The latest release from Wingnut Wings is the family of Fokker D.VIIs. These late-war beauties are beautifully adorned with artwork and colors. So Lifelike has decided to offer some unique decal options for the modeler.

Lifelike’s website is always updated with things that may have changed since decals have been released. It is nice that they offer updated decals when the markings are found to be different than those included in the original release. Does this mean that Lifelike Decals is wrong? No, not at all. Lifelike is not afraid to make educated guesses based on the latest information. When new information becomes available, they let you know what has changed. This is unlike any other decal supplier in the world. That is just the level of professionalism that Lifelike embodies.

The instructions are printed on two A4 single-sided sheets in full color. You get four views to each aircraft. It is here that you see the unique colors applied to these aircraft.

The Trumpeter F-100C is a nice kit, but the cockpit could definitely use some improvement. The ejection seat is basic at best.

Aires has a multimedia answer for the kit. Fourteen resin pieces are molded in light grey resin with no blemishes or bubbles anywhere. The resin pieces are impressive with the amount of detail included on them. The control stick is particularly nice. An ejection seat is included, which will include PE belts and buckles upon completion.

Speaking of PE, there is a fret of nickel photo etch. The fret includes canopy rails, as well as the belts and buckles. A film of the instrument panel dials and HUD is also included.

The instructions are printed on typical A4-sized light blue paper. The instructions are easy to understand. Since the ejection sheet takes up a large part of the cockpit, it is the focus of much of the resin and photo etch.

Props and hubs have become a staple from Ultracast. Their latest one is designed for the B-17, B-24, C-47, or DC-3. Molded in light cream resin, my examples were perfectly rendered. These props are the narrower chord design used by these aircraft. If you want the wider chord prop, you’ll need set #48241. You get two hubs that are perfectly formed with the appropriate hub detail. The props are also perfectly formed and there are six blades. The parts have minimal resin blocks to remove, easily accomplished by even the novice.

One thing is, if you are going to use this on the B-17 or B-24, you will need two sets.

Highly recommended

Thanks to Ultracast for the review copy and IPMS/USA for the review space.

Thank you to Mr. Neil Yan of HK Models and the IPMS Reviewer Corps for the opportunity to review a wonderful new model release in large-scale aircraft. This report is the first in a series of reviews that will highlight the construction of this soon-to-be-released subject. The reviews will cover first impressions, the midsection interior, armament, waist interior and fuselage assembly, nose section, engines, props and undercarriage, major assemblies, and final conclusions.

The Aircraft

The C-124 Globemaster II was the ultimate piston-powered cargo aircraft. The C-124 entered service in 1950, just in time for the Korean War. Based on the C-74 Globemaster, which first flew just after VJ day, the C-124 used the same wing as the C-74, but the fuselage was enlarged so the C-124 could carry 10 tons more cargo than the C-74.

Based on lessons learned in the Berlin Airlift, the 124 featured clamshell nose doors which allowed drive-in loading of vehicles. Until the advent of the turboprop C-133 in 1957, the C-124 was the only US transport capable of carrying tanks and large trucks.

The C-124 remained in service with the ANG until 1974, the last ones retiring from the 165th Airlift Wing of the Georgia ANG.