I grew up with my Dad working for SAC (Strategic Air Command) but that has little to do with this item from SAC (Scale Aircraft Conversions) except that the last base we were at was Malmstrom AFB in Great Falls, MT and the Air Guard unit based at Gore Hill was flying F-106s at the time. And after that long lead in let’s see what we have.

Scale Aircraft Conversions has been making replacement white metal landing gear since 1990. They started in the larger scales but have now released several items in my preferred scale of 1/72^nd and even some in 1/144^th.

Sometimes considered as the most effective variant, the Model 52 was developed to again shorten the wings to increase speed and dispense with the folding wing mechanism. In addition, ailerons, aileron trim tab and flaps were revised. Produced first by Mitsubishi, most Model 52s were made by Nakajima. The prototype was made in June 1943 by modifying an A6M3 and was first flown in August 1943. The first Model 52 is said in the handling manual to have 製造番号 (seizō bangō, or production number) 3904, which apparently refers to the prototype.

Research by Mr. Bunzo Komine published by Mr. Kenji Miyazaki states that aircraft 3904 through 4103 had the same exhaust system and cowl flaps as on the Model 22. This is partially corroborated by two wrecks researched by Mr. Stan Gajda and Mr. L. G. Halls, production number 4007 and 4043, respectively. (The upper cowling was slightly redesigned from that of the Model 22.)

The Sea King has been a mainstay helicopter for many navy and army services around the world. The subject of this model is the British Navy HC.4 Commando. The scheme I chose was a bird from 848 Naval Air Squadron, Commando Helicopter Force, Yeovilton in England 2011. The British Sea Kings are in the process of being withdrawn from service, as of March 2016.

This kit is the new mold from Airfix, and the small box is packed full of sprues, decal sheet and instruction book. There are several options that include extended or stowed main rotor blades and tail assembly, open or closed doors, and two markings to choose from. A small electric motor (purchased separately from Airfix) can be installed. Some modification within the cabin is needed, but everything is clearly illustrated. I did consider the motor, but chose to fold everything up for something different. There are some spare parts left over, including a different sand filter.

This is the first Yellow-Wings product I have had the pleasure of reviewing, and my initial reactions were very positive.

The focus of this company is on USN, USMC and USAAC subjects from the 1930-42 era, and this one falls right in line. This particular set provides markings for one specific aircraft, SBD-2 Dauntless #2106, during 5 phases of its lifetime. The standard ziplock bag contents consist of a stiff cardboard, full-color “title board”, 5 double-sided instruction pages (printed in black & white and color), and 2 full pages of decal sheets printed by Microscale. This is the 1/48^th scale set, and there is also one available in 1/32.

The five different schemes for Dauntless #2106 provided are:

The Aggressors are used to simulate potential enemy aircraft. The 65th Aggressor Squadron painted up their aircraft to visually look like the enemy aircraft. In this case they took on the look of the Su-27.

The decals and instructions are included in a zip lock bag. The instructions are included on a double-sided 8.5 x 11 high quality paper. Both sides of the four aircraft are shown. On the front of the instructions are the left and right side with the individual aircraft peculiarity. As is typical of the level of research that Two Bobs does the instructions give you the FS numbers of the paint scheme and the modifications necessary to make your kit accurate. The back of the instructions gives the color cross-reference for Testors, Humbrol, Gunze and Xtracrylic.