Platz Hobby 1/72 F-22A Raptor Decal First Look

By Michael Benolkin

First Look

Platz Hobby produces a wide range of kits, decals, and detail sets for the hobby market and are wanting to make their presence better known outside the Japanese market. You might want to take note as if this is an example of their work, you're going to want to procure some of these various products of interest.

In this release, we have a WIDE range of F-22 Raptor subjects for the various boxings of the 1/72 F-22. This set has ten subjects and some interesting options for your consideration.

The subjects provided in this set include:

• F-22A-30, 05-4101, 1st FW, Langley AFB, VA
• F-22A-20, 04-4082, 192nd FW, Langley AFB, VA
• F-22A-30, 05-4088, 49th FW, Holloman AFB, NM
• F-22A-30, 05-4106, 7 FS/49 FW, Holloman AFB, NM
• F-22A-10, 91-4008, 411 FLTS, Edwards AFB, CA
• F-22A-30, 05-4102, 302 FS/3 W, Elmendorf AFB, AK
• F-22A-30, 06-4125, 525 FS/3 W, Elmendorf AFB, AK
• F-22A-30, 06-4122, 525 FS/3 W, Elmendorf AFB, AK
• F-22A-30, 06-4109, 433 WS/57 W, Nellis AFB, NV
• F-22A-10, 99-4010, 422 TES, Nellis AFB, NV

In addition, the set provides a set of tailcodes and fin markings for the 154th Wing at Hickam AFB, HI.

Another interesting bonus on this set are a complete range of potential recipients for the Raptor should it enter JASDF service. Japanese national markings and squadron markings are provided for the following units:

• 3rd FS
• 6th FS
• 8th FS
• 201st FS
• 203rd FS
• 204th FS
• 301st FS
• 302nd FS
• 303rd FS
• 304th FS
• 305th FS
• 306th FS
• 23rd Sqn
• APW
• 1st TS
• Aggressor Sqn

These decals are nicely printed and thin. They'll definitely give you some seriously nice options for your next 1/72nd scale F-22. Now if only these were also available in 1/48th scale...

For more information about this set and the other releases from Platz Hobby, visit their website at http://www.platz-hobby.com.

My sincere thanks to Platz Hobby for this review sample!