| Scale | 1/72 |
| Manufacturer | Caracal Models |
| Decal Sheet ID | CD72065 |
| Decal Sheet Title | U-2A/C Dragon Lady |
| Types Featured | U-2A/C/F |
DISCLAIMER: USAF SIG does not vouch for the accuracy or otherwise of any item - we review what we see so that you, the modeller, can make up your own mind! However, where we are aware of errors or omissions, we will note this in our review.
Caracal Models sheet CD72065 provides markings for 10 different "early" U-2s. The aircraft are:
- U-2A 56-6701 from the Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards AFB during the early 1960s. It was overall natural metal with the nose, tail and wing tips painted Fluorescent Red (FS28913). It carried the AFFTC chevron on the fin and an ARDC badge on the nose, with large "U.S. AIR FORCE" emblems in Insignia Blue on the rear fuselage;
- U-2A 56-6715 from the 4080th SRW during 1960. It was overall natural metal with all control surfaces painted Fluorescent Red, and carried similar "U.S. AIR FORCE" markings to 56-6701;
- U-2A 56-6703 from the 4080th SRW during 1961. It was overall natural metal with Insignia Blue "U.S. AIR FORCE" markings. It carried a "toy soldier" marking on the fin, likely applied for the "Toy Soldier" air sampling deployment to Alaska during 1961;
- U-2A "N800X" from the CIA during the early 1960s. It was overall Dark Sea Blue (FS15042) with white "N800X" tailcodes;
- U-2A "N803X" from the CIA during the early 1960s. Overall Dark Sea Blue (FS15042) with white "N803X" tailcodes;
- U-2A 56-6682 from the 4080th SRW during 1961. It was overall Aircraft Grey (FS16473) with the fuselage from the trailing edge of the wing forwards painted flat black. It also carried Insignia Blue "U.S. AIR FORCE" markings and black tailcodes;
- U-2F 56-6676 during 1962. This aircraft was flown by Major Rudolf Anderson and was believed to be overall Dark Sea Blue (FS15042) with white "U.S. AIR FORCE" markings on the rear fuselage and white tailcodes;
- U-2A 56-6681 from the 4080th SRW. It was overall Aircraft Grey (FS16473) with Insignia Blue "U.S. AIR FORCE" markings on the rear fuselage;
- U-2C 56-6680 from the 100th SRW during 1976. It carried a two tone grey camouflage scheme comprising semi-gloss Gull Grey (FS26440) with the upper surface carrying a disruptive scheme of Neutral Grey (FS26270);
- U-2A 56-6722 during Project "Hi-Cat" at RAE Bedford during 1967. It was overall flat black with white "U.S. AIR FORCE" markings and white tailcodes. It also carried a small Australian roundel on the lower fin.
Instructions follow the standard format for Caracal - left and right side colour drawings, additional upper and lower drawings where needed and additional scrap views.
The decals are printed by Cartograf and are opaque and in good register.
Review and images by Chris St Clair
Chuck Holte brings us pictures of his U-2A:
