Print Scale 72-501 Decal French Sopwith 1/2 Strutter Scale 1:72 for Aircraft Plastic model kit

Print Scale 72-501 waterslide decals are designed for 1/72 scale aircraft models of the French-built Sopwith 1½ Strutter used by French aviation units during World War I. The sheet focuses on French service presentations for A2 and B-type Strutters, with unit identifiers, aircraft numbers (where recorded), and insignia-style markings linked to specific escadrilles.

The Sopwith 1½ Strutter was a two-seat aircraft adapted to several roles, including reconnaissance and light bombing. In French use it appeared with varied unit insignia, equipment fits, and aircraft numbering practices, which makes it a detailed subject for WWI modelers who want a specific unit identity rather than generic roundels.

For modelers, this set is listed as universal and can be used with any compatible 1/72 Sopwith 1½ Strutter plastic model kit. Because WWI markings often include delicate insignia and large cockades that must align across fabric surfaces and around struts, this sheet is generally recommended for advanced builders.

• Aircraft: Sopwith 1½ Strutter (French service)
• Variant / Family: Sopwith 1.A2 / A2 / B.1 / B2 (as listed)
• Scale: 1/72
• Product type: Waterslide decals
• Type of equipment: for aircraft plastic model kit
• Recommended kit: for any 1/72 Sopwith 1½ Strutter plastic model kit
• Service / Subject country: France (French aviation units, WWI period)
• Manufacturer: Print Scale
• Country of manufacture: Ukraine
• Material: Paper
• SKU: Print Scale 72-501

Included aircraft marking options

• Sopwith B1, no. 185, Escadrille Sop 107, Groupe de Bombardement 3 (Gb3), service period noted from June 1917 until late 1917 re-equipment; option notes later capture and an insignia theme associated with the Egyptian goddess Buto.
• Sopwith A2, no. 4189, Escadrille Sop 5, service period noted from September 1917 until July 1918 re-equipment; unit assignment is noted as 6ème CA (with an alternate source note of 33ème CA).
• Sopwith A2, no. 308, Escadrille Sop 111, Groupe de Bombardement 1 (GB1); option notes receipt of single-seat and two-seat versions in March 1917 and re-equipment in October.
• Sopwith A2 (number not specified), Escadrille Sop 24; option notes a top-wing Lewis gun and a French “To4” gun ring described as an adaptation of the British Scarff ring; unit re-equipment noted for March 1918.
• Sopwith A2 (number not specified), Escadrille 504.
• French-built Sopwith 1.A2, Escadrille Sop 24, Toul, early March 1918; option notes that some aircraft in the unit carried an additional Lewis gun above the upper wing and that a three-gun fit is possible for the subject at some stage; unit re-equipment and designation change to Sal. 24 are noted as 14 March 1918.
• Sopwith A2 (number not specified), Escadrille Sop 36; option notes service from July 1917 to June 1918 and a period in Italy (Nov 1917–Apr 1918) with an assignment noted as DAL.
• Sopwith B.1 (number not specified), Escadrille Sop 66, Groupe de Bombardement 1 (Gb1); option notes transition from Caudron G.4 and a late-1917 re-equipment; insignia theme is noted as associated with the Egyptian goddess Nekhbet.
• Sopwith A2, no. 2510, Escadrille Sop 222; option notes a top-wing Lewis gun and re-equipment with Breguet 14s in May 1918.
• Sopwith 1 B2 Strutter (number not specified), Escadrille Sop 29; option notes only the fuselage insignia identification and limited additional data in the provided description.

This decal sheet is part of the Print Scale range and belongs to the Decals and Waterslide Decals categories. It is intended for use with 1/72 scale aircraft model kits and complements projects within the aircraft model kits collection.

FAQ

Are these markings only for French-built Strutters?

The set is presented around French service subjects and includes options described as French-built or French-operated Sopwith 1½ Strutters. Matching your kit’s variant details (A2/B types and fittings) to the selected option is recommended.

Do all options include an aircraft number?

No. Several options list specific numbers (for example 185, 4189, 308, 2510), while others are described as “number unknown” and are identified primarily by escadrille and configuration notes.

Some options mention different gun fits—do I need to modify my model?

Possibly. A few options describe equipment such as a top-wing Lewis gun or a specific gun ring type. If you want a closer match, compare your kit parts to the option notes and adjust details before painting and decaling.

What helps with large WWI cockades on fabric wings?

Many modelers apply decals over a smooth gloss coat, use light setting solution to help the decal settle into rib detail, and seal the markings with a clear coat after drying.