removed from the nose. The Monogram Skyhawks are recommended for these aircraft. The Monogram B-17G is used for the SB-17G/B-17H (and I believe that Paragon has produced the conversion with the radome and underslung lifeboat). On the rotary-winged side, the Italeri Bell 47/H-13 kit and the Fujimi Wasp are recommended to round out this line-up. This sheet is also available in 1/72.

Last and certainly not least is sheet 32-02, which as markings for a Brazilian Bell 47G, A-4E Skyhawk, de Havilland Tiger Moth, and a Northrop F-5E Tiger II. As you can see in the accompanying photos, these markings will provide some welcome alternatives to the stock subjects that we commonly see at the model clubs and contests. The Bell 47 is available from either MRC or Revell, Brazilian Navy A-4E used the Hasegawa A-4E/F kit, while the F-5E is a straight build of the Hasegawa re-issued F-5E, and the Tiger Moth is available under the old Matchbox or current Revell/Germany names. These decals are also available in 1/72 and 1/48 scales.

FCM are available in North America from FlightDecs, and in Europe are available from Hannants or you can contact FCM directly. Additionally you can visit FMC's website.

My sincere thanks to FCM for these review samples!