"Blue Nose Birds of Bodney"

Part One

Eagle Strike

Eagle Strike's "Blue Nose Birds of Bodney" P-51 Mustang decals 
are available online from Squadron.com

Reviewed by Brett Green

WWII Allied fighter aircraft are not often finished in wild colours and markings. Eagle Strike's "Blue Nose Birds of Bodney" supplies three rare exceptions on a single decal sheet. 

Each of the Mustangs exhibit interesting variations of invasion stripes, aircraft codes, aircraft names and nose art. The availability of a P-51B and two P-51Ds makes for even more choice.

Registration is perfect, the decal film is admirably thin and colours are printed very well. Instructions are supplied on a double-sided sheet with small colour illustrations and notes on each aircraft plus a stencil marking guide. Detail drawings of the opposite side of two aircraft's noses are also supplied to assist accurate placement of some unique markings. Stencil data is included on each sheet. 

Specific subjects on the sheet are as follows:

• P-51B-10 s/n 42-106703 - This was my inspiration for buying the decal sheet. This P-51B Mustang is finished in natural metal with invasion stripes on the lower fuselage and the familar blue nose of the 352nd FG. The blue nose is bordered in red and white, with red, white and blue trim on the rudder, elevator, ailerons and wing tips. The words "Snoot's Sniper" are painted on the cowl in white, outlined in red. Eight victory marks are present under the cockpit. A barbers' pole is painted on the forward starboard fuselage and the machine gun ports are surrounded by red circles. The wheel hubs are halved in red and blue. Now how about that for variety!

• P-51D-10 s/n 44-14111 - Natural metal with invasion stripes on the lower fuselage and wings, blue nose of the 352nd FG. Red rudder. Cowgirl artwork on fuselage side and "Straw Boss" written on one sides of the nose in yellow and "Little Sandra" on the opposite side in white. Two sets of these decals are supplied to ensure total coverage over the dark blue.

• P-51D-10 s/n 44-14061 - Natural metal with black section only invasion stripes on the lower fuselage, blue nose of the 352nd FG. Red rudder. Kill marks on fuselage side and "Little One III" written on the nose in red and white.

These three Mustangs represent some of the most attractive Allied fighters I have seen for a long time. If you have a Tamiya kit of the P-51B or P-51D lying around, Eagle Strike's "Blue Nose Birds of Bodney Part One" will be a worthy donor for some striking markings.

Recommended.

Eagle Strike Decals are available from the Eagle Strike website, 
Squadron.com and hobby retailers