Designed as a transport that could carry large items as well as a fair number of troops, the C-119 was  in widespread use as a medium transport during the 1950s. Able to carry a more than a C-47 and also able to easily load bulky cargo, thanks to the large rear entry doors, the C-119 was a mainstay of the USAF as well as other Air Forces. Overshadowed by the newer C-130, the C-119 was finally passed on to the Reserves and out of US service altogether by the early 1970s. 

It continued to soldier on in the service of other armed forces for a number of years after that, several aircraft being modified for high altitude work with the addition of a jet engine above the cabin for extra thrust. Several ended their days as fire bombers before finally succumbing to the cutter's torch.

As is often the case with US aircraft, the type saw service with the Canadian Air Force, where it's load carrying abilities and rough field performance put it in good stead. The Canadians did add one item that most USAF Boxcars did not have, and that was a radar system. This gave the aircraft a distinctive look not found with other C-119s.

Leading edge has produced a decal sheet that not only gives you Canadian Air Force markings but also includes a resin radar nose. The decals themselves are quite good, and the resin is of fair quality. There are a number of imperfections and air bubbles in my sample. Not impossible to fix and generally expected when one gets the average resin bits.

What is really superb about this set is the instruction sheet. It not only gives excellent decal placement and color information, but also a number of helpful cockpit photos. These will prove invaluable for those who absolutely must super-detail their kits. There are markings for three aircraft. All of them are basically the same except for the serial number and the addition or deletion of some of the markings, depending on the time period to be modeled.

Recommended for CAF freaks!

Review copy courtesy of me and my wallet.

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