1:72 Rebellion in Iraq & Exporter May-June 1941

1:72 Decals — The Rebellion in Iraq and Operation Exporter, May–June 1941 (DP Casper)

This is not a kit. It is a decal sheet in 1:72 scale by DP Casper, a brand that specializes in markings for forgotten operations of the Second World War. The sheet is used to finish a model you build separately — on its own it contains no plastic parts.

A Little-Known Theater of War

In the spring of 1941 a pro-German government took power in Iraq, and in May fighting broke out with British forces that had bases in the country. Germany sent an air detachment to help the rebels — and because it was supporting Iraqi forces, the German aircraft carried Iraqi national markings. The transfer route ran through Syria, then under Vichy French administration. In June the British followed up with a campaign into Syria and Lebanon under the codename Exporter. The whole conflict lasted only a few weeks and usually does not make it into general histories of the war.

Why the Sheet Is Interesting

Precisely because of that brief, transitional situation, the aircraft from these battles carry unusual markings you will not find anywhere else. The sheet covers aircraft in Iraqi markings — among them the Gloster Gladiator Mk.I and Mk.II, the Breda Ba.65, the Hawker Nisr, the Fiat CR.42 and the German Messerschmitt Bf 110D, Heinkel He 111H and Junkers Ju 52/3m — as well as aircraft in British markings, for example the Hawker Audax, the Airspeed Oxford Mk.I, the Bristol Blenheim Mk.IV, the Vickers Wellington Mk.I and a tropicalized Hawker Hurricane Mk.I. A single sheet therefore covers several different projects at once.

How to Apply the Decals Without Silvering

• The surface must be glossy. On a matte surface, air stays trapped under the film and forms a silvery halo around the decal — so-called silvering. It is the most common mistake: always spray a gloss coat before applying decals.
• On an uneven surface (rivets, panel lines, fabric ripples), use a decal softener so the film settles into the relief instead of bridging over it.
• Once dry, apply a matte varnish — the decal will optically disappear into the surface and look like it was sprayed on.

Who the Sheet Is For

• Modelers who want to build something other than another aircraft from over the Channel.
• Anyone interested in the air war in the Middle East in 1941.
• Collectors of unusual markings and transitional schemes.

The decals are an accessory. The model, paints, varnish and decal softener are not included in the package.