Dying Sun Parts 1 & 2

Max Models, 1/72 & 1/48 scales

Reviewed by Mark Davies

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Max Models came onto the modelling scene offering a variety of display bases for aircraft in popular scales. Not to be Confused with Max Decals, Max Models goes to some length on their website to make it clear that they are not affiliated to the Irish decal company; going so far as to provide a redirect link to Max Decals for those who found Max Models' site in error.

Max Models has decided to expand into the decal market. Their first foray is a subject close to the owner, Mike Moore's heart, and is a co-operative re-release of two Rising Decals sheets covering captured Japanese aircraft in Allied markings in 1/72 & 1/48 scales. If these are well-received Mike will expand his decal range with original subjects, including captured German subjects in Allied markings.   

My review set was in 1/72-scale, but my comments should be equally applicable to the 1/48-scale sets.

These decals should appeal to modellers who like the slightly unusual, with some of the schemes having the potential to make the viewer do a double-take at first glance. 

The sheet reviewed here comes in an A5-sized zip-lock bag with folded A4 pages for instructions. These are nicely printed in glossy colour and include brief notes to describe each scheme. In some cases specific notes on features applicable to the scheme are also provided. Paint colours are cross-referenced to the Mr. Colour paint range. The references used in researching the sheet are also listed, as are suitable kits for the subjects covered. The decals appear to be of very good quality.

The seven subjects, all in US markings, for Part 1 are:

• Mitsubishi Ki-46 II Dinah, Hollandia AB, New Guinea, December 1944;

• Mitsubishi Ki-46 II Dinah, NAS Anacostia, Washington DC, 1945;

• Kawasaki Ki-61-1 Tony, Kadena AB, Okinawa, Japan, May 1945;

• Kawasaki Ki-61-1 Tony, NAS Anacostia, Washington DC, 1944;

• Kawasaki Ki-84-1, Clark Field, Philippines, June 1945;

• Nakajima Ki-44-II, Clark Field, Philippines, June 1945;

• Nakajima Ki-44-II, Iwakuni AB, Japan, October 1945.

The eleven subjects, in US & RAF markings, for Part 2 are:

• Mitsubishi J2M3 Jack (US), Clark Field, Philippines, June 1945;

• Mitsubishi J2M3 Jack (RAF), Tebrau AB, Malaya, 1946;

• Nakajima B6N2 Jill (US), Clark Field, Philippines, June 1945;

• Nakajima B6N2 Jill (US), Iwakuni AB, Yamaguchi, Japan, October 1945;

• Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero (US), three variations of the same airframe at different times: NAS Anacostia, Washington DC, 1945; Wright Field, Ohio and Freeman Field, Indiana, 1945-46;

• Mitsubishi A6M5 Zero (RAF), Tebrau AB, Malaya, 1946;

• Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero (RAF), Tebrau AB, Malaya, 1946;

• Yokosuka D4Y3 Judy (US), Clark Field, Philippines, June 1945;

• Kawanishi N1K1-J George (US), Clark Field, Philippines, June 1945.

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These very well produced decals should appeal to Japanese aircraft fans who like something a little different; especially those who missed out when these sheets were first released by Rising Decals - Recommended.

Thanks to Max Models for these samples.

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Text and Images Copyright © 2013 by Mark Davies
This Page Created on 16 October, 2013
Last updated 16 October, 2013

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