Model Alliance Decals

[nev]

I know several guys have complained about the difficulty in obtaining Indian roundels - not any more it would seem!

http://www.arcforums.com/forums/index.php?...showtopic=87489

[Radish]

looks good, out in a few weeks.
I must say that I prefer these sort of decal sheets to just plain insignia as the codes and squadron badges can be extremely important too.
Also, as we're "whiffing" doesn't matter whether they're "accurate" or not.
I bought the Extradecal "International Hunters  "sheet for that reason....haven't used any yet, but I will.  

[NARSES2]

As for Model Alliance, the words  "bastards" and "robbing" spring to mind.  Have you seen what you get on the 72nd Tempest sheet for the princely sum of £9? FOUR aircraft.  Just four.  Here's me eyes - do you want the sockets an' all?

Yeah, the decals are good, but at that price I'd expect them to be.

I'm tempted with the Jag sheet, but if it's any more than a tenner, they can stick it reet up their crusty bullet holes.

I have to agree with Lee about the Tempest sheet. There's nothing "special" on it at all. There is one particular aircraft I want to model, a Tempest VI in Palestine with the theatre finish of Dark Earth/Slate Grey (or something similar) but its also on a small sheet produced by one of the "small guy independents" which has some really nice early post war RAF stuff on it at a much better price and with more of a selection.

As for the Indian Jags - we saw the prototype for a resin Indian Jag radar nose at Perth, being done for possible inclusion in a future MA sheet by the guy who owns A to Z models

Chris

[elmayerle]

1/48 or 1/72, Chris?  I'd be interested in both.  Especially as the 1/48 one should fit a 1/50 Heller jaguar M without over much trouble and I've got two of them.  

[NARSES2]

The prototype I saw was 1/72 Evan - he also had a couple of other nice "works in progress"

Chris

[elmayerle]

*chuckle* Well, I can still use some in 1/72, esp. for a nice little one that's a single-seat combat-ready hybrid of the Jaguar ACT (ACV?) and the T-2CCV.

[Maverick]

G'day Gang,

Hyperscale has a preview of an unusual choice for Model Alliance, namely a whif sheet for the TSR.2.  Given Xtradecal already released two sheets of a broader range of subjects, I'm a little baffled but there you go from a 72nd scale pov anyway.  Wonder if they'll put in a "deliberate" error too?

http://www.hyperscale.com/2008/reviews/decals/ma48172previewbg_1.htm

Regards,

Mav

[Thorvic]

Not before sodding time,these have been threatened for 2 years!

Thats because MAM were going to produce them, but as the owner didnt believe that decals would sell he never sanctioned production (despite all the TSR2 issues and addons have been thier best ever sellers !!!)

So if they wouldn't Aviation Workshop decided to take up the challenge  as they use the author and artist as well  .

Looking forward to them, hopefully there will be additional options to the ones shown on the cover.

Geoff

[Howard of Effingham]

Not before sodding time,these have been threatened for 2 years!

seconded 

t.

[Martin H]

I found out about these at the Avon show Gary Madgewick came up to the stand at told Mike McEvoy and my self about them...but he asked us to keep quiet untill he publicly anounced the release....so being true to my word i was streight on the phone to Geoff B to break the good news LOL

[Thorvic]

It is with profound sadness and regret that we today announce that The Aviation Workshop/Model Alliance has now ceased trading as an independent company. A complex combination of factors and circumstances has forced us to make this immensely difficult decision.

Our fifteen year history, since The Aviation Workshop was first established in 1997, has been an interesting and challenging journey of discovery. At our zenith, we were one of the largest manufacturers of aftermarket decals and resin sets in the UK – an achievement which was only made possible by the exceptional commitment and hard work put in by a great many people over the years. Sadly, the time has now come to thank everyone who has contributed and supported the company and close our doors for the final time.

We have made some great friends within the aviation enthusiast and modelling communities and have built up a wonderful network of loyal and hugely supportive customers along the way. We have also been privileged to receive the superb support of our commercial clients, sub-contractors, consultants and contributors over the past decade and a half, to whom we remain forever indebted for making this journey possible. The entire team of the Aviation Workshop now feels great sadness in not being able to continue to deliver the quality products that you and we have grown accustomed to over the years.

The remaining stocks of Model Alliance On Target Profile, Special and Spotlight books has been acquired by The Aviation Bookshop of Tunbridge Wells and the Model Alliance/Airframe Decal range and Resin Conversion/Detail sets have been acquired by Hannants of Lowestoft. At this time, we do not know if either of these enterprises plan to further develop the respective product ranges. Some previous members of The Aviation Workshop team are now exploring the prospect of forming a new company, planning a new range of decals in line with the successful formula used for the Model Alliance/Airframe Range; although investigations in to this prospect are still at an early stage of development.

For now, and on behalf of all of us, we would like to express a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has supported The Aviation Workshop over the years, both from within the industry and through our loyal customer base. It is with heavy hearts that we end our journey here.

Farewell.

The Aviation Workshop Team

[Martin H]

Considering events of the last few months, it was only a matter of time.

[PR19_Kit]

Hm, does that mean Hannants will now be selling two lots of their own TSR2 Whiff decals and one lot of the Aviation Bookshop decals?

[Later] I checked and they don't even have their OWN in stock!

Wrong!

I spelt it 'TSR2' in the search window and got nothing at all, if I spell it 'TSR 2' I get results. How pedantic can you get?

They ARE selling all three sets, but only 7 of the MA ones left!

[Martin H]

As far as decals go, the Xtradecal TSR-2 sheets are into their 3rd reprint. Apparently this is unheard of for decal sheets. Normally a run of 500-600 sets is the max, then never again. So dont knock it. Its been the biggest seller in the entire xtradecal range. And quite possibly the most successful decal sheets in modelling history. Im not surprised they have sold out (for a 3rd time)

As to how Hannants will deal with their new additions is down to them. Ive noticed the whining and wingeing has all ready started on Britmodeller. Hannants now have to see if what they have acquired is now viable and how to go about relaunching or integrating the range into an existing brand within the business. Its not a case of clicking your fingers and it happens instantly.

[Freightdog862]

They probably got a lot of stock to sort through that's for sure! I wonder if its viable to continue the brand, they don't really need another label to add to Xtradecal, as they have noticeably ramped up decal production over the last year or so, taking advantage of MA's relatively small output of decals. I know, because they aren't leaving me much to do, but I love them to bits, as they are my biggest customer so I won't be whinging! The MA stuff will probably keep selling well, as modellers fear that items will not be available again, human nature I suppose!

Colin