This latest sheet from our friends at FCM is another nice choice of subjects. This time it is the HU-16 Albatros amphibian seaplane from the 1950s and 1960s.  The sheet has four different options and is designed for the Amodel kit (the only one I know of in this scale).

Markings are provided for four aircraft of which three are shown on the scan of the instruction sheet.

Using that as a basis the left side profile show a Brazilian SA-16A from 2/10 G.Av near Sao Paulo in 1966. This one is aluminum with a white upper fuselage and large, orange bands on the wings and fuselage and floats.

The second Brazilian option is also an SA-16A from the same unit, but earlier in 1958. Thisone does not have the white upper fuselage and has the same orange on the fin and nose section. I'm thinking that this orange may well be da-glo as that was a popular color in the late 1950s. Can't really tell without a photo.

Next is an Argentine HU-16B from 1965. It has a grey upper fuselage and wings with a while lower surface except for the lower fuselage which is black. The bands on the wings and tail are yellow.

Finally, a more modern HU-16B with the larger radar nose as flown by Chile in 1968. This one is dark sea blue with a white upper fuselage. The decal sheet also includes the black borders for the various large color areas and a full set of upper wing walk areas.

The decals are printed by Microscale and are well done with no registration issues.

FCM instructions are very well done showing upper and lower surface camo schemes as well as the right and left side where appropriate. No specific paint company is listed with all the colors also having FS 595 equivalents, a real help when getting paints.

In all a great sheet and it is nice to have an option to kit decals.

April 2010

Thanks to FCM for providing the review sheet.

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