OK, so it has to be an inside joke as to why BarracudaCals initial 1/32 sheet is 'part 2'. What is not a joke are how nice this particular sheet is. Actually, it would be more correct to call it a set as there are two full sized decal sheets and two superbly done nose art bits. These last items do not appear to be ALPS printed, yet are quite detailed. The sheet is designed for the Hasegawa P-47D and has enough common markings to do one of the two planes. You'll also notice that there are two different fuselage insignia. This is because the two planes had these placed just a bit differently from each other so the extra set was needed to take into consideration the exhaust vents.

Both of the planes are from the 512 FS/406 FG in Belgium during early 1945 and have yellow cowlings and speed stripe. Both are mostly unpainted metal and BarracudaCals provides the pinstriping for the section of cowling that you'll have to paint.

First up is "Angie" as flown by Col. Anthony Grosetta. This aircraft has an OD tail section, though the underside of the stabs and elevators are in aluminum. White stab stripes on the upper side and one assumes black on the underside. These ID stripes will need to be painted on both options.

The second is "Little Ann", as flown by an unknown pilot. This one has the remnants of invasion stripes as does the first option. These will also need painted. For the tail, use the markings with the darker blue. Note also that the unit codes are not exactly the same size so be sure to follow instructions on which go with which aircraft. Both use the Curtiss-Electric 13' paddle blade prop.

Instructions are superbly done and in full color. A full data placement guide is on the back page. No price is yet known and one must e-mail BarracudaCals to order these.

My thanks to BarracudaCals for the review set. E-mail them at barracudacals@gmail.com for more information and to order your set.

September 2008

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