Caracal Models 1/72 B-52 Stratofortress Part 1 Decal First Look

By Michael Benolkin

First Look

Here is the latest decal set from Caracal and this set covers the B-52G/H Stratofortress circa the first Gulf War before the B-52G was retired and the B-52H was 'updated', including the removal of its tail gun. This set is provided in 1/72 scale and is part one of this series. Markings are provided for eight examples with sufficient stencils for at least two subjects.

The aircraft presented in this set include:

• B-52G, 58-0178, 43 BW, 1989, 'Old Soldier'
• B-52H, 60-0024, 416 BW, 1992, 'I'll Be Seeing You'
• B-52H, 60-0007, 7 BW, 'Medal of Honor'
• B-52G, 58-0182, 379 BW, 1991, 'What's Up Doc?'
• B-52G, 58-0164, 416 BW, 1991, 'SAC Time'
• B-52G, 58-0249, 379 BW, 1991, 'Urban Renewal'
• B-52G, 58-0217, 379 BW, 1991, 'The Liberator'
• B-52G, 59-2580, 97 BW, 1980, 'Miss Piggy'

As usual, these decals are nicely printed by Cartograf and are in perfect register.

This set will work well with the AMT 1/72 B-52G/H kits if you have one (or more) on your shelf, or with one of the Italeri reboxings of the kits. If you're looking for a challenge, there are also the Modelcollect 1/72 B-52G/H kits, but after I acquired their B-52G kit and faced so many things wrong with the model, I won't be doing that again anytime soon. I had also attempted to update the Monogram 1/72 B-52D into a G/H, but the only aftermarket resin conversion currently available is also based on really old molding technology (and quality). Perhaps one day, we'll see a new-tool series of kits of the B-52 in 1/72 or 1/144, but until then, AMT is your best option.

For more information about this set and the other releases from Caracal Models, visit their website at http://caracalmodels.com.

My sincere thanks to Caracal Models for this review sample!