Caracal Models 1/144 KC-135R Stratotanker Decal First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | March 2016 | Manufacturer | Caracal Models |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | KC-135R Stratotanker | Scale | 1/144 |
| Set Number | 144001 | Pros | Outstanding selection of subjects |
| Cons | Nothing noted | Skill Level | Basic |
| MSRP (USD) | $13.99 |
First Look
Here is the latest release from Caracal Models providing sixteen different markings options for the Minicraft 1/144 KC-135R Stratotanker kit. This set is really a superset of markings as you'll see below. The KC-135R has worn a variety of colors (all of them AMC Gray FS 36173) but they've been distinguised by some very nice markings. Let's take a look:
The aircraft presented in this set include:
- KC-135R, 62-3516, 161 ARW/AZ ANG, 2013
- KC-135R, 62-3576, 157 ARW/NH ANG, 2010
- KC-135R, 63-8872, 101 ARW/ME ANG, 2013
- KC-135R, 61-0305, 97 AMW/AETC, Altus AFB, 2013
- KC-135R, 61-4840, 121 ARW/OH ANG, 2012
- KC-135R, 62-3543, 459 ARW/AFRC, Andrews AFB, 2012
- KC-135R, 58-0001, 100 ARW/USAFE, RAF Mildenhall, 2013
- KC-135R, 58-0102, 434 ARW/AFRC, Grisson AFB, 2005
- KC-135T, 58-0065, 22 ARW/AFRC, McConnell AFB, 2011
- KC-135R, 60-0345, 127 Wing/MI ANG, 2012
- KC-135R, 60-0318, 154 Wing/HI ANG, 2013
- KC-135R, 59-1506, 185 ARW/IA ANG, 2013
- KC-135R, 59-1500, 126 ARW/IL ANG, 2011
- KC-135R, 60-0348, 18 Wing/PACAF, Kadena AB, 2014
- KC-135R, 62-3512, 128 ARW/WI ANG, 2013
- KC-135R, 62-3514, 108 ARW/NJ ANG, 2013
This set includes all of the relevant airframe markings and even includes two sets of airframe stencils including the underside command lights and alignment stripes.
Caracal Models had previously released this set in 1/72 scale and it was interesting that Caracal sold completely out of that set before decals even arrived in hobby stores. Given that the Minicraft tankers are readily available and Fisher Model and Pattern has released a nose correction for the kit, I wouldn't be surprised to see this set go rather quickly as well. We don't have pricing on this set yet as it hasn't reached any stores yet (they will soon) and Caracal Models doesn't have a 1/144 section on their website yet for information. For more information about other releases from Caracal Models, visit their website at http://caracalmodels.com.
My sincere thanks to Caracal Models for this review sample!