For their second Warning Star sheet, Caracal Models has chosen some more interesting and colorful subjects. Once again, there are four markings options and the only kit around is the somewhat old Heller version from the 1970s. I'm not sure of availability, but they can be found. There are also upgrade bits for it as apparently the engine cowlings are not spot-on.

So getting into the various options, we first have an EC-121R from the 553rd Recon Wing based at Korat in 1968. This one is without either of the radomes but does have the tip tanks. One might be able to use a standard Super Connie airliner kit for this if that is easier to find. This one is in standard SouthEast Asia camo scheme. The 553rd is the only AWACS wing around and has been the only one for many decades.

Second option is also a USAF plane, this time from the 551st AEWC squadron that was based at Otis AFB in 1968. This is a standard EC-121D and has a mixture of unpainted metal and ADC grey on the fuselage. THe radomes are both in ADC grey and the instructions show where the different areas are located. In addition to that, there are areas of da-glo orange on the nose, rear fuselage and wing tips. Caracal has provided extra silver decals for the nose so that it helps reduce the issues with color bleed-through.

The first Navy plane is a VW-13 EC-121P that was based at Pax River in 1962. This weather bird was painted overall Engine Grey and has a large red lightning bolt on the upper radome.

Finally, a very colorful WV-2 that was based at NAS South Weymouth with NADU (Naval Air Development Unit). This one has very large areas of da-glo orange on the nose, tail and outer wings. The rest of the airframe is Engine Grey with a white upper surface. I should mention that the instructions state these da-glo areas are International Orange, but I believe that color was not introduced until after the dates on the two options on the sheet. I've added a photo of a similarly painted plane from the PMTC so you can decide on your own which would be more appropriate.

There are enough markings to do one aircraft, and that includes prop warning stripes, and insignia as well as the usual logos. Once again, I have darkened the decal sheet so you can more easily see the white bits.

Any of these options will be eye-catching and should motivate many of you to pull your old Heller kit out of the pile.

June 2014