AoA (Angle of Attack) decals: Been around about a year, and now we know they are focusing on Vietnam War subjects … We sincerely appreciate this new decal manufacturer sending IPMS/USA their latest releases for a review! (…and the usual thanks also to IPMS USA Reviewer corps leadership for sending these my way...)

This sheet is could easily be used on several models if you have a garage or basement totally dedicated to 1/32 models AND are independently wealthy to purchase several A-1’s in this scale…

A few airframe stencils in included for one model, along with national insignia. This sheet focuses on the main markings for the aircraft, particularly since several of these SPADS were repainted with camo and as such did not receive replacement stencil markings.

Notable options include several early 1960’s A-1’s with colorful tail bands; I believe these markings would sell the sheet more than anything, as they certainly have some different markings.

Sheet decal Options included for 32-019 (from AoA’s Website):

“Part 1 of the South Vietnam Air Force (VNAF) Skyraider coverage, this 1/32 decal sheet includes 10 marking options (depicting 8 aircraft).

This sheet includes schemes for 1st, 514th, 518th, 520th, 522nd (83rd SOG), 524th, and 530th Fighter Squadrons. The markings provided span from the early 1960s to the early 1970s and also include two Skyraiders that were retrofitted with the Yankee extraction system.

Unlike a vast majority of AOA releases, only the minimal stenciling/common markings are provided. However, several variations and specific markings are also included, as well as propeller markings.

NOTE: Although the Trumpeter kit was used as a basis for these decals, the large fuselage bands were designed to have excess length on the bottom to allow their usage on the Zoukei-Mura Skyraider kits with adjustment as required. “

As a review item, I was (again) very impressed with the decal quality and performance on the model. All stencils are readable, and the accuracy and level of fidelity to color and density is excellent. The white markings did not allow background colors to show through… and the various color areas were opaque to the point they did not need any white backing (such as small lettering).

I opted for the 1966 DaNang-based A-1 with green and brown Camouflage; certainly not what most would opt for given the colorful bands, but this was the mount of General Nguyen Cao Ky, the commander of the VNAF. (You can read about him on Wikipedia.)

This was the time period dear ol’ was over there flying out of Danang with the King Bee group… and he had some pictures of this aircraft. I have not finished this model because I lost the antennas, and there are some which require scratch building… Not enough time to do that on this round.

All in all a great Package from AoA decals, 10 of 10 for subject, presentation, and performance! It will be interesting to see what else comes out of their stable; and if Trumpeter ever scales up their 1/48 A-37 to 1/48 scale, that would be another option to address. The Vietnam war had a lot of interesting players and almost limitless marking options for us... Keep it up AoA!