Let me start off with this, Lifelike Decals are some of the most thoroughly researched decals available. When your instruction sheets a sheet with 41 references on it for the subject aircraft, AND 26 references just addressing the Zero colors, you know this company is different.

Inside a ziplock baggie you get enough decals to do SIXTEEN Zeros in various models, from the Type 21 to the Type 52. The instructions are an absolute boon of information. There are no less than EIGHT pages dedicated to the discussion of the Zeros camouflage. This includes the most recent research by notable Japanese historians, including Nicholas Millman. It is a reference in itself that is worth the price of the decal sheet. There are color chips! When was the last time you were given color chips with your decals? You also get two masks to protect the areas where the aircraft information is on the fuselage.

This is followed up with EIGHT more pages on the individual aircraft. Another thing that I love about Lifelike is that they discuss what references they used to determine the colors and markings.

There is a sheet with all the aircraft profiles on it. There are a variety of marking options from single color, to multiple color options including ‘tiger stripes’. There is something here for everyone. I personally like the Type 21 with a lightning streak down the side. Very cool. Then there is the cross-hatch field applied camouflaged Type 22. Or the overall green Type 21. There are quite a few with kill markings applied if that is your thing. The biggest issue will be deciding a subject aircraft.

Now let’s talk about the decals, the reason for this release. There are three crisp and precise sheets printed by Microscale, so you know they are world class. One sheet has all the color options and one sheet has just the white and red markings. Finally, you have a sheet of Hinomarus, which is also sold separately as 48-SP-01. This sheet has literally every size shape and outline of the Japanese marking.

This is another winner from Lifelike Decals. The eight pages on Japanese colors is worth the price of admission. Then you add on top of that the color chips and masks, there is not a lot more you can ask for. Oh wait, there are world class decals and sixteen great color profiles which are supported by thorough research. This is the fifth installment of the Zero fighter by Lifelike Decals. With the introduction of the Fine Molds, Eduard and Academy Zeros along with the excellent Hasegawa and Tamiya Zeros you’ll definitely need this sheet and all the other sheets for the Zero.

Highly recommended

Thanks to Lifelike Decals for the review copy. You can get yours by going to either website and placing an order directly through them or at select hobby shops and online retailers.