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In-Box Review
148
F-16C, 527th Aggressors.
F-16C, 527th Aggressors, RAF Bentwaters.
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by: Tim Hatton [ LITESPEED ]

This release covers the Block 30 F-16Cs from the 527th Aggressors based at RAF Bentwaters in the late 80s. These are unusual in that they carry the aggressor bort numbers and markings over standard 3-tone viper paint. The sheet includes markings for the CO's jet from 2 periods, and 5 more line jets! 2 sets of early style stencils are included, sized for the outstanding Tamiya kit and includes comprehensive instructions on exactly how to make the version of the F-16 for this sheet.

Contents.

The decals and information sheets are packed into a A5 resealable transparent bag. Contents include:
2 x decals sheets, one A5 with all the markings and stencils. The other smaller sheet contains the wing walk ways.
3 x A4 colour profiles and a generic upper, lower and side view of the three tone grey camouflage scheme.
A4 F-16C block 30 information sheet. Including port and starboard as well as upper and lower views in black and white.
A4 stencil guide.
Modelling notes.

Markings covered in this release for the only Aggressor Squadron of the USAFE are:
F-16C 85-1479, Bort no 01, 527th CO, August 1988.
F-16C 85-1479, Bort no 01, 527th CO, June 1989. This aircraft sports a upright bear painted on the tail.
F-16C 86-0229, Bort no 04, 527th, August 1988.
F-16C 86-0249, Bort no 05, 527th, August 1988.
F-16C 86-0216, Bort no 12, 527th, August 1988.
F-16C 86-0231, Bort no 13, 527th, August 1988.
F-16C 86-0237, Bort no 16, 527th, August 1988.

Decals are sized for the Tamiya 1/48 F-16C/N Aggressor/Adversary.

Quality of the print by Cartograf is excellent as we have come to expect from this company. Colour density looks superb. Decals are glossy with a minimum amount of carrier film. Stencils and text despite their very small size are legible. All aircraft have the distinctive bort numbers that are a familiar sight on Soviet aircraft. Also all the aircraft have a red stripe across the upper fin. A nice touch is the inclusion of decals reproducing the soviet red star painted on the air intake cover of the F-16's of the 527th. The modelling notes are very useful, supplying information about after market products to help the modeller achieve an authentic look. A fitting tribute to the pilots that kept many NATO air forces on their toes. There are enough stencils to finish two of the aircraft listed above.

Conclusions.

Afterburner Decals mission statement is to make the best decals money can buy. The quality of this release certainly lives up to their goal. The backup information is amazing, in the depth of detail. This is important as representing the F-16 C block 30 aircraft is the start of when the Alternative Fighter Engine Project started. When General Electric started to produce engines for the F-16 as well as Pratt & Whitney. The F-16C block 30 information sheet is valuable in this respect in clearing up any confusion the modeller might have, in what can be a bit of a minefield. If the F-16 is your thing then this is a must have release. Although the three tone greys wont stand out from your usual F-16's, the markings certainly will. Nice one Afterburner Decals.
SUMMARY
Highs: An excellent release from Afterburner Decals.
Lows: None at all.
Verdict: Highly recommended.
Percentage Rating
95%
  Scale: 1:48
  Mfg. ID: 48-060.
  Suggested Retail: $15.00.
  PUBLISHED: Dec 10, 2010
  NATIONALITY: United States
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 90.86%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 94.64%

Our Thanks to Afterburner Decals!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Tim Hatton (litespeed)
FROM: ENGLAND - NORTH WEST, UNITED KINGDOM

Aircraft are my primary interest from WWll to present day.

Copyright ©2021 text by Tim Hatton [ LITESPEED ]. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AeroScale. All rights reserved.



Comments

They definitely seem to be moving into the front line as far as quality and options. Would like to see some more fancier tail markings though at least that's a major factor when I decide what I'm going to build next.I'm not really in to just doing numbers on the tail.IMHO id like to see a set for the 482nd Fighter wing in homestead the mako sharks they have a Bird that is plain bad @$$ http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4076/4936873067_037ba8dd96.jpg I would kill for those decals.I'm not kidding
DEC 12, 2010 - 03:21 PM
   
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