USAF A-1H/J Skyraider
in the Vietnam War

Zotz, 1/32 scale

Reviewed by Rodger Kelly

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Zotz Decals recently released two decal sheets to provide alternate markings for the new Zoukei-Mura Skyraider kit. Whilst the first sheet provides markings for three U.S. Navy machines, this one, 32/050, provides markings for five different United States Air Force airframes. The individual options are:

• A-1H Skyraider, serial number 135263 ‘Miss Eileen’ the personal aircraft of Colonel Richard White, the Commanding Officer of the 1st Special Operations Squadron (1st SOS) operating from the Royal Thai Air Force Base Nakhon Phanom circa 1969. The machine is finished in the standard South East Asia’ (SEA) camouflage scheme consisting of FS 30218 tan, FS 34102 medium green and FS 34079 dark green on the upper surfaces and FS36622 light grey undersides. The machine also wore distinctive tan stripes around its rear fuselage, a privilege of rank it seems! These stripes are supplied as decals to save you the masking job. The name is in tan with black shadowing and worn on both sides of the engine cowling.
  

• A-1H Skyraider, serial number 139780 ‘Firebird’ of the 1st SOS flying from the Royal Thai Air Base Nakhon Phanom circa April, 1970. In standard SEA camouflage scheme with the name in yellow on both sides of the cowling. It also has yellow propeller tips and the wheel hubs are painted red.
  

• A-1J Skyraider, serial number 142029 ‘SOCK IT TO 'EM’ flown by Captain George J. Marret of the 602nd SOS flying from the Royal Thai Air Base Nakhon Phanom circa 1969. In Standard SEA with yellow propeller tips. The name is in white on both sides of the engine cowling.
  

• A-1H Skyraider, serial number 139778 ‘Bubbles 'n Bust’ of the 602nd SOS operating out of the Royal Thai Air Base Nakhon Phanom circa 1970. You have two different painting options with this machine, both in the basic SEA scheme but one of them with black undersides. The standard SEA scheme version also wore different coloured cowling rings and cowl flaps at different times so you will need to track down some reference for this one. The name is in red and white and is applied to both sides of the engine cowling.
  

• A-1H Skyraider serial number, 139665 ‘LIEUTENANT AMERICA’ of the 602nd SOS at the Royal Thai Air Base Nakhon Phanom and flown by a Lieutenant ‘Randy’ Scott circa 1972. In standard SEA scheme with the (large by A-1H standards) artwork in red white and blue on both sides of the engine cowling.
  

The two placement guide sheets measure 9½" x 7½"and feature full colour side profiles of each option as well as a generic upper and lower plan view. Full written descriptions of the salient points are provided for each option as well as a callout box that provides information on the Royal Thai Air Base Nakhon Phanom and on the load configurations carried by the Skyraiders of the Special Operations Squadrons that operated from there during the Vietnam War. A small black and white errata sheet is also provided for the ‘Miss Eileen’ option showing the correct camouflage pattern.

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Thumbnail panels:

There is no information as to who has produced the decals but they appear to be well printed if a little thick. You are provided with a single set of national insignia as well as sparse stencil data (the larger items like rescue plaques and ejection seat warnings) A single data block stencil showing the serial for the ‘Bubble ‘n Bust’ is provided. A There are two sheets provided a large one measuring 9½" x 7½" as well as a small errata sheet for the ‘Miss Eileen’ option.

The decals and the placement guides come packed in a clear plastic zip-loc bag.

Zotz were quick off the mark with this one. It provides you with five different options to finish the Zoukei-Mura kit. A note on this, you really need to check your references as there are differences between the Navy and Air Force machines. Alternatively, Trumpeter have announced the release of a 1/32 scale Skyraider in the near future.

Thanks to Eli from Zotz for the sample

Zotz decals are available from Zotz Decals Website
or Hobby Retailers including Squadron.com

Review Text and Images Copyright © 2012 by Brett Green
This Page Created on 23 April, 2012
Last updated 23 April, 2012

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