Over the last forty years some of the most attractive camouflage markings has been seen on the Adversary and Aggressor aircraft of the US Navy and USAF. Afterburner Decals have made it their mission to bring you these remarkable schemes. This new sheet covers the five camouflage schemes seen on the F-16's of the 64th Aggressor Squadron from 2004 upto the present day, including the unusual looking Blizzard scheme. The decals are mainly 1/48 scale but there are some bonus 1/32 scale markings as well.
Contents
Inside the resealable plastic bag is:
-12 x A4 sides of colour profiles.
-3 x A4 sides of F-16 block characteristics.
-1 x A4 side stencil guide.
-1 x A4 side of modeling and weapon notes.
-2 x large sheets of decals, printed by Cartograf.
The camouflage schemes and markings covered in this release include:
1/48 Lizard Scheme is a wrap around camouflage of forest green, sand and light earth. FS numbers are provided.
-86-0220 Block 32, 2009 & 2012. Features a highly polished exhaust petals from an ex-Thunderbird's aircraft.
-86-0272 Block 32, 2009 & 2012. Features a black nose.
-86-0272 Block 32, 2005 & 2007. 64th AGRS Commanders aircraft.
-86-0280 Block 32, 2009-2010. 64th AGRS Commanders aircraft.
-86-0299 Block 32, 2009 & 2012.
-87-0307 Block 32, 2004. 57th ATG Commanders aircraft.
-87-0321 Block 32, 2009 & 2012. 1/48 Blue Flanker Scheme is a wrap around camouflage of aggressor blue, neutral grey and air superiority blue. FS numbers are provided.
-84-1244 Block 25, 2012. 57th ATG Commanders aircraft.
-84-1301 Block 25, 2012.
-85-1418 Block 25, 2012
-86-0251 Block 32, 2009 & 2012.
-86-0271 Block 32, 2008 & 2012.
-86-0273 Block 32, 2009.
-88-0548 Block 42, 2009.
-90-0727 Block 42, 2004 & 2008.
-90-0740 Block 42, 2008. 1/48 Desert Flanker Scheme is a wrap around camouflage of light earth and sand. FS numbers are provided.
-84-1220 Block 25, 2012.
-84-1236 Block 25, 2012.
-86-0269 Block 32, 2008.
-86-0283 Block 32, 2009
-87-0267 Block 32, 2007, 2008 & 2009.
-87-0307 Block 32, 2005 & 2007. 57th ATG Commanders aircraft. 1/48 Arctic Scheme is a wrap around camouflage of black, light arctic grey and neutral grey. FS numbers are provided.
-86-0273 Block 32, 2012.
-86-0280 Block 32, 2012. 64th AGRS Commanders aircraft. 1/48 Blizzard Scheme is a wrap around camouflage of aggressor blue, light artic grey and neutral grey. FS numbers are provided.
-86-0269 Block 32, 2012.
As always with Afterburner Decals the modelers notes provide a good list of after market products that will help you create an exceptional model. The weapons, walkway and wing stencil guide are very useful. Another service Afterburner provides are full A4 sheets on the differences between the various blocks covered with this release: F-16C block 25 & 42, as well as F-16CG block 42. The stencil placement guides take the form of black line drawings of the upper and lower plan views and both port and starboard profiles. The drawing provide a very easy reference to the location of the stencils and which ones to use.
The quality of the print by Cartograf is simply stunning. Decals are glossy with a minimum amount of carrier film and excellent colour depth. All the written stencils are sharp and legible, even the tiniest of stencils, that you have to view with a strong magnifying glass. There are enough stencils and wing walk ways for two aircraft in 1/48 scale and one aircraft in 1/32 scale.
The decals respond very well to Microsol, you will see the decals crinkle slightly, but don’t be tempted to brush out the creases. I found that the decals conform very well too low relief detail. Afterburner has reduced the amount of carrier film to a minimum so do not attempt to cut too close to the decal in order to reduce the amount of carrier film. It’s not necessary. In fact it is well worth your while taking a close look at some of the markings to determine the extent of the carrier film. You will notice that the carrier film will follow the shape of the letters or stencils very closely rather than surrounding them with excessive carrier film. This does have an effect when moving decals from the sheet to the model and you need to move them with a little caution. As there is little carrier film the decals look almost painted on after a coat or two of Kleer.
Conclusions
This is a very welcome release from Afterburner Decals that will certainly add interest to your modern fighter line. Quality of the decals themselves and the supporting information really make this company one of the leaders in their field.
SUMMARY
Highs: Five outstanding camouflage schemes. The blizzard scheme is so new, the paint is probably still wet on the real thing.Lows: You may have to buy a few Tamiya F-16 kits.Verdict: Well if these decals from Afterburner Decals don't have you ferreting around your stash or your local hobby store looking for that Tamiya F-16 then I don't know what will. Outstanding release from Afterburner.
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.
Note that afterburner has already sold out of these thanks to large buys from various distributors, so don't bother with trying to order from them. you can get this sheet from an ebay seller in china tho.
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