For their second PBM Mariner sheet, Caracal Models has chosen some more interesting subjects. There are markings for four post war aircraft, all of them in basically overall gloss sea blue. Most have the later radome and transport noses, however, this is not an issue as these bits are included with the Academy kit.

The first option is a white topped PBM-5T with Advanced Training Unit 501 based at Corpus Christi in 1955. Note that the blue on this one is a bit lighter than that of the insignia and so you are provided a standard insignia for this option.

Next is one based at the US Naval Academy, Annapolis in 1953.

The lone operational unit on this sheet is a VP-47 plane from 1951. This one still has the old style radome.

Finally, another VR-21 transport, this time based at NAF Oppama in 1950. Oppama was the airfield situated at the Yokosuka Naval base.

The decals are superbly printed by Microscale and Caracal Models provides a full color painting and markings guide. Note that I have darkened the sheet to make the white bits more visible.

Any of these options will be a nice change from what is offered in the kit. 

October 2014