Caracal Models has released a sheet for the 1/48 Trumpeter Albatross SA-16A. This decal set includes three sheets with markings for a total of 6 airframes.

The options on this decal sheet are:

• US Navy UF-1 Albatross, NAS Norfolk
• US Navy HU-16C Albatross, NASU Naha, Japan
• US Navy HU-16C Albatross, NASU Iwakuni, Japan
• US Navy UF-1 Albatross, US Naval Attache to Oslo
• US Navy UF-1 Albatross, NAS Whidbey Island
• US Navy UF-1T Albatross, USNA - Annapolis

The selection of markings is excellent. From typical “utility” schemes, to SAR –with yellows and oranges, and even one that was used by the diplomatic corps in Norway, you will have one (or more) that you would like to use.

Being a Cartograf decal sheet you know you’ll get good quality, thin, and opaque decals. They are very glossy on the sheet and have very little transparent carrier film around them, minimizing the chances for silvering.

History

The twin engine fighter/bomber type of aircraft was a very popular design with the Luftwaffe during WWII. The Me 410 was a late war development of this concept and proved very versatile. The 1^st versions were equipped as light bombers, while later variants moved more towards the destroyer style of aircraft. The B-6/R-2 had a Zaunkonig surface search radar array mounted in the nose for anti-shipping raids.

THANK YOU to our friends and suppliers at Quickboost for these excellent antenna details, which are for use on the Hobbyboss F-105G kits.

Not much to say here; other than these are far better than the kit items…buy them!

Usually the last thing "stuck on", antennas are the delicate exterior details of our aircraft, and add immeasurably to the kit. Highly recommended for improved detail!

Thanks again to Quickboost and IPMS USA for providing these items…

One of the things that I find challenging about photo-etch seatbelts is that they are difficult to drape properly, especially the pre-painted type. It can be done, but inevitably some paint will chip or the metal just won’t bend properly to simulate the look of real fabric. Well, Eduard has a new twist on belts; actual fabric seatbelts that are pre-painted.

This set comes packaged in Eduard’s standard bottom-opening package. Inside you’ll find a nickel-plated photo-etch fret and a fabric “fret.” The nickel-plated PE features the shiny buckles and bits. There are no extras, so don’t lose them to the carpet monster! Some extra pieces would have been a nice addition. The fabric “fret” is a flexible material mounted onto a fabric backing. With the backing peeled off, you are left with a really thin fabric seatbelt. Another advantage of the fabric is that the belt is the proper color on both sides and it won’t chip.

Thanks to Ross at SAC for yet another outstanding metal gear set; IPMS USA continues to appreciate the support from your contributions!

This set is, again, a simple drop-in replacement gear the new 1/32 Italeri F-104G/S. The set contains the entire main gear beam as one casting, with a nose gear; both are perfectly cast and directly upgrades the kit parts.

Installation is super easy; use superglue and press the SAC gear in; they fit perfectly, and impress with strength and “peace of mind” with attaching wheels/tires to the axles.

As usual, SAC landing gear are an excellent investment. As the kit plastic is a bit soft, the F-104 nose gear, being of the offset fork variety, will over time flex and you will have the toy-tricycle look to the nose. The main gear probably will also splay out… With SAC metal gear, the problem is solved, as the metal will hold up.