The Little World

Quick – what was the registration number of Louis Bleriot’s plane that flew to England from France? And no prize for saying FROG-1.

How about the Spirit Of St Louis? Or the Southern Cross? Bet you can look those up…

But what about the 13th bomber in the 394th in 1943? You’ve got a kit and the decal sheet is missing, so you need a number.

Beware. Get it wrong and not only will the ‘raks circle your carcass, but the Air Force Association will jump down your neck and all the internet forums will bay for your blood.

The safest bet is to buy an aftermarket sheet of decals and hope for the best. This may cost more than the kit, and if it is sent in the post, it might get wrinkled beyond use.

Next safest is to research for an actual wartime photo of No.13 that shows the tail. Or a Shaeffer book that lists every aIrplane that was used by the 394th. Even here they sometimes get their photos wrong or the picture shows an oddball tone for the numbers.

Or just leave the wretched number off the tail or rear fuselage altogether.