Scale 1/72
Manufacturer Wolfpak Decals
Decal Sheet ID 72-045
Decal Sheet Title Snake Eyes
Types Featured F-16C, A-10C, MQ-9, U-2C, F-105G, HU-16B, F-16AM

Another interesting mix of subjects, Wolfpak Decals sheet 72-045 "Snake Eyes" covers the F-16C, A-10C, MQ-9, U-2C, F-105G, HU-16B and F-16AM. Individual airframes are:-

  • F-16C-30J 87-0344 "NY" from the 138th FS, 174th FW based at Hancock Field, NY during October 1998. Two versions of the markings are provided for this aircraft - both are in the standard two-tone grey scheme of FS36118 and FS36270. The main scheme has "NY" tail codes, a large snake's head on the fin and "SYRACUSE" in yellow on a blue fin band, whilst the alternative scheme has the same "NY" tail code, "Syracuse" in grey script on the base of the fin, and a grey/black chequered fin band;
  • A-10C 82-0661 "IN" from the 163rd FS based at Fort Wayne IAP during February 2011. This carried the standard two-=tone grey scheme of FS36320 and FS36375 with "IN" tailcodes and blue fin bands outlined in yellow, the outer fin bands also containing "SYRACUSE" in yellow. This aircraft carried a snake's head on the fin and "Blacksnakes" in script on the engine nacelles;
  • MQ-9 08-4038 "NY" from the 138th AS, 174th FW based at Hancock Field during April 2009. Standard two-tone scheme of FS36375 upper surfaces with FS36176 lower surfaces. This aircraft carried  "NY" tailcodes and "174 ATKW" on the upper fins, with yellow fin bands containing "SYRACUSE" in yellow;
  • U-2C N803X. This aircraft was unusual, being painted Non Specular Blue FS35042 rather than the more common black, and carried the civilian "N" number in white on the fin;
  • U-2G N315X. This aircraft was used during Project Seeker to conduct carrier qualification aboard USS Kitty Hawk in early 1964. It carried spurious markings, comprising "O.N.R." and "N315X" in white on the fin, and was also painted overall FS35042. The aircraft was later damaged during a landing on Kitty Hawk but was repaired;
  • F-105G-1-RE 63-8311 "RM" from the 354th TFS based at Takhli RTAFB during 1970. Standard South East Asian scheme of FS34079, FS34102 and FS30219 upper surfaces with FS36622 lower surfaces. "RM" tail code in white and full color nose art;
  • HU-16B 51-5279 "0-15279" from the 37th RQS based at Da Nang AFB during 1966. Two tone scheme of FS15042 upper surfaces and FS36622 lower surfaces with "USAF 0-15279" in white on the fin;
  • F-16AM E-601 from 730 Eskadrille based at Skrydstrup ABm Denmark during June 2010. Standard three tone grey scheme comprising FS36118 and FS36270 upper surfaces with FS36375 lower surfaces. "E-601" in grey on the mid-fuselage and red/white fin flash, together with a Danish flag.

Instructions comprise side views for each aircraft in colour, and three views in black and white for the camouflage schemes. No other details were provided with my copy which is unusual, since Wolfpak usually provide full history and markings information for each aircraft.

Decals are in perfect register and are (as usual) printed by Fantasy Printshop.

Another recommended sheet!

Review and images by Chris St Clair