Tandecal 1/48 Northrop F-5A - RF-5A - VF-5A - VF-5A R - NF-5A 2000 Decal First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | February 2013 | Manufacturer | Tandecal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Northrop F-5A - RF-5A - VF-5A - VF-5A R - NF-5A 2000 | Scale | 1/48 |
| Set Number | 48002 | Skill Level | Basic |
| Pros | Nice cross-section of F-5A users | MSRP (USD) | $16.00 |
First Look
Tandecal from Turkey has sent us this new release that is just in time for the Kinetic Models 1/48 F-5A Freedom Fighter kit as well as the Classic Airframes 1/48 F-5A and RF-5A kits. This set provides a nice cross-section of markings from air arms around the world with these seven examples:
- RF-5A, 8-152, 184 Sqn, 8th AFB, Diyarbakir, Turkish AF, 1989
- F-5A 2000, 13350, 133 Sqn, 3rd AFB, Konya, 2011
- VF-5A, 3274, Venezuelan AF, 2008
- VF-5A R, 3318, Venezuelan AB, 2008
- F-5A, 13323, Blue Diamonds Air Demo Team, Philippine AF
- F-5A, Islamic Republic of Iran AF, 2010
- RF-5A, Islamic Republic of Iran AF, 2010
The decal sheet is nicely laid out with ample markings for all seven aircraft and airframe stenciling for two aircraft, one with English stencils and the other with Turkish stencils. The decals are printed by Cartograf and even the smallest stencils are legible. Nice!
The instructions provide nice color profiles to show the camouflage patterns as well as marking and stencil placement. The instructions are printed in English and Turkish and provide color identification with FS 595 numbers or metallizer shades.
This decal set provides a nice set of alternative markings for different F-5A and RF-5A users along with the distinctive bare metal or camouflage schemes to go with them.
My sincere thanks to Tandecal for this sample!