Yellow Wings Decals has added two new sets to their line for 1/48 scale Curtis P-6E Hawks. Set number 48-085, or Part 2, provides colorful markings for two Langley Field based USAAC aircraft of the 8th Pursuit Group:

• P-6E #15 of the 33rd Pursuit Squadron
• P-6E #61 of the 36th Pursuit Squadron

The instructions show that in 1933, 8th Pursuit Group P-6Es sported Gloss Olive Drab #22 painted fuselages with Orange-Yellow #4 wings and tail surfaces and by 1936 fuselages were finished in Blue #23 with Orange-Yellow #4 wings and tail surfaces. Markings are provided for all national insignia, rudder stripes, aircraft numbers, fuselage bands and squadron markings as shown in the photo below of the decal sheet. An instruction sheet is included that also provides information about all paints that were used with Tamiya color matches.

Note the typo on the photos of both sides of the “Specifications” sheet below. Although this is set number 48 085 (as printed on the package, the decal placement instructions and the decal sheet), the “Specifications” sheet packed in this set is incorrectly labeled 48-084.

The decals in this set are custom printed for Yellow Wings Decals by MICROSCALE. They are accurately registered and crisply printed in vibrant opaque colors on thin film (with minimal carrier film surrounding the printed images) and everything is sized correctly for application to Lindberg’s P-6E kits. However, be assured these decals can also be used on the now out of production Classic Airframes kit.

Experience has shown MICROSCALE decals respond well to most mild decal setting solutions (that are applied in moderation after the decals are in position and blotted carefully with a soft cloth or Q-tip).

This decal set is highly recommended to anyone who wants to build a 1/48 scale P-6E kit with colorful markings other than those included in the kits.

My thanks to Yellow Wings Decals for providing the review sample and IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review this decal set.