1-300 Canada 1946-1965 Roundels Decals
These 1-300 Canadian 1946–1965 Roundel decals reproduce the distinctive national aircraft insignia carried by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) during the early Cold War. The marking features a naturalistic red maple leaf centered within the traditional white and blue roundel, distinguishing Canadian aircraft from the standard British-style insignia used during World War II.
Decal Information
The sheet includes Canada 1946-1965 Roundels markings suitable for use on 1-300 scale aircraft miniatures.
They are printed on clear-background waterslide decal paper. They need to be individually cut out. Apply over a properly prepared and gloss-coated model surface using normal waterslide-decal techniques.
Key Historical Details
Region / Nation: Latin America & Canada Service: Military Aviation Time Period: World War II Primary Marking: National Aircraft Roundels Scale: 1-300 Application: Historically appropriate aircraft and aviation subjects
Historical Information
During World War II, RCAF aircraft generally carried British-style roundels. Canada had been authorized as early as 1940 to replace the central red disc with a maple leaf, but widespread adoption did not occur until after the war. On January 19, 1946, the RCAF officially adopted a roundel incorporating a red maple leaf and authorized its use on Canadian military aircraft.
The maple leaf used during this period was much more naturalistic and detailed than the modern Canadian symbol. Often referred to as the “Silver Maple” style, it remained the characteristic centerpiece of RCAF aircraft markings for nearly two decades. Several variations existed, with differences in leaf shape, proportions, ring thickness, and occasional additional outlines depending on aircraft type and period.
These markings became closely associated with the transformation of the RCAF from a largely World War II-era force into a modern Cold War air arm. They appeared on aircraft such as the de Havilland Vampire, P-51 Mustang, Canadair Sabre, Lockheed T-33 Silver Star, CF-100 Canuck, CF-101 Voodoo, and early CF-104 Starfighter, as well as numerous trainers, transports, patrol aircraft, and helicopters.
Canadian Sabres carrying this style of roundel became particularly prominent during the 1950s, when RCAF fighter wings were deployed to Europe as part of Canada’s NATO commitment. The same national insignia appeared throughout the rapid expansion of Canadian jet aviation and therefore represents one of the classic RCAF marking styles of the early Cold War.
In 1965, Canada adopted its new national flag featuring the simplified 11-point maple leaf. The RCAF roundel was subsequently updated to incorporate the new stylized leaf, bringing the naturalistic 1946-era design to an end.
