| Scale | 1/72 |
| Manufacturer | Print Scale |
| Decal Sheet ID | 72-136 |
| Decal Sheet Title | Grumman Albatross |
| Types Featured | HU-16B |
Print Scale sheet 72-136 covers four HU-16 Albatrosses, of which two are depicted in USAF markings:-
- HU-16B 51-065 from Strategic Air Command. This was overall ADC Grey (FS16473) with high visibility markings on the rear fuselage/fin, outer wings and floats together with a SAC baddge on the rear fuselage. Markings comprised "10065" in black on the fin and "U.S. AIR FORCE" on the nose;
- HU-16B 51-5279 0-25279 (incorrectly depicted as 0-16279) from an unknown Air Rescue Squaadron based at Da Nang, South Vietnam. This aircraft carried the late Dark Blue (FS15042) over Light Gray (FS36622) scheme with the two colurs blended across the fuselage. Markings comprised "USAF 0-15279" in white on the fin, a blue/white Pan Am logo on the fin and standard USAF stars'n'bars.
As increasingly seems to be the case with Print Scale, the markings, whilst in good register on the sheet, are let down by a lack of research. No color references are provided for the SAC aircraft, and the colors specified for the camouflaged aircraft are completely wrong (with Print Scale quoting Dark Grey over Silver). Whilst there has been some discussion as to whether the actual color was Engine Grey (FS16076) instead of Blue, TO 1-1-4 clearly shows the Blue.
Additionally, Print Scale have incorrectly depicted this aircraft as 0-16279 when it should be 0-15279 and it appears this has been copied from a color plate in an old copy of the Squadron Signal In Action on the type.
Finally, the "U.S. AIR FORCE" on the nose should be Insignia Blue (FS15044) but Print Scale have depicted them incorrectly in black.
Stencils and walkways are provided on a second sheet, and both black and grey walkways are provided. The Stars'n'Bars are also the correct shape.
Whilst not one of Print Scale's better efforts (which is a real pity given the relative lack of decals for this subject), the inclusion of stencils etc is useful, and both aircraft can be built with some additional work.
Review and images by Chris St Clair
