Sky’s Decals latest series of releases in 1/72, 1/48 and 1/32 scale is
their most ambitious decal series to date. Extensive colors, extremely fine line
art and a 6 page instructions sheet take Sky’s Decals latest effort to new
heights. Sky’s Decal latest sheet enables IAF fans to replicate all the
helicopter types that have been taking effort in the fight against suicide
bombers since Antifadah El Aqsa started in September 2000. Being primarily a
1/72 modeler, I applaud Sami Dekel’s efforts in presenting his latest
helicopter sheet in 1/72 scale and it is this sheet which I received for review.
The most prominent decal art on this sheet is the black snake of the
IAF’s second cobra squadron. This motif came about at the height of the
Antifadah, when in early 2003 the second cobra squadron upped their sister
squadron’s smaller sand snake with an f.s.34031 black green snake applied
along the entire length of the fuselage. Both cobra snake options are provided
along with full markings to do all versions of the Cobra used by the IAF.
Another first for this
release is the availability of UH-60 Blackhawk “Owl” silhouette vertical fin
markings and current medium helicopter transport squadron markings enabling the
modeler to do any one of three versions of the Blackhawk operated by the IAF,
including the latest beige and brown over gray scheme. During the Anitifadah
years, the Blackhawk phased out the Bell 212 and as such full markings are
provided on the sheet to do any Bell 212 (UH-1N) operated by the IAF since their
entry into service in the early 1980’s. Since these markings are similar to
those applied to the Bell 205 (UH-1D) full markings for these helicopters are
provided as well.
Two pairs of Apache
squadron insignia are provided, with flare dispensers and numerical fronts that
enable the modeler to do all versions of the Apache, including the new beige and
brown over gray scheme. No less active in the chase after suicide bombers were
IAF Bell 206 Jet Ranger helicopters. For the first time one can accurately do
the Bell 206 in current Antifadah markings with chaff dispensers revealed that
lie - atop the IAF insignia. As with the other subjects on this sheet, full
marking options are provided to do any Bell 206 one wishes from their initial
entry into service in 1973 till today. Rounding off the sheet are markings for
the MD500 helicopter that can be build up in any of the three squadron markings
the helicopter operated.
The six page
instructions are printed in black and white, providing complete painting and
markings information for all the helicopter variants. A nice feature is the
addition of close up photos of external details that make the IAF operated
helicopters unique. Complete color information is provided in f.s.595 numbers as
well as Xtracolor and Humbrol equivalents.
The new Sky’s Decal
helicopters release it their best ever and is a true inspiration to modelers
interested in the IAF. This sheet will be used for several articles in the not
too distant future.
Yoav
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