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MQ-9 Reaper

Caracal Models, 1/72 scale

 

S u m m a r y :

Catalogue Number:

Caracal Models Item No. CD72001 - MQ-9 Reaper

Scale:

1/72

Contents & Media:

Decals for 8 subjects with colour-printed painting & markings guide.

Price:

Available on-line from Caracal models for US$9.99 and from Hannants for £6.66.

Review Type:

First Look.

Advantages:

Well produced painting & markings guide, and good quality decals.

Disadvantages:

None apparent.

Conclusion:

Recommended.


Reviewed by Mark Davies


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F i r s t L o o k

 

TThese are the first decals I have seen from Caracal models. They come in the ubiquitous zip-lock plastic bag with approximately four A-5 sized pages formed from one folded sheet of stiff paper printed in colour. The decals are printed by Microscale and intended for the Skunk Model Workshops kit which I reviewed here on Hyperscale.

 

 

The good quality painting & markings guide is nicely drawn and appears thorough in the guidance provided. This includes some notes on individual aircraft and FS colour codes. The decals are well printed, and based on my experience of other decals printed by Microscale I would expect them to be thin but strong when it comes to their application.

 

 

There are additional decals sufficient for two models. These provide for the various sensor windows on the FLIR turret and the fuel filler caps. The instructions give two URL’s for photo references of the fuel cap locations to refine the positions indicated on the painting & markings guide.

The airframes options covered are:

  • NASA Predator-B (basically a demilitarized early Reaper) "Ikhana".

  • Royal Air Force (RAF) 39 Sqn (2 different examples)

  • USAF 432nd AW commander's aircraft (Creech AFB)

  • USAF 432nd AW, 42nd Attack Sqn commander's aircraft (Creech AFB)

  • USAF 432nd AW, 42nd Attack Sqn

  • US Air National Guard 147th FW (ATW), Hancock Field, New York

  • USAF 49th AW, 29th Attack Squadron(Holloman AFB)

 

 

There are sufficient RAF and USAF national insignia to complete two models from each service, and a full set of NASA markings, making it possible to complete five models in theory. But there are full decals sufficient for only to models if the fuel filler and camera decals are considered a constraint. However this is an observation not a criticism.

 

 

C o n c l u s i o n

 

This is a good quality package of decals for 1/72 MQ-9 Reaper builders.

Recommended.

Thanks to Caracal Models for the sample.

 

Text and Images Copyright © 2012 by Mark Davies
This Page Created on 19 March, 2012
Last updated 19 March, 2012

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