From the folks at www.platz-hobby.com comes a new sheet and in 1/48 scale for the Mitsubishi F-2B. This sheet, to be released in November, is for the 50th Anniversary of the JASDF. The sheet covers one aircraft and has all the appropriate stenciling and markings for this plane. I found it interesting that all the special markings on the left side of the plane are normal while the ones on the right are as if you are reading them from behind the markings.

The colors shown are FS 35042 Sea Blue upper with FS 35164 Intermediate Blue undersides and a FS 36231 radome. The decals are superbly printed and though it seems like a lot of stuff, it is for one aircraft. NBM has done what is now common for some companies in that they provide continuous markings for entire airframe sections. This makes it even more imperative be sure there are no air bubbles under the decals, but also makes it so much easier than applying what seem like hundreds of small, individual stencils. These markings have been contracted out to Cartograf for printing so you know the quality is first rate.

The markings guide is in full color and shows precisely where each of the many markings are to be applied. It even includes those for pylons. Though I cannot read it, I have to assume that one applies the common markings first, then when dry, the special markings go over them. It appears complex, but if one takes things slowly, the result will be an excellent and special model. Apparently this is a re-issue as the date on the sheet is 2006. I have a preliminary instruction sheet as the actual ones are not back from the printer, hence the November availability date.

My thanks to Platz Hobby for the review set. You can get this on-line at www.platz-hobby.com once it has been entered into their database. Ask your local shop to start carrying the line as they have a number of other Japanese special schemes in their catalogue.

October 2008

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