LPS Hobby from Brazil has a new set of 1/72ndscale after-market decals for several P-51 aircraft that were assigned to the famed Tuskegee Airmen. These markings were carried by aircraft while that unit (332ndFighter Group) was stationed at Ramittell, Italy during 1944.
The markings are for:
The Bf-109G-6 was the most produced variant of the iconic German fighter and as such the paint schemes on it were varied and could get quite interesting. That is where this sheet comes in.
Eagle Editions is known for its Luftwaffe releases and Jerry Crandall is world renowned for his expertise on the Luftwaffe. So it is with that information that I am always eager for each new release. This decal sheet does not disappoint. The Bf-109 is my favorite aircraft and a popular modeling subject. With the release of the Eduard and Zvezda kits recently and even more recently the Tamiya one there is no lack of plastic to add these decals to.
Last year we modelers were pleasantly surprised (at least I was) to get not one, but two companies offering new-mold 1/48 scale A5M Claudes (in multiple variants no less). With the models from Fine Molds and Wingsy Kits both receiving admirable reviews, it is great to see that Lifelike Decals has issued 3 decal sheets that work with either kit. This is a review of 2 of the three, #48-053 (Part 1) and #48-055 (Part 3).
Illiad Design has recently released an aftermarket decal set covering Schlacht Bf-109Es. The Schlacht units were ground-attack units. I believe their mission was what is now known as “close air support”.
This decal sheet covers a total of 6 aircrafts and you are provided with enough markings as to be able to model all of them and covering all main fronts during 1941/42: Russia, North Africa and the English Channel. Well done Illiad Design!
The airframes cover a transitional period on the standard camouflages during 1941/42. This means some of them are 71/02 over 65 while others are 74/75 over 76. Yellow noses and fuselage bands and rudders add a spot of color to the camouflages. To top it one of the camouflages is in a North Africa scheme of 79 over 76, with a replacement wing in 71/02 over 65. Amazing choices!
Iliad Design is an Ottawa, Canada based firm that offers decals and color chart references for scale modelers.
The subjects of this set are post-WWII era Beechcraft Model 18s in military markings. Markings are included for three aircraft as follows:
The sheet is printed in perfect register with very little carrier film border. Colors are bold, and the ink is solidly dense, reducing or eliminating opaque tendencies of the lighter colors. The letter-sized instruction sheet calls out paint colors and particulars for each aircraft. Also noted are the nacelle and leading edge modifications necessary to model the Atsugi bird, and references the Belcher Bits resin parts to complete it.
The Air Force’s 64th Aggressor Squadron uses specially painted F-16s in fulfilling its role of simulating opposing air forces. Over the years its F-5s and F-16s have worn a wide variety of paint schemes mimicking those used by potential opponents. Last year, the Squadron painted several of its F-16s in the “Shark” and “Splinter” schemes recently observed on Russian Su-34s and the Sukhoi T-50. Two Bobs has now issued decal sheets in 1/32, 1/48 and 1/72 scales to allow modelers to depict both schemes.
Sheet 72-104 provides markings for two aircraft in the “Splinter" scheme and one in the “Shark” scheme. Two of the aircraft (one in each scheme) are Block 32 jets while the third is a block 25 jet. As I had an old Hasegawa model of an early block F-16, I decided to use it for this project. I am not an F-16 expert, so it is possible that the kit actually represents a different block number, so I apologize in advance if I did get it wrong!
Two Bobs is a limited run/ Custom Decal company based out of Fort Worth, Texas and is owned and operated by Mr. Bob Sanchez. Mr. Sanchez is a former enlisted Air Force engineer and has been very active in the modeling community almost all of his life. Two-Bob decals usually sell out very well and once their limited run subjects sell out they are not available for reprint. Get them while they are available or be prepared to pay the eBay supply vs Demand Price.
The first aftermarket sheet ever released for the F-16C/D Thunderbirds! The USAF is celebrating its 70th Anniversary in 2017 and these markings are current for this year’s airshow season.
One full set of Thunderbird markings are included with unique aircrew and maintenance markings for each individual jet. A bonus to the 2017 markings are the names that were carried during Buzz Aldrin's flight at the Homestead Airshow.
Werner’s Wings have been known for resin aftermarket and decals for helicopters. It is nice to see some fixed wing offerings coming out. The first such centers around Vietnam air ace Steve Ritchie and covers aircraft he flew during his MiG kills as well as planes flown by a few other noted pilots from this conflict. The sheet is also available in 1/48th scale and was previously reviewed and since this sheet covers the exact same aircraft with the same instructions there really isn’t anything more for me to add.
What, you want more? OK.
Founded in January 2012, Furball Aero-Design's goal is to provide the enthusiast/ modeler with most accurate, well researched, and interesting decal sets available on the market. Their decal sets will always be jammed packed with multiple markings options and provide the modeler with the best value bar none. Each decal set is printed to the highest quality standards by the Hobby Industry's leading decal printer, Cartograf of Italy.
This Particular sheet covers 17 aircraft from 3(USA, Norway, Japan) of the current 12 countries involved or part of the FMS sales.
The aircraft covered are as followed:
AOA is a newer decal company and they are a purpose driven. AOA’s goal was to fill the gap of a lack of decals for Marine and Navy aircraft on the aftermarket scene and boy what a way to make an entrance by going to the 1/32 Trumpeter A-6/A-6E Tram models. For those of you looking for large scale Navy Markings keep AoA on your priority list.
This Particular sheet covers four USN Tram intruders from the Cold war through Desert Storm.
The aircraft covered are as followed:
