Caracal Models is one of leaders in aviation decals offered in 1/32, 1/48, 1/72 and 1/144 scale with many unique subjects never offered before now. The C-130 is not a new subject to Caracal but a first in 1/144 scale. This launch subject is quite colorful and unique to say the least, which is a welcome sight.

Printed by Cartograph, the sheet is printed perfectly with markings that are very fine, easy to read, and very vibrant colorful portions. Markings included for three schemes of the RAF 47 Squadron, two 100^th anniversary, and a 50^th anniversary markings on the C-130J C5 Hercules. There are four red/white strips that are used on the propeller tips.

The latest journal of Cross & Cockade International - Spring 2019, features a front cover photograph of Josef Csatek and Andreas Dombrowski of Flik 29 in front of Albatros D.III 53.24

The inside rear cover features three period black and white photographs of the BE 12 airframe construction details. The outside rear cover features an investigation into a possible photograph of Captain R.M. Foster’s Sopwith Camel “C 61” (top). The one verified photograph of “C 61” is included at the lower right, along with two additional photographs of 3N Squadron Sopwith Camels.

Cross & Cockade International is a non-profit UK based group known as the First World War Aviation Historical Society that publishes their journal four times a year. They also provide a free newsletter (sign up on their website) and occasionally publish WWI themed books like the Sopwith Dolphin monograph I reviewed earlier for IPMS USA. This Journal is the sister of the US Journal, Over The Front.

Czech Master Kits, CMK, have released a really nice P-40N kit recently and a ton of aftermarket items for it and other P-40 kits.

This set is one of several replacement tire kits and features the cross thread pattern which resin is probably the best medium to capture this detail.

The set includes two main wheels and tires with alternate hub detail parts. The cross thread pattern is really well done and I could not find a molding blemish or bubble in the castings. These are direct replacements for the kit items.

These wheels will really add detail to one of your P-40 builds. Just make sure to check your references to make sure you use the correct hub and type of threads.

Thanks to Special Hobby and IPMS/USA for the review kit.

Here’s another nifty little “add on” or “fix-it” for your 1/144th Spitfire. The envelope contains 18 main wheels for Spitfires. I had to look closely, but there are 3 different types of tires in the envelope. There are 6 with no tread, 6 with a tread that runs around the tire, and 6 with a diamond tread. When I said I looked closely, I had to use the headband magnifier to see the tread. But they are there.

As far as using these wheels, they’re slightly better in quality than the wheels in the newer Spitfire kits such as Eduard or Mark 1 so you may want to replace the kit items. But if you’re looking at one of the “older” kits (Crown/Revell/Academy), the Brengun wheels are far superior. And then there’s another need for wheels. The wheels are sometimes knocked off the landing gear, or they just get lost. These are the wheels you need.

Background

Originally conceived and developed as a carrier-based fighter for the United States Navy, the F4U Corsair was initially adopted by the US Marine Corps as a dependable and extremely lethal land-based fighter-bomber. The Corsair’s unique and innovative configuration incorporated engine oil coolers in the inboard wing sections, with the resulting airflow through them making an unmistakable whistling sound, audible over the sound of the engine and firing of its guns. So predominant and unnerving was this sound to the Japanese forces on the receiving end of Corsair wrath that they dubbed the Corsair “Whistling Death.” Designed and manufactured by Chance Vought under the designation F4U and license built by Goodyear as FG-1, Corsairs became the staple of Marine Corps fighter units in the Pacific Theatre from 1942 until the end of World War II in 1945.