This next sheet from Wolfpak Decals is their usual year-end thank you sheet to customers. The sheet is free with a minimum $30 purchase as long as the sheets last and based on the past, these will go rather quickly.

There are four interesting subjects on this sheet, starting with an A-4E from VA-155 during the USS Constellation cruise of 1966. During this cruise, the Navy experimented with camouflage in several shades of green. It seems that at least a few of each unit had planes so painted. It was found not to be that effective and so the experiment remained just that and the surviving planes were repainted when they got back home.

Next is an F-16A from the 89th TFS in July 1991. This Reserve unit was based at Wright-Patterson AFB and switched to C-141s in 1994. They are now flying C-17s.

Another Reserve unit is the 45th FS at Grissom AFB. This is a 1994 scheme with D-Day stripes to commemorate the 50th anniversary of D-Day. This unit was deactivated in 1994. In 2008 it was reactivated at Davis-Mothnan AFB, still flying the A-10, and still with the Reserves, though I imagine it is what is now called an associate squadron (which means it does not have any of its own aircraft).

Finally a black RA-3B from VAP-61 aboard the USS Constellation in 1966. This unit disappeared before the end of the Vietnam War. This then-young USN airman recalls seeing much VAP-61 marked equipment when reporting to VQ-1.

The instruction sheet for this set is the best in the business when it comes to background information and what may be needed to accurately depict the aircraft being modeled. In addition to the actual placement profiles, there are several additional pages of information that include a history of the type,  kits and update bits for these schemes,  as well as load-out information, and any changes needed to properly model the aircraft in question, assuring you of the most accurate model you can have. A listing of available kits is also included.

As with the previous sheets, these are superbly printed by Fantasy Printshop and without any registration problems. If you have not yet treated yourself to some of the best researched decals around, you should.

Thanks to WolfPak Decals for the review sample.

December 2011

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