DRAW Decal Set 20/44-777-15 AeroMexico 777-200ER

Reviewed by Mike Egan

March 2006, AeroMexico took delivery its first Boeing 777-200ER. This delivery is notable because Aeromexico has become the first airline in the Americas to opt for Boeing’s class 3 Electronic Flight Bag, which allows for a nearly paperless flight deck. The aircraft wears AeroMexico’s current, sharp-looking bare metal paint scheme. DRAW Decal has produced a new decal sheet for this aircraft.

This decal is intended for GE-powered B777s, either the 1/144th scale Minicraft kit (Continental or PSA Flight of Fancy release) or the 1/200th Hasegawa kit (Lauda release). The instruction sheet provides a full color left side profile of the aircraft. The fuselage is bare metal, with Boeing gray for the wings, wing-body fairing, horizontal stabilizers, and radome. Paint or decals will be needed to replicate wing and horizontal stabilzer corogard center sections. The modeler needs to paint the vertical tail, engine nacelles, and large fuselage stripe dark blue. All other markings and windows are included on the decal sheet. As with all newer DRAW Decal releases, the titles, windows, and door outlines are laid out on the decal sheet so as to be used as one complete piece, ensuring proper window, door, and title spacing. These and all other ALPS-type decals are printed on one continuous layer of clear carrier film, and thus, each decal element MUST be cut individually from the sheet prior to soaking in water. Extra care is required when using these decals, as they are also thinner than most silkscreen printed decals.

As is the norm with DRAW Decal sheets, the print quality of these decals is outstanding. The white Aztec head logos for the tail have been printed in three layers of white to ensure the decal is opaque when applied over the dark blue. Stencils and fine details are well-printed, including the cabin door rub plates, SkyTeam Alliance logos, and Mexican flags. Registration markings are included for the first aircraft (the only one delivered thus far).

While the prospect of a bare metal finish on such a large model is daunting, this decal should make for an attractive addition to your airliner fleet. Review sample courtesy of DRAW Decal. Be sure to visit the DRAW Decal website to see the entire line of terrific decals.