AOA Decals 32-015: Trainers No More - Trojans at War

AOA Decals stays with the Vietnam War in this particular sheet, and specifically with one of the often overlooked types, the T-28 Trojan. Though this aircraft was originally designed as a trainer, and was still active in that regard during the time, it made for a very good light attack and recon aircraft if suitably modified. In addition, it was a great advanced trainer. As such, it saw quite a bit of use in Southeast Asia among the US-friendly air arms of the time.

This particular sheet covers the six major users of the type, with each nation having several markings options and in some cases several aircraft versions. There were differences between the variants that the modeler needs to keep in mind when building his model. The instructions provide this sort of info, so it is best to fully read them prior to starting the projects.

Included in the sheet are the following:

United States - 2 schemes (T-28D-5)
South Vietnam - 5 schemes (T-28B & T-28C)
Laos - 5 schemes (T-28B, T-28C, T-28D, & T-28D-5)
Thailand - 3 schemes (T-28D & T-28D-5)
Cambodia - 1 scheme (T-28D)
Khmer Republic - 2 schemes (T-28B & T-28D)

The set includes a separate stencil sheet with wing walk areas as well as two different styles of stencils. The instructions contain a full stencil placement guide, but I'd be willing to bet that not all the options used them all. There are also wing  walk stripes in two widths which you can use.

Instructions are superbly done and provide a plethora of information on each option. A couple of things to note. The color inside the shark mouths is uncertain as no clear color images exist. Secondly, two planes have the Yankee extraction system, which is not included in the kit. Third is that some markings are for the T-28C, a variant not yet kitted in this scale at this time, but it is obvious from the parts breakdown that one is on the way. Note also that I've darkened the main sheet to allow the white to be more visible. The decals are printed by Microscale. For kits, the sheet is designed for the Kitty Hawk kit.

Overall a great sheet and a must have for anyone interested in modeling the subject.

July 2016

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Thanks to AOA Decals for the review sheet. You can find this sheet at this link, where you can also see profiles of each markings option.

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and fairly quickly, please contact the editor or see other details in the Note to Contributors.